Wondering where to stay in the Dolomites? It’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning your trip. This region may look small on a map, but winding alpine roads and high mountain passes mean travel times are longer than expected. Stay in the wrong town and you could spend hours driving instead of hiking.
We’ve visited the Dolomites multiple times, staying in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Selva di Val Gardena, and Selva di Cadore, and we quickly learned that location is the #1 factor when choosing where to stay.
In this guide, we’ll help you choose the best towns and areas to stay in the Dolomites based on how many days you have, what you want to see, and your travel styl, plus our top hotel recommendations for every budget.
Dolomites Regions Explained (East vs West)
Before listing hotels and lodges in the Dolomites, here are a few important things to know.
Choosing where to stay in the Dolomites depends on several factors: how many days you plan to spend in the Dolomites, where you plan to go, and what hikes you plan to do.
The Dolomites are roughly divided into two sections: the eastern Dolomites and the western Dolomites.
In the eastern Dolomites you will find Cortina d’Ampezzo, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lago di Braies, Lago di Misurina, the Cinque Torri, Croda da Lago and Lago Federa, and Selva di Cadore.
In the western Dolomites you will find Val Gardena, the Puez-Odle Nature Park, Alpe di Siusi, Val di Funes, Marmolada, Seceda, and the Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Park.
If your visit to the Dolomites will be one or two days, pick one location and explore the Dolomites from here. First, I recommend picking out which hikes you want to do and which sights you want to see and then pick your location/hotel based on where these are located. If you are having trouble deciding, Cortina d’Ampezzo is a great town to stay in, since there is a lot you can do from here. Alta Badia is another good pick since it is centrally located in the Dolomites.
If you plan to visit the Dolomites for at least three days, consider staying in at least two different locations (in the eastern Dolomites and in the western Dolomites). It can be a hassle packing and unpacking, but it takes so long to drive through the Dolomites that switching locations can minimize your travel time.
On the map below, I highlighted these two regions and labeled a few of the most popular towns and things to do, so you get a basic idea of where things are located.
If you’re just starting to plan your visit, take a look at our Dolomites Travel Guide. It pulls together all of our Dolomites articles in one place, along with essential planning tips.

Dolomites map
Best Towns to Stay in the Dolomites (Quick Comparison)
| Town | Best For | Why Stay Here | Consider This | Ideal Hotel Style |
| Cortina d’Ampezzo | First-time visitors | Easiest access to Tre Cime, Lago di Braies, Cinque Torri & Falzarego Pass | Less alpine charm than smaller villages | Wide range: budget → 5-star luxury |
| Selva di Val Gardena | Scenic alpine base | Stunning mountain setting, access to Seceda & Puez-Odle | Slightly more expensive | Boutique hotels & luxury wellness resorts |
| Ortisei | Families & Seceda access | Cable car to Seceda in town, good public transport | Larger, less intimate feel | Apartments & mid-range hotels |
| Alta Badia | Central location | Close to Sella Pass, Piz Boè & Gardena Pass | Best with a car | Quiet alpine lodges & apartments |
| Selva di Cadore | Smaller-town vibe | Good east/west access, fewer crowds | Limited dining & hotel options | Small family-run hotels |
Still unsure? Below, we break down each town in detail, including exactly which hikes and attractions are closest to each base.
Where to Stay in the Dolomites By Location
There is a long list of locations and towns in the Dolomites. To simplify things, we are only listing those locations that are rather centrally located within the Dolomites. It’s only worth staying on the outskirts (Dobbiaco, Braies, Val di Funes, Carezza, Castelrotto, and Bolzano) if you have a lot of time (7 or more days) or really want to get away from the busier towns. But for those with less than a week, we recommend the locations listed below.
Note: In this guide, budget hotels are 2-star properties, mid-range hotels are 3-star properties, upscale hotels are 4-star properties, and luxury hotels are 5-star properties.
Cortina d’Ampezzo
If you’re visiting the Dolomites for the first time, Cortina d’Ampezzo is our top recommendation. It’s one of the easiest towns to reach, offers the widest range of hotels and restaurants, and provides convenient access to many of the Dolomites’ most iconic sights.
From Cortina, you can quickly reach Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Cadini di Misurina, Lago di Braies, Lago di Sorapis, Cinque Torri, the Falzarego Pass, the Croda da Lago Circuit, and ride the cable car to Cima Tofana. If your goal is to see as many bucket-list highlights as possible in a short amount of time, Cortina makes logistics simple.
We stayed here on our most recent trip to the Dolomites and loved the flexibility it gave us. We could hike during the day and take our pick from a nice list of restaurants for dinner. While it may not feel quite as storybook-charming as some towns in Val Gardena, its location and convenience are hard to beat.
Pros of Staying in Cortina d’Ampezzo
- Lots of hotels to choose from, making it great for all budgets
- Excellent location near many of the top trails and places to go in the Dolomites
- Easy to get to with public transportation
- Many highly rated restaurants, including a few with Michelin stars
Cons of Staying in Cortina d’Ampezzo
Lacks the charm of some small towns.
Our Experience: We stayed here for a portion of our most recent trip to the Dolomites. It truly is a great location from which to explore the eastern Dolomites. We loved hiking during the day and going out to dinner at night, sometimes just walking to the restaurant.

