Where to stay in the Dolomites

I've said it before, and I’ll say it again: the Dolomites is one of the most beautiful places in Italy. 

The mountain range, known for its dramatic limestone peaks, gorgeous green valleys and storybook towns are a must-see destination. 

It's a place that my family and I visit often from our home in north-eastern Italy and never tire of seeing. 

But given that the Dolomites spans two regions in Italy knowing where to stay can be overwhelming.

There are many different areas to consider plus travel times between valleys can be long despite short distances. 

In this travel guide I’ll be sharing a simple breakdown of where to stay in the Dolomites Italy.  

Perfect for first-time visitors, it’ll include the locations, how to get to the Dolomites, local attractions and hotel recommendations. 

Use this guide to plan your trip to Italy.

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Why visit the Dolomites? 

The Dolomites are a versatile vacation destination.  

While the location typically attracts outdoorsy and active types, the Dolomites is also ideal for a peaceful getaway in nature. 

Speaking as a non-outdoorsy type, the spectacular scenery and fresh mountain air does wonders for my physical, and mental, health.  

Add to this the charming towns and villages plus the wholesome, hearty food and it’s a win-win all round. 

It's little wonder that the Dolomites make a perfect addition to any northern Italy itinerary.

Where are the Dolomites? 

The Dolomites straddle the regions of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol and Veneto in northern Italy. 

They extend from the Adige River in the west to the Piave Valley in the east. The Puster Valley borders the range in the north while the Sugana Valley borders it at the southern end. 

What many visitors don’t realize is that the Dolomites are broadly divided into the north, south, east and west. 

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The different parts of the Dolomites 

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Northern Dolomites 

The northern Dolomites are home to some of the most popular sights. They include the Tre Cime di Lavaredo mountain range and the picturesque Braies Lake (Lago di Braies/Pragser Wildsee).  

This area feels wilder and more alpine, making it perfect for long hikes with dramatic vistas. Towns like Dobbiaco and San Candido serve as good bases for exploring the north. 

Southern Dolomites 

The southern Dolomites includes places like Val di Fassa.  

The valley and surrounding towns provide easy access to attractions like the Marmolada Glacier and Rosengarten Group (Gruppo del Catinaccio) mountains.  

Eastern Dolomites  

Well-known towns like Cortina d'Ampezzo and natural wonders like Cinque Torri and Lago di Sorapis characterize the eastern Dolomites.  

The area caters to many luxury travelers, but it also has accommodation and activities suited for mid-range travelers. 

Western Dolomites  

The west is home to the scenic valleys of Val Gardena, Alpe di Siusi and Val di Funes. It’s known for its pastoral meadows and for easy access to hiking and skiing.  

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Overview of starting points to each part of the Dolomites 

• Bolzano: gateway to the western Dolomites 
• Cortina d’Ampezzo: good base for exploring the eastern Dolomites 
• Venice: best for international flights to visit the east 
• Innsbruck (Austria): gateway to seeing the northern Dolomites 

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Map: where to stay in the Dolomites

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How to get to the Dolomites 

There are various routes and transport modes for reaching the Dolomites. The following is a brief breakdown of the most popular options. 

plane 

• Venice Marco Polo Airport (2 to 3hrs’ drive after to most towns) 
• Innsbruck Airport (Austria, 2hrs’ drive to Val Gardena) 
• Verona Airport (2.5hrs drive to the mountains) 

car 

• The most convenient mode for full flexibility and for embarking on a Dolomites road trip. 

train/bus 

• Bolzano and Bressanone are accessible by train while local buses connect to popular towns like Ortisei and Selva di Gardena. 

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Different accommodation types in the Dolomites 

When looking for where to stay in the Dolomites it's essential to pick a base that matches your travel needs.   

🏨 Hotels – accommodation ranging from 5-star spa resorts to basic, yet affordable, hotels 

⛰️ Rifugi (mountain huts) – simple, often shared accommodations located high in the mountains. They provide easy access to hiking trails. 

🏬 Apartments and chalets – self-catering apartments and chalets are popular in many parts of the Dolomites. This accommodation is especially helpful if traveling to Italy with a baby or with young children. 

