Home › Dolomites › Where to stay
Where to stay in Dolomites
The Dolomites span a vast, rugged region across northeastern Italy, divided into distinct valleys separated by high mountain passes. Because mountain roads are slow, your choice of base determines your entire experience. East-to-west access is limited, so pick one valley and commit to it rather than trying to cross the range daily. Choose based on whether you prefer sophisticated alpine architecture, jagged vertical peaks, or high-altitude plateaus.
Ortisei (Val Gardena)
This is the most refined town in the region, featuring pristine pedestrian streets filled with woodcarving boutiques and cafes. It feels like a boutique mountain resort. You can walk to the Seceda and Alpe di Siusi cable cars directly from the town center, making high-alpine hiking accessible without ever touching a car. It is efficient, upscale, and remarkably well-manicured.
Cortina d’Ampezzo
Cortina is the cultural capital of the mountains, defined by its buzzing Corso Italia. It is a true town, not just a base camp, with grand hotels and gourmet dining. It is fully walkable, allowing you to move between designer shops, historic churches, and the Faloria cable car station. It suits those who want elegance alongside their granite spires.
San Candido (Innichen)
Set in the Puster Valley, San Candido has a delightful medieval core with a prominent Romanesque abbey. It is ideal for those who prefer valley cycling paths or easier access to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop. The town is compact and entirely walkable, offering a calm, authentic atmosphere that feels more connected to local Tyrolean culture than the larger tourist hubs.
Rent a car in Dolomites
Compare rental cars from local and international companies, with free cancellation on most bookings.
Compare car rentals in DolomitesOne thing to think about
Avoid booking accommodation in the lower transit hubs like Bolzano if your primary goal is mountain hiking. While cheaper and well-connected, you will spend over an hour each morning commuting just to reach the base of the main peaks, wasting precious daylight on winding mountain roads.
Other places to stay in Italy: lastminute.com · UNA Italian Hospitality · Megabon
Once you have a bed
The things that sell out first in Dolomites are the small-group tours and the skip-the-line tickets.
Top tours & activities in Dolomites
Common questions
Do I need a rental car to get around the Dolomites?
While extensive bus networks connect the major valleys, a rental car is significantly more efficient. Public transport schedules are often infrequent and restrict your ability to catch sunrise or sunset at specific trailheads. If you plan to hike multiple valleys or remote passes, having your own vehicle provides essential flexibility for early morning departures.
Which season is best for a first-time visitor?
September is the superior month for hiking, offering the most stable weather, crisp air, and the turning of the larch trees. July and August are warmer but prone to heavy afternoon thunderstorms and intense crowds. If you visit in May or early June, expect many cable cars and mountain huts to remain closed due to lingering snow.
Are mountain huts (rifugi) suitable for families?
Many rifugi are excellent, offering bunk-style or private rooms and hearty, high-quality meals. However, they are not hotels; they require booking months in advance and often lack private bathrooms. They are perfect for those wanting to wake up at high altitude, but check specific amenities if you require luxury facilities or quiet, private sleeping spaces.
Hotel links go to Booking.com. If you book through them TonyPlan earns a small commission — the price you pay is exactly the same.