Where to Stay in the Dolomites: By Region, Budget & Travel Style
Choosing the right base in the Dolomites can completely change your trip. Distances look small on the map, but the passes, valleys, and lift systems all affect how easily you can explore.
This guide explains where to stay in the Dolomites by region, budget, and travel style, so you can choose the right base without over-planning.
I’ve stayed across multiple Dolomites regions over several trips and help others choose bases based on how they actually travel.
Where to Stay in the Dolomites: By Region, Budget & Travel Style
1. Val Gardena (Ortisei • Selva • Santa Cristina)
Best for: first-timers, non-hikers, easy lift access, year-round scenery
Why stay here: Great infrastructure, gorgeous villages, tons of lifts, and perfect for people who want high reward with low stress.
Who it suits
First-time Dolomites visitors
People who want cable cars to do most of the work
Spa lovers (Ortisei has some of the best wellness hotels)
Anyone wanting a “pretty town” vibe
Top viewpoints & activities
Seceda
Alpe di Siusi
Gardena Pass
Ortisei town itself
More resources:
– Ortisei Weekend Guide
– 5 Best Hikes in Val Gardena
– Best Regions to Base
2. Alta Badia (Corvara • Colfosco • La Villa • San Cassiano)
Best for: stunning scenery, food lovers, scenic drives, relaxed days
Why stay here: Quiet luxury, perfect location in the middle of everything, and home to the prettiest meadows + rifugi.
Who it suits
People who want amazing scenery with gentle walks
Food-focused travellers
Easy drive access to: Passo Gardena, Passo Falzarego, Lagazuoi, Pralongià
Top viewpoints & activities
Pralongià Plateau
Lagazuoi
Gardena Pass
Corvara town
More resources:
– Corvara Guide
– Alta Badia First-Timer’s Guide
– My Favorite Hotel in Corvara
3. 3 Peaks / Sexten / San Candido / Dobbiaco
Best for: photographers, dramatic scenery, Tre Cime, lakes
Why stay here: Close to the most iconic spots: Tre Cime, Lago di Braies, Lago Dobbiaco.
Who it suits
Serious photographers
People who want the “big dramatic” peaks
Families wanting easier valley walks
Base for Tre Cime without a long drive
Top viewpoints & activities
Tre Cime circuit (or short viewpoint walk)
Lago di Braies
Lago Dobbiaco
Val Fiscalina
4. Cortina d’Ampezzo
Best for: stylish town, big scenery, access to many passes
Why stay here: More shopping, more town energy, good for people who want a mix of scenery + amenities.
Who it suits
Couples or groups who want shops/cafés
Skiers in winter
People exploring both Alta Badia + 3 Peaks
Where to Stay by Budget Level
Luxury (€€€€+)
Hotel Le Perla (Corvara) — iconic, design-focused, Michelin-star dining
Adler Spa Resort (Ortisei) — wellness heaven
Forestis (near Bressanone) — design + solitude
Hotel Kolfuschgerhof (Colfosco) — views + spa
Mid-Range (€€–€€€)
Hotel Posta Zirm (Corvara) — family-run, classic, lift-side
Hotel Marmolada (Corvara) — stylish, great service, good food
Hotel Angelo Engel (Ortisei) — central + cozy
Budget (€–€€)
Apartments (Ciasa Aidin, Corvara) — quiet, modern, great views
Garni-style B&Bs around Selva, La Villa, and Dobbiaco
Simple family-run hotels near San Candido / Dobbiaco
How to Choose the Right Region for Your Trip
If it’s your first time:
→ Val Gardena or Alta Badia
If you want drama + lakes:
→ 3 Peaks area
If you want food + beautiful meadows:
→ Alta Badia
If you want a town with shops/cafés:
→ Ortisei or Cortina
If you want quiet + simple days:
→ Dobbiaco / San Candido
Planning Help
For full region comparisons, download:
– Dolomites Region Guide
– 40 Tips for Visiting the Dolomites
Need help choosing a base? Get custom trip planning here: dolomitesjourney.com