🏠 Guesthouses (garnì) – family-owned B&Bs that offer a personal and affordable alternative to hotels, often including breakfast. 

🚜 Farm stays (agriturismi) – rustic and rural experiences in accommodation located in working farms. Dine on fresh local produce and enjoy peaceful countryside views. 

🎿 Ski lodges – ski lodges provide ski-in, ski-out access to the slopes and are often located right next to cable cars and ski lifts.  

Accommodation type	Good for
Hotels	Traditional stays, short breaks
Rifugi (mountain huts)	Hikers, climbers, adventure travelers
Apartments and chalets	Families, long-term stays
Guesthouses (Garnì)	Budget travelers, families
Ski lodges	Skiers, winter sport travelers
Farm stays (agriturismi)	Families, budget travelers

Where to stay in the Dolomites 

Cortina d’Ampezzo  

Location: eastern Dolomites, Belluno province, Veneto 

Vibe: upscale, sophisticated and lively year-round with cultural and sporting events. 

Good for: outdoor travelers, luxury travelers and families (for the convenience) 

Cortina d'Ampezzo is one of the most famous, and prettiest, towns in the Dolomites.  

Sometimes referred to as ‘The Queen of the Dolomites,’ the title is fitting given its association with all things luxury.  

High-end boutiques, luxury hotels and spas attract many of Italy’s elite to vacation in the town.

Cortina d’Ampezzo is also known for hosting the Winter Olympics, signs of which you can still see today. The first time was in 1956, and it’ll be co-hosting again, alongside Milan, in 2026.  

Its Olympic association makes Cortina d’Ampezzo one of the best places when looking for where to stay in the Dolomites. See my Cortina d'Ampezzo travel guide for more travel ideas.

Stay close to the town center for easy access to restaurants and shopping. 

The main attractions in Cortina d’Ampezzo and the surrounding area include: 

• The historic center (centro storico) – home to shops, restaurants, cafes, bars and hotels 
• Tre Cime di Lavaredo – striking mountain range 
• Sorapis Lake (Lago di Sorapis) – sparkling blue lake 
• Falzarego Pass (Passo Falzarego) and Cinque Torri (mountain path and mountain peak) 

How to get to Cortina d’Ampezzo (from Venice) 

• By car – around 2 hours’ drive, or 92mi (148km), from Venice Marco Polo Airport. 
• By bus – the Cortina Express travels directly from Venice airport to Cortina d’Ampezzo in approximately 2hrs 10mins. 

My guide on how to get to the Dolomites lists more detailed routes and starting destinations. 

Pros 

✅ Plenty of hotels and services 
✅ Good base for exploring the eastern Dolomites 
✅ Lots to do year-round 

Cons 

❌ High prices for hotels, dining and basic goods 
❌ Hard to find parking even in off-peak season 

Where to stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo 

There’s no shortage of hotels in Cortina d’Ampezzo. However, finding the right one that fits your needs and budget takes a bit more work.  

Below are some of the most top-rated accommodations in the town.  

💰💰💰 Luxury – Grand Hotel Savoia Cortina d’Ampezzo 

Experience the finest hospitality and service at this 5-star hotel just a few minutes’ walk from the center. 

The luxury ski hotel boasts an onsite restaurant, spa, gym and bar. Suites are suitable for families that come with soundproofed walls and mountain views. 

💰💰 Mid-range – HOTEL de LEN 

Snuggle up at the cozy alpine-style 4-star hotel in the center of Cortina d’Ampezzo. 

Rooms embrace a rustic, yet modern, alpine decor, are spacious and some have views overlooking the mountains. 

The pet-friendly hotel has a restaurant, spa and cafe onsite. 

💰 Budget – Hotel Oasi 

Clean, bright and large rustic rooms set the tone for this 2-star hotel not far from Cortina d’Ampezzo’s town center. Choose between staying in a room with a garden or a mountain view.  

A continental-style buffet breakfast is served daily. 

⏩️ Look for more hotels in Cortina d’Ampezzo

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Val Gardena  

Location: western Dolomites, Bolzano province, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol 

Vibe: sporty, relaxed, local 

Good for: families, sporty types and non-outdoorsy types 

The picturesque valley of Val Gardena encompasses the towns of Ortisei, Santa Cristina Valgardena and Selva di Val Gardena.  

