Where to Stay in The Dolomites: 5 Best Areas & Hotels

There are mountains, and then there are the Dolomites.
Rising dramatically from alpine meadows and pine forests, these pale limestone peaks glow pink at sunrise and burn amber at sunset, creating a landscape that feels almost unreal. Staying here isn’t just about finding a hotel — it’s about choosing the setting for slow mornings, crisp mountain air, and moments that stay with you long after you leave.

Whether you’re visiting for skiing, hiking, a romantic escape, or a luxury nature break, choosing the right base will shape how you experience the Dolomites. So below is our complete guide to the best areas to stay in The Dolomites, along with the top hotels in each location.

Read also: Top 5 Travel Destinations in Northern Italy

1. Cortina d’Ampezzo: The Best Place to Stay in The Dolomites for First-Time Visitors

Cortina d’Ampezzo is often the first place travelers consider when researching where to stay in The Dolomites, and for good reason. Known as the most glamorous resort town in the region, Cortina combines breathtaking scenery with upscale shopping, excellent restaurants, and easy access to ski slopes and hiking trails.

In winter, Cortina is one of Italy’s top ski destinations, while summer brings alpine hikes, scenic drives, and vibrant café culture. The town’s central location also makes it ideal for exploring nearby highlights like Lago di Braies and the Cinque Torri.

Best Hotels in Cortina d’Ampezzo

• Grand Hotel Savoia Cortina – A historic hotel with elegant interiors, a full wellness center, and a prime location near the town center.
• Hotel de LEN – A modern, eco-friendly boutique hotel focused on sustainability, comfort, and understated luxury.

Cortina d’Ampezzo is ideal if you want: a stylish base with plenty of dining options, shopping, and year-round activities.

2. Alta Badia: Where to Stay in The Dolomites for Skiing and Gourmet Dining

Alta Badia is one of the most refined areas in the Dolomites, known for its impeccable ski infrastructure and outstanding food scene. Located beneath the Sella massif, this region includes picturesque villages such as Corvara and San Cassiano, all connected to the famous Sella Ronda ski circuit.

If you’re wondering where to stay in The Dolomites for skiing, Alta Badia is a top choice. Many hotels offer ski-in, ski-out access in winter and direct hiking trails in summer, all surrounded by dramatic mountain views.

Best Hotels in Alta Badia

• Hotel La Perla (Corvara) – A beloved family-run hotel offering cozy luxury, exceptional service, and one of the best wine cellars in the Alps.
• Aman Rosa Alpina (San Cassiano) – One of the most luxurious hotels in The Dolomites, offering refined alpine design, exceptional service, and a world-class spa experience.
• Hotel Sassongher (Corvara) – A classic alpine hotel with panoramic views, a spa, and easy access to the slopes.

Alta Badia is perfect if you value: skiing, refined hospitality, and exceptional food in a peaceful mountain setting.

3. Val Gardena: The Best Area to Stay in The Dolomites for Hiking and Adventure

Val Gardena is one of the most scenic and activity-rich valleys in the Dolomites, stretching across the villages of Ortisei and Selva di Val Gardena. This area is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts thanks to its extensive hiking trails, climbing routes, and ski connections.

For travelers researching where to stay in The Dolomites for hiking, Val Gardena offers some of the best access to trails, along with traditional alpine villages and stunning scenery year-round.

Best Hotels in Val Gardena

• Adler Spa Resort Dolomiti (Ortisei) – A top choice for active travelers, offering guided hikes, a large spa, and excellent wellness programs.
• Gardena Grödnerhof Hotel & Spa (Ortisei) – A refined hotel featuring Michelin-starred dining and one of the most impressive spa facilities in the region.
• Linder Cycling Hotel (Selva di Val Gardena) – A stylish, modern hotel with a relaxed vibe and beautiful mountain views.

Val Gardena is ideal for: adventure lovers who want to combine outdoor activities with spa relaxation.

4. Alpe di Siusi: Where to Stay in The Dolomites for Scenic Views and Tranquility

Alpe di Siusi, Europe’s largest high-altitude meadow, is one of the most beautiful places to stay in The Dolomites. With limited car access and wide-open landscapes, this area offers a peaceful, immersive mountain experience unlike anywhere else.

Staying here means waking up surrounded by nature, with direct access to hiking trails in summer and gentle ski slopes in winter. If serenity and scenery are your priorities, Alpe di Siusi is hard to beat.

Best Hotels on Alpe di Siusi

• COMO Alpina Dolomites – A luxury mountain lodge with sleek design, panoramic views, and the COMO Shambhala wellness spa.
• Hotel Steger-Dellai – Set 6234 ft above the sea level, this 4-star hotel offers stunning views of Mount Schlern.

Alpe di Siusi is best for: couples, photographers, and travelers seeking quiet luxury and natural beauty.

5. Forestis Dolomites (Plose Area): A Luxury Wellness Retreat in The Dolomites

For travelers prioritizing wellness and seclusion, Forestis Dolomites near Brixen offers one of the most unique stays in the region. Set high above the valley and surrounded by forest, this minimalist retreat focuses on relaxation, nature, and sustainability.

Forestis is ideal if you’re deciding where to stay in The Dolomites for: a romantic escape, wellness retreat, or digital detox.

Where to Stay in The Dolomites: Final Thoughts

The Dolomites are not a one-size-fits-all destination — and that’s their magic.

Choose Cortina d’Ampezzo for elegance and energy, Alta Badia for food and refinement, Val Gardena for adventure, Alpe di Siusi for scenery and serenity, or Forestis for complete immersion in wellness and nature.

No matter where you stay, the Dolomites have a way of slowing time, sharpening the senses, and leaving you with a quiet longing to return.

And once you’ve watched the mountains glow at sunset — you’ll understand why.

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