Cortina d’Ampezzo from the Cima Tofana cable car
Best Hotels Cortina d’Ampezzo
LUXURY: Grand Hotel Savoia. This beautiful 5-star hotel has a great location in town. From here, you can walk to the grocery store, the shops, and a long list of restaurants. It has a wellness center, indoor pool, outdoor summer bar, and a restaurant. The breakfast is excellent. We stayed here on our most recent visit.

Grand Hotel Savoia

View from the Grand Hotel Savoia | Where to Stay in the Dolomites
UPSCALE: Hotel de LEN. This 4-star hotel is also located in town, just a short walk from the shops and restaurants. It is one of the highest rated hotels in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Rooms can accommodate two to four people.
MID-RANGE: Dolomiti Lodge Alverà. This beautiful lodge is located just outside of Cortina d’Ampezzo. Rooms are beautifully decorated and some have a balcony with mountain view. This is a great pick if you want to stay in a highly rated property with a beautiful setting just outside of town.
MID-RANGE: Hotel Villa Alpina. This is a beautiful 3-star hotel that is located just outside of Cortina d’Ampezzo. This chalet has several room types that can accommodate two people, some with views of the mountains.
BUDGET: Hotel Meuble Oasi. This two-star hotel is located in town. Rooms can accommodate two to four people and onsite parking is free.
MORE HOTELS: Browse more hotels in Cortina here.
Selva di Val Gardena
If you’re looking for dramatic alpine scenery and a more traditional mountain village atmosphere, Selva di Val Gardena is one of the best towns to stay in the Dolomites. Tucked into a stunning valley surrounded by jagged peaks, Selva feels quieter and more picturesque than Cortina, with classic wooden chalets, flower-filled balconies, and towering mountains in every direction.
Selva is an ideal base for exploring the western Dolomites. From here, you can hike the Puez-Odle Altopiano, ride the cable car to Seceda, explore Alpe di Siusi, drive the Sella Pass, or summit Piz Boè. If hiking is your top priority, Selva places you right in the heart of some of the region’s most spectacular trails.
We stayed in Selva on the second half of our most recent Dolomites trip and loved it. After long days on the trails, we could walk to dinner in town and enjoy the peaceful alpine setting. Compared to Cortina, Selva feels smaller and more charming, but still offers plenty of restaurants, shops, and hotel options.
Pros of Staying in Selva di Val Gardena
- One of the most picturesque towns in the Dolomites
- Lots of hotels and restaurants to choose from;
- The Puez-Odle Altopiano hike starts and ends here
- Easy to get here using public transportation
Cons of Staying in Selva di Val Gardena
Can be expensive.
Our Experience: We stayed here on the second half of our trip, on our most recent visit to the Dolomites. We loved it here. This is a beautiful town that is tucked away in a valley. With its chalets, restaurants, and beautiful setting, Selva di Val Gardena is one of the best towns in the Dolomites to make your home base.
If we had to pick a favorite between Cortina d’Ampezzo and Selva di Val Gardena, that’s a tough one. Selva di Val Gardena has a slightly better setting and is more charming than Cortina, but I think there is more to do from Cortina, particularly if it’s your first visit to the Dolomites.

Selva di Val Gardena
Best Hotels in Selva di Val Gardena
LUXURY: Granbaita Dolomites. This modern 5-star hotel is the ultimate splurge in Selva di Val Gardena. It is located in the center of town, so it is easy to walk to many restaurants. There is an onsite wellness center with an indoor and outdoor pool. The breakfast is one of the best we have ever had and everything at this hotel is top-notch, from the overall decor to the large suites and the impeccable service.