Rich in the local Ladin culture, Val Gardena attracts visitors for its hiking, climbing and skiing activities in the Dolomites.  

Each town has its own unique draw. Ortisei (Sankt Ulrich) is the most commercial, with a center lined with shops, hotels and restaurants. Ortisei is also ideal if visiting the Dolomites without a car as cable cars depart directly from the town center. 

Selva di Gardena (Wolkenstein in Gröden) is a hub for winter, and summer, sports. Santa Cristina Valgardena (Sankt Christina in Gröden) is a quieter town that has a nearby ski resort. 

The main attractions in Val Gardena include: 

• Ortisei town center 
• Seceda mountain range – good for hiking, trekking or for seeing the views (with cable car) 
• Sella Pass (Passo Sella/Sellajoch) – high mountain pass with cycling paths and far-reaching views 
• Gardena Pass (Passo Gardena/Grödner Joch) – picturesque area with scenic views 
• Sassolungo (for hiking) – high mountain peak, perfect for climbers, skiers and for enjoying panoramic views 

How to get to Val Gardena  

By car – The drive takes approximately 50 minutes from Bolzano (not including traffic or stops). 

By train/bus – Travel by train from Bolzano or Bressanone to Ponte Gardena, then a bus service to Val Gardena. 

Pros 

✅ Good public transport and lift connections 
✅ Access to Dolomiti Superski and popular hiking trails 

Cons 

❌ Accommodation books out early in high seasons 
❌ Towns get crowded in July, August and during peak ski weeks 

Where to stay in Val Gardena 

💰💰💰 Luxury – Granbaita Dolomites 

Sleep like a baby and experience first-class service at this 5-star hotel in Selva di Val Gardena.  
The hotel boasts alpine-style luxury rooms and has a spa, wellness center and a pool with a view. 

💰💰 Mid-range – Luxury B&B August 

Set on the ski slopes of Val Gardena is this charming and modern 3-star hotel.  

Sit down to a sweet and/or savory breakfast and unwind in the indoor and outdoor pool and sauna. 

💰 Budget – Hotel Edda 

Check into this mountain chalet not far from the center of Selva di Val Gardena.  

Start the morning with fresh croissants before heading to see local attractions like the Sellaronda ski slopes. 

⏩️ Look for more hotels in Val Gardena

Alta Badia 

Location: central Dolomites, Bolzano province, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol 

Vibe: relaxed, luxurious yet down-to-earth, good for exploring and for relaxation. 

Good for: sporty types, luxury travel 

The clue’s in the name with the third place on the list of where to stay in the Dolomites.  

Alta (meaning ‘high’) Badia is a high-altitude resort that’s popular among skiers come winter and hikers and cyclists come summer.   

Located to the east of Val Gardena, Alta Badia boasts beautiful villages within the vicinity.  

They include: 

• Corvara (Kurfar) 
• Colfosco (Kolfuschg) 
• La Villa (Stern) 
• San Cassiano (Sankt Kassian) 
• Badia (Abtei) 

There are several things that make Alta Badia stand out when looking for where to stay in the Dolomites.  

Like most of the activities in the Dolomites, winter, and summer, outdoor sports dominate the list. That aside, Alta Badia is also known for its gastronomy and local Ladin flavors. 

Another plus to staying in Alta Badia is that it’s less crowded than Cortina d’Ampezzo. This doesn’t mean that the area and villages don’t get busy during peak periods, but crowds will be far less. 

The main attractions in Alta Badia include: 

• Sella Group of mountains (Gruppo di Sella) – ideal for skiing and trekking) 
• Hiking the Lagazuoi Tunnels (try a sunrise hike to the top of Lagazuoi mountain for incredible views) 
• Puez Odle Natural Park (Parco Naturale Puez Odle/Naturpark Puez-Geisler) – park with hiking and skiing trails plus an onsite lodge restaurant 
• Sassongher – mountain peak popular among climbers and hikers. Beautiful panoramic views from the top. 

How to get to Alta Badia 

By car – the average journey time by car from Bolzano to Corvara in Badia is 1hr 20mins. From Innsbruck Airport the drive will take around 2hrs 10mins. 