Granbaita Dolomites

Granbaita Dolomites
UPSCALE: Hotel Freina. We didn’t stay here but we did have dinner twice and it was excellent. Rooms have an alpine décor with a private bathroom and seating area. Some rooms have mountain views. For families, take a look at the suites, which have two bedrooms and can accommodate up to five people.
MID-RANGE: Hotel Armin. Rooms are decorated in an alpine style and can accommodate from two to four people. Your stay includes access to the wellness center, Turkish bath, and sauna.
BUDGET: Garni Martlhof. This budget hotel is located just outside of town but parking is free and available onsite. Prior guests love the views for the room, the value for the money, and friendly staff.
MORE HOTELS: Browse more hotels in Selva di Val Gardena here.
Ortisei
Ortisei is a convenient and well-connected base in Val Gardena, offering easy access to some of the western Dolomites’ most famous viewpoints. It’s slightly larger and more developed than Selva di Val Gardena, but it often offers more accommodation choices at a wider range of prices.
One of Ortisei’s biggest advantages is that the cable car to Seceda departs directly from town, making it incredibly easy to reach one of the most iconic ridgelines in the Dolomites. From here, you can also access Alpe di Siusi, drive the Sella Pass, hike the Puez-Odle Altopiano, or explore Val di Funes. If you want strong hiking access with good public transportation connections, Ortisei is a practical choice.
Compared to Selva, Ortisei feels busier and slightly less intimate, but it’s still surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. It works especially well for families, travelers without a car, or those who want a little more flexibility in hotel pricing.
Pros of Staying in Ortisei
- Many hotels and restaurants to choose from
- Can be cheaper than Selva di Val Gardena
- Easy to get here using public transportation
- The cable car to Seceda is located here
- Closer to Val di Funes and Alpe di Siusi than Selva di Val Gardena
Cons of Staying in Ortisei
Lacks the charm of Selva di Val Gardena and smaller towns in the Dolomites

The cable car to Seceda is located in Ortisei
Best Hotels in Ortisei
LUXURY: Hotel Gardena Grödnerhof. This gorgeous hotel gets exceptional reviews. Onsite is a highly rated restaurant, an indoor swimming pool, and a sauna. Rooms range from classic double rooms to suites to two-bedroom apartments.
UPSCALE: La Cort My Dollhouse. This 4-star, adults only property is located a short drive from Ortisei, but it gets fantastic reviews. It’s a great option for those who want a great location but not necessarily stay in a busy town. It has an amazing infinity pool, three saunas, and a small fitness room.
MID-RANGE: Boutique Hotel Planlim. At this boutique hotel, all rooms come with a balcony with mountain view, private bathroom, desk, and flat screen TV. Parking is free on there is an onsite sauna. Rooms are modernly decorated and families should check out the Family Studio room.
BUDGET: Albergo Somont. This 2-star property is located between Ortisei and Selva di Val Gardena. Take your pick between single and double rooms.
MORE HOTELS: Browse more hotels in Ortisei here.
Alta Badia
If you’re looking for a central base with fewer crowds and a quieter alpine atmosphere, Alta Badia is an excellent choice. Located in the heart of the Dolomites, Alta Badia provides relatively balanced access to both eastern and western highlights, making it a smart pick for travelers who don’t want to switch hotels.
Alta Badia isn’t one single town, but a collection of small villages such as Corvara, Badia, and La Villa. From here, you’re close to the Sella Pass, Gardena Pass, Passo Pordoi, Piz Boè, the Puez-Odle Altopiano, and Lagazuoi and the Falzarego Pass. If your priority is hiking and scenic drives, especially around the Sella Group, this location works very well.
We like Alta Badia for travelers who prefer a more relaxed, less tourist-heavy base. It feels quieter than Cortina and slightly less polished than Val Gardena, but still offers beautiful scenery and excellent access to some of the Dolomites’ best mountain passes. Having a car is especially helpful if you stay here.
Pros of Staying in Alta Badia
- Central location
- Towns are smaller and less touristy than others on this list
- Tends to be cheaper
Cons of Staying in Alta Badia
- More challenging to get to using public transportation
- Fewer hotel and restaurant options