By train/bus – the public transport route is much longer at around 3 hours. Take a train from Bolzano to Bressanone, followed by the Brunico Express bus to San Lorenzo. From here, switch to a local bus heading towards Corvara. 

Pros 

✅ Gourmet dining with Michelin-starred restaurants 
✅ Good location to explore both the western and eastern Dolomites 

Cons 

❌ Not much to do at night 
❌ Hiring a car is necessary to get around 

Where to stay in Alta Badia 

💰💰💰 Luxury – Hotel La Perla, Corvara in Badia 

Luxury hotels in the Dolomites get no finer than Hotel La Perla. The 5-star hotel with ski in/out access has elegant rooms and suites, a luxury spa, pool and onsite restaurant.  

Also worth mentioning is the impressive Mahatma wine cellar. It holds over 30,000 varieties and has a ‘temple’ dedicated to Sassicaia Tuscan wine. 

💰💰 Mid-range – Hotel La Majun, La Villa 

The family-friendly hotel has large-size rooms and suites decorated in a modern alpine style.  

Amenities include a pool, spa and a restaurant. Breakfast and onsite parking are included and furry friends are welcome too.  

💰 Budget – Garni Raetia, Corvara 

A warm and welcoming guesthouse with alpine-style rooms and an onsite bar. Breakfast is included as is onsite parking. 

⏩️ Look for more hotels in Alta Badia 

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Alpe di Siusi  

Location: western Dolomites, Bolzano province, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol 

Vibe: tranquil, perfect for slow travel and relaxation 

Good for: families, slow travel  

Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) is the largest high-altitude meadow in Europe. The alpine plateau is dotted with quaint huts, wildflowers and endless mountain views.  

It's a dreamy destination if you crave open spaces and are looking for easy, slow-paced hikes. 

Towns and villages that fall within the Alpe di Siusi include Castelrotto, Siusi as well as places already mentioned like Ortisei.  

While many main attractions in Alpe di Siusi center around some kind of outdoor sport there’s something for everyone. 

The landscape is ideal for long, country walks plus visiting the towns will easily fill an itinerary. 

Some of the most popular activities in Alpe di Siusi include: 

• Bullaccia trail (Monte Bullaccia) – a trail that leads to unbeatable views and that also has a restaurant on course 
• Sciliar – Catinnacio Nature Park – the oldest nature park in Alto Adige is popular with skiers in winter and for relaxing walks in summer.  
  Sciliar – Catinnacio Nature Park (Parco Naturale Sciliar – Catinaccio/Naturpark Schlern-Rosengarten) 
• Sassolungo mountain range – popular among climbers and hikers but also ideal for enjoying panoramic views 
• Malga Sanon – the restaurant serves authentic Tirolese cuisine, plenty of beer and has a swing outdoors with incredible views. 
  Malga Sanon, Localita' Piz, 19 - Alpe Di Siusi 

How to get to Alpe di Siusi 

By car – a straightforward 35-minute drive to get from Bolzano to Siusi, not factoring in traffic. 

By bus – a bus from Bolzano — heading in the direction of Castelrotto — will take you to Siusi in around 40 minutes. 

Pros 

✅ Laidback atmosphere 
✅ Beautiful scenery 
✅ Easy trails for all fitness levels 

Cons 

❌ Car restrictions in some parts 
❌ Limited non-outdoorsy activities 

Where to stay in Alpe di Siusi 

💰💰💰 Luxury – Sporthotel Sonne 

Stay at this luxurious hotel where modern design meets mountain living. Facilities include an indoor and outdoor pool, spa, sun terrace and an onsite Italian restaurant. Family rooms are available, some of which have balconies with views of the mountains. 

💰💰 Mid-range – Seiser Alm Urthaler 

The first hotel in the Alps made from solid wood, wellness is a top priority here. 

Beautifully designed rooms come with en-suite glass bathrooms and plenty of space. Other amenities include a wellness center with a Turkish bath, sauna and indoor and outdoor swimming pools.  

💰 Budget – ICARO Hotel 

Skiers will love the location situated in front of the Seizer Alm ski resort.  

Bright rooms that are modern and inviting have balconies overlooking the mountains. Unwind in the spa that has a traditional South Tyrolean sauna, hot tub and indoor pool. 

⏩️ Look for more hotels in Alpe di Siusi 

Alta Pusteria  

Location: northern Dolomites, Bolzano province, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol 

Vibe: tranquil, family-friendly yet adventurous 

Good for: hikers, nature lovers and families  

Alta Pusteria (Hochpustertal), also known as the ‘Three Peaks region,’ is one of the most famous areas of the northern Dolomites.  

Many visitors look to this region when searching for where to stay in the Dolomites. 

The main reason is that it offers easy access to some of the most recognizable landmarks. This includes Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks), Lago di Braies and countless panoramic hiking trails. 

Some of the most popular towns in Alta Pusteria include: 

• Dobbiaco (Toblach) – a pretty town and ideal for families that want to explore the area 
• San Candido (Innichen) – A lively, historic town with a pretty shop-lined center excellent and excellent restaurants.  
• Sesto (Sexten) – Sesto offers direct access to the Sexten Dolomites making it popular among hikers and skiers. 
• Villabassa (Niederdorf) – a serene village known for its proximity to Lago di Braies. 

Some of the top things to see in Alta Pusteria are: 

• See Tre Cime di Lavaredo – dramatic mountain range 
• Visit Lago di Braies – lake that looks like a painting 
• Walk through Val Fiscalina – pretty valley with a trail that families with strollers can use 

How to get to Alta Pusteria  

By car – the drive takes approximately 1hr 35 minutes or 61mi (97.5km) from Bolzano to Lago di Braies. 

By train – the public transport route to reach Lago di Braies is longer and more complicated compared to renting a car. It involves taking a train from Bolzano to Bressanone followed by two buses: the Brunico Express and a local bus. The average journey time is around 2hrs 30mins. 

Pros 

✅ Close to many of the Dolomites’ most famous sights 
✅ Good infrastructure for hiking, biking and winter sports 

Cons 

❌ Popular in high season, especially around Lago di Braies 
❌ A car is required to travel between villages 

Where to stay in Alta Pusteria 

💰💰💰 Luxury – Post Hotel - Adults Only 

A beautifully designed 4.5-star hotel in San Candido combines alpine tradition with elegant modern interiors. 

Features at this adults-only hotel include a spa and wellness center and a gourmet restaurant. 
Breakfast is included and pets are welcome to stay. 

💰💰 Mid-range – Romantik Hotel Santer 

Enjoy Tyrolean hospitality with modern comforts at this 4-star hotel.  

Relax in elegant alpine-style rooms and suites, many of which come with private balconies overlooking the mountains.  

The onsite restaurant serves traditional South Tyrolean cuisine with a gourmet twist using local and seasonal ingredients.  

💰 Budget – Gasthof Huber 

Spend a few nights at this cozy, family-run guesthouse in Braies, close to Lago di Braies.  

Rooms are traditional, comfortable and come with mountain or valley views. It’s an excellent base for adventure traveler types to explore the terrain of Alta Pusteria. 

⏩️ Look for more Alta Pusteria hotels 

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Val di Funes  

Location: northern Dolomites, Bolzano province, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol 

Vibe: quiet, pastoral and slow paced 

Good for: couples, adventure travelers, solo travelers 

Val di Funes, also known as Villnöss Valley, is an unspoiled valley located north of Ortisei.  

It’s known for its jaw-dropping views of the jagged Odle/Geisler peaks that rise dramatically above the green terrain.  

If looking for where to stay in the Dolomites with fewer crowds Val di Funes is worth considering.  

It's less touristy compared to some of the places already mentioned. It makes it ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful and authentic getaway. 

Some towns in Val di Funes include: 

Santa Maddalena (St. Magdalena) 

The pretty village is best known for the Church of Santa Maddalena with the Odle peaks creating a show-stopping backdrop.  

Visit during early morning or sunset to capture a glimpse of the Odle peaks against a glowing pink backdrop. 

San Pietro (St. Peter) 

A slightly larger village and administrative center of Val di Funes.  

San Pietro has a small selection of hotels, restaurants and access to walking trails. 