The Sella Pass is just a short drive from Alta Badia. This photo, with a view of the Sella Pass, was taken on the Puez-Odle Altopiano hike.
Best Hotels in Alta Badia
LUXURY: Hotel La Perla: The Leading Hotels of the World. This 5-star hotel is located in Corvara in Badia, near the Dolomiti Superski resort. Most rooms have a private balcony with a mountain view. During some times of the year, the hotel can only be booked for stays of at least 6 nights, so keep this in mind during your hotel search.
UPSCALE: Surega – Idyllic Farmhouse. This ultra-modern chalet is located in Surega, just to the east of La Villa and Corvara. Rooms range from double rooms with apartments with a balcony. This is a beautiful property, inside and out, and it gets almost perfect reviews on Booking.com.
MID-RANGE: Sportony. This alpine lodge is worth considering for those who like the idea of staying in a boutique hotel with a lot of character. Families will love the two-bedroom apartment and there are also double rooms and one-bedroom apartments, for those who don’t need as much space. Prior guests LOVE this property, especially the overall vibe and the fantastic location.
BUDGET: Residence Ciasa Vedla. Located on a beautiful lake near Badia, this two-star hotel is a great pick for families. Take your pick from one and two-bedroom apartments that can accommodate up to four people. Apartments have a kitchen, washing machine, and some have views of the lake.
MORE HOTELS: Browse more hotels in Alta Badia here.
Selva di Cadore
If you prefer a small, quiet mountain village and don’t mind fewer amenities, Selva di Cadore can be a peaceful and practical base in the eastern Dolomites. It’s much smaller than Cortina and Val Gardena, but its location makes it surprisingly convenient for reaching both eastern and some western highlights.
From Selva di Cadore, you’re close to Cinque Torri, rifugios Averau and Nuvolau, Lagazuoi and the Falzarego Pass, Passo Giau, Marmolada, and the Croda da Lago Circuit. On our very first trip to the Dolomites, we stayed here and found it worked well for hiking and scenic drives, especially around the high mountain passes.
That said, Selva di Cadore is best suited for travelers who value quiet evenings and don’t need a large selection of restaurants or hotels. You’ll likely need a car, and dining options are more limited compared to Cortina or Selva di Val Gardena.
Pros of Staying in Selva di Cadore
- Somewhat centrally located so you can visit the eastern and western Dolomites
- Good option if you want a small town experience
Cons of Staying in Selva di Cadore
- Harder to get to using public transportation
- Since it is more centrally located, it will be a longer driver to places on the outskirts of the Dolomites, such as Lago di Braies and Alpe di Siusi
- Fewer hotel and restaurant options since it is a small town

Selva di Cadore
Best Hotels in Selva di Cadore
MID-RANGE: Hotel Garni la Stua. This is the top-reviewed 3-star hotel in Selva di Cadore. Rooms have alpine décor and can accommodate two to four people.
BUDGET: Hotel B&B Lorenzini Ski. This budget hotel is located just outside of Selva di Cadore. Rooms have a private bathroom and can accommodate from one to four people.
MORE HOTELS: Browse more hotels in Selva di Cadore here.
More Notable Hotels in the Dolomites
Here are a few more highly rated properties in the Dolomites. These range from incredible boutique hotels to highly rated properties that offer something over and above some of the other hotels in this guide.
LAGO DI DOBBIACO: Skyview Chalets. If you like the idea of staying lakeside at Lago di Dobbiaco, check out this ultra-modern property. Rooms feature a kitchenette with dining area and seating area. This is a great pick for couples and those on their honeymoon. Children are not allowed.
VAL DI FASSA: Olympic SPA Hotel – Adults Only. This 4-star hotel has a wellness center, free parking, and a restaurant. This is a great location for exploring the southern side of the Dolomites.
VAL DI FUNES: Panoramic Residence Schopplhof. Located in Santa Maddalena, this small property has rooms with a view of the Odle/Geisler group. This is a great pick for those who want to stay in a quieter area of the Dolomites but still start and end day with spectacular views. All rooms are apartments, making this a nice choice for families.