Tiso (Teis) 

A tiny hamlet known for its Mineral Museum and as a gateway to hiking paths leading into the Puez-Odle Nature Park. 

How to get to Val di Funes 

By car – It takes around 45 minutes 24mi (38km) from Bolzano to reach the village of Tiso by car. 

By train/bus – The journey will take approximately 1 hour by public transport from Bolzano to Tiso. It involves taking a train from Bolzano followed by a bus from Chiusa (train station). 

What are the main attractions in Val di Funes? 

The Adolf Munkel Trail  

The Adolf Munkel Trail is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Dolomites. 

The trail passes through meadows and dense forests with views of the towering Odle peaks overshadowing your every step. It’s well-maintained and a relaxing and easy hike that families can also partake in. 

Adolf Munkel Trail (Palestra di roccia Alta Via di Adolf Munkel/Adolf-Munkel-Weg) 

Church of Santa Maddalena 

A pretty, and often photographed, small church (chiesetta) in the Dolomites. The backdrop of jagged mountain peaks makes it more striking particularly at sunrise and at sunset. 

Church of Santa Maddalena (Chiesa di Santa Maddalena/St. Magdalena Kirche) 

Puez-Odle Nature Park 

The Val di Funes forms part of this protected UNESCO-listed nature park.  

From the Villnöss side, you can access hiking routes that lead to alpine pastures and panoramic viewpoints. 

Puez Odle Natural Park (Parco Naturale Puez Odle/Naturpark Puez-Geisler) 

Mineral Museum in Tiso 

A small museum showcasing local geology and the unique ‘Teis geodes’ (quartz crystals) found in the region. 

Tiso MIneral Museum (Museo Mineralogico Tiso/Mineralienmuseum Teis) 

Pros 

✅ Less busy compared to other parts of the Dolomites 
✅ Ideal starting point for hikes like the Adolf Munkel Trail 

Cons 

❌ Limited dining and accommodation options compared to larger towns. 
❌ A car is needed to get around. 

Where to stay in Val di Funes 

💰💰💰 Luxury – Hotel Gnollhof, Chiusa 

Wake up to beautiful mountain views when checking into one of the upscale hotel’s rooms with a balcony. Facilities include an infinity pool, fitness center, tennis court and hammam. 

💰💰 Mid-range – Hotel Fines, Funes 

This cozy and stylish hotel located in Santa Maddalena has beautiful Alpine-style rooms, many with balconies overlooking the Odle peaks. 

Tuck into a delicious breakfast buffet with local specialties and unwind in the hotel’s sauna after a day of exploring. 

💰 Budget – Proihof 

An affordable guesthouse just outside Santa Maddalena offers cozy rooms with views of the Geisler/Odle peaks. 

What makes this a good choice for where to stay in the Dolomites is its location. The hotel is close to hiking trails like the Adolf Munkel Trail. 

Guests will also enjoy homemade products at breakfast including jams, breads and local cheeses.  

⏩️ Look for more hotels in Val di Funes 

Val di Fassa  

Location: southern Dolomites, Trento province, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol 

Vibe: active, sporty but peaceful in villages 

Good for: outdoor enthusiasts, skiers and families looking for a mix of town life and nature. 

Val di Fassa is a picturesque valley located in the southern Dolomites.  

It's surrounded by some of the most dramatic mountain peaks such as the Sella Group, Rosengarten (Catinaccio) and Marmolada.  

Marmolada is the highest peak in the Dolomites and is one that transforms into a skiers’ paradise come winter. 

It makes Val di Fassa ideal for outdoor travelers looking for where to stay in the Dolomites.  

Some of the main towns in Val di Fassa include:  

Canazei  

The largest and most popular town located at the northern end of the valley.  

Canazei is a good base for accessing the Sellaronda ski circuit and hiking trails toward the Marmolada Glacier. 

Campitello di Fassa 

A pretty village just south of Canazei. It’s known for its cable car to Col Rodella and for its unspoiled mountain views. 

Moena 

Nicknamed the ‘Fairy of the Dolomites,’ Moena is the largest town at the southern entrance of Val di Fassa.  

It has a lively atmosphere, great shopping and direct access to both hiking and skiing. 

Pozza di Fassa and Vigo di Fassa 

Smaller, more relaxed villages ideal for those looking for a quieter stay.  

Stay here for easy access to the Buffaure and Ciampac ski areas as well as the Catinaccio hiking trails. 

The main attractions in and around Val di Fassa include: 

Sellaronda 

World-famous ski and biking circuit that loops around the Sella Group. Ideal for adventurous skiers and mountain bikers. 

Marmolada Glacier 

Enjoy year-round skiing (on its glacier) and panoramic hiking trails. 

Col Rodella 

A mountain peak reachable in 5 minutes by cable car from Campitello di Fassa. Come here for relaxed walks and to witness some of the best views in the Dolomites. 

Catinaccio/Rosengarten Group 

Set eyes on the famous salmon pink glow at dawn and dusk known as the ‘Enrosadira' phenomenon. The mountain group also attracts many visitors for its scenic trails and climbing routes. 

Vajolet Towers (Torri del Vajolet) 

A striking rock formation accessible via a moderately challenging hike from the Gardeccia Hut (Rifugio Gardeccia) in San Giovanni di Fassa. 

Consider purchasing the Val di Fassa Guest Card to get discounts on public transport and activities. 

How to get to Val di Fassa 

By car – the shortest route is from Bolzano to Canazei, which takes around 1hr 10mins by car. From Trento, it’s slightly longer at approximately 1hr 40mins. 

By bus – the public transport route takes a little longer from Bolzano and involves taking two buses. Expect an average journey time of around 2 hours. 

Pros 

✅ Access to Sellaronda, Marmolada Glacier and Catinaccio massif. 
✅ A wide variety of accommodations. 

Cons 

❌ Busy during peak ski and summer seasons. 
❌ Some areas can feel very touristy especially in Canazei. 

Where to stay in Val di Fassa 

💰💰💰 Luxury – Astoria 

This family-friendly 4-star hotel has traditional rooms with a mountain or garden view. All room types have a furnished balcony, soundproofed walls and are individually decorated. 

Families will enjoy kid-friendly facilities like the kids’ pool and kids’ club. 

💰💰 Mid-range – Hotel Ramon, Campitello di Fassa 

Check into this charming 3-star hotel in Campitello di Fassa. Rooms are spacious and embrace a traditional alpine decor. 

The hotel has an onsite restaurant, spa and parking for guests. A top family-friendly accommodation a continental breakfast is also included in the price. 

💰 Budget – Hotel Faloria, Moena 

Get a good night’s rest at this 3.5-star hotel in Moena. Rustic-style rooms come with premium bedding, blackout drapes and modern bathrooms. 

Onsite amenities include two restaurants, a bar and a spa. 

⏩️ Look for more hotels in Val di Fassa 

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FAQs 

What is the best town to stay in the Dolomites? 

For me, there’s no one ‘best town’ in the Dolomites. Choosing where to stay in the Dolomites Italy depends on your travel style and needs. 

Cortina d'Ampezzo is good for first-time visitors, convenience and for luxury travelers. 

Ortisei provides a good base for access to hiking trails and to services. 

Selva di Val Gardena suits travelers visiting the Dolomites for a ski-centric trip. 

How many days do you need in the Dolomites? 

One week, or 5 to 7 days for a balanced experience. 

Where is the most beautiful place in the Dolomites? 

The Dolomites has so many beautiful places to see that it’s not easy to whittle it down to just one.  

Alta Pusteria has beautiful lakes like Lago di Braies while Alpe di Siusi has the iconic Dolomites meadow landscape. 

Is it worth staying overnight in the Dolomites? 

100% yes. The Dolomites covers a large region and staying overnight allows the chance to see several places plus sunrises and sunsets. 

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Dolomites resources

Need more help in planning your Dolomites trip? The following resources cover a variety of topics.

• How to plan a budget trip to the Dolomites
• Dolomites road trip itinerary
• Best places to visit in the Dolomites in winter
• 10 Dolomites travel tips
• How to get to the Dolomites
• Things to do in one day in Bolzano
• Things to do in Bressanone and Vipiteno

What are your thoughts on this travel guide to where to stay in the Dolomites Italy? Has it helped you identify which part most suits your travel needs? Let me know in the comments below. 

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.

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