Val di Funes
Where to Stay in the Dolomites: On a Map
How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. To take this map with you, click the star next to the title of the map which adds it to your Google account. Next, within your Google Maps app, select ‘Saved’ and then select ‘Maps’. This map title will now appear in your list.
How to Choose the Best Town in the Dolomites
If You Only Have 1 or 2 Days in the Dolomites
If you have only one or two days, Cortina d’Ampezzo is our #1 choice, since it is easy to get to, easy to get around from here, and you have quite a long list of things to choose from.
Alta Badia is another great pick, since it is centrally located.
Selva di Cadore is our 3rd recommendation. We stayed here. It’s not quite as centrally located as Alta Badia, so we ended up doing a lot of driving.
If You Have 3 or More Days in the Dolomites
If you have three or more days, then split your time between the eastern and western Dolomites. Stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo and Selva di Val Gardena or Ortisei.
If you have one week or longer, stay in two or more locations. You could add on a hotel in a third location, staying in Lago di Braies, in Val di Funes, or Alpe di Siusi.
WHAT WE DID: On our most recent visit to the Dolomites, we stayed in both Cortina d’Ampezzo and Selva di Val Gardena. It worked very well and would do it again on a future visit to the Dolomites. We had nine days and we split our time between the two towns. I don’t feel like we missed out on anything by not staying in a third location like Val di Funes or Lago di Braies (which are on the outskirts of the Dolomites). Having a more central location gave us more flexibility to plan what we wanted to do day by day based on the weather and our energy levels.
If You Won’t Have a Car
Stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo (eastern Dolomites) or Ortisei (western Dolomites). Both are large towns with frequent bus service to cable cars, hiking trails, and other destinations.
If You Want Fewer Crowds
Avoid Cortina d’Ampezzo and Ortisei. Instead stay in Alta Badia or Selva di Cadore. Selva di Val Gardena is a larger town, and somewhat touristy, but is a nice mix of different budget hotels and easy walkability to restaurants.
How Much Does it Cost to Stay in the Dolomites?
During peak season, based on a double occupancy room with two people, a 2-star hotel will range from $50 to $150 USD per night, a 3-star hotel will range from $150 to $275 per night, a 4-star hotel will range from $275 to $400 per night, and a 5-star hotel will start at $400 per night.
These are just rough estimates. If you are making you reservations late (within three months of your visit), prices can be higher than this, as hotel occupancy begins to fill up.
Rooms such as suites, deluxe rooms, and apartments can cost significantly more than the prices listed above, depending on the property, location, and time of year.
How Far in Advance Should You Make Your Reservation?
If you plan to visit the Dolomites during the peak season, which is June through mid-September, we recommend making your reservations at least three months in advance, although 5 to 6 months is even better.
If you wait too long, you will have limited choices and may end up spending more to get a decent hotel.
Visiting the Dolomites in 2026 (Olympic Year)
With the 2026 Winter Olympics bringing global attention to the Dolomites, this already stunning region is expected to see a surge in interest. With Cortina d’Ampezzo being a host city for the Olympic games, images of these dramatic peaks will likely inspire even more travelers to add the Dolomites to their bucket list.
If you plan to visit during peak season (June through September), we recommend booking your hotel at least 5 to 6 months in advance. Prices may be higher than usual and availability could be more limited, particularly in Cortina.
On the plus side, infrastructure improvements and increased investment in the region may make travel smoother and services even better than in previous years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cortina or Val Gardena better?
Cortina d’Ampezzo is often the better choice for first-time visitors. It’s easy to reach, has a wide range of hotels and restaurants, and offers quick access to iconic sights like Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lago di Braies, Cinque Torri, and the Falzarego Pass.
Val Gardena (including towns like Selva di Val Gardena and Ortisei) feels more alpine and scenic. The villages are charming, the mountain backdrops are dramatic, and you have easy access to Seceda, Alpe di Siusi, and the Puez-Odle area. If you have 3+ days, the ideal plan is to stay in both — Cortina for the eastern Dolomites and Val Gardena for the western Dolomites.
Can you stay in one place in the Dolomites?
Yes, you can stay in one place in the Dolomites, especially if you have just a few days. For a short visit, basing yourself in Cortina d’Ampezzo works very well, since it offers easy access to many of the region’s highlights without excessive driving.
Do you need a car in the Dolomites?
In most cases, yes — having a car in the Dolomites makes your trip much easier and more flexible. A car allows you to start hikes early, adjust plans based on weather, reach hikes that aren’t accessible by bus, and move between eastern and western Dolomites without relying on bus schedules. If you plan to stay in one town and focus on nearby trails, public transportation can work, but for maximum freedom and efficiency, especially on a first visit, renting a car is highly recommended.
Where should first-time visitors to the Dolomites stay?
For first-time visitors, we recommend staying in Cortina d’Ampezzo. It’s one of the easiest towns to reach, has the widest range of hotels and restaurants, and provides quick access to many of the Dolomites’ most iconic sights: Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lago di Braies, Lago di Sorapis, Cinque Torri, and the Falzarego Pass.
If you have any questions about where to stay in the Dolomites, let us know in the comment section below.
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