Where to Stay in the Dolomites: The Ultimate Guide to Picking Your Base

the cadini di misurina mountain peaks in the distance with rifugio lavaredo in the foreground
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Planning a trip but have absolutely no idea where to stay in the Dolomites? You’re not alone. The Dolomites aren’t one town — they’re a wild sprawl of valleys, villages, epic hikes and Hugo-fuelled afternoons. Picking the right base can make or break your trip. Let’s make sure you smash it.


Whether you’re here to hike your boots off, float over valleys with your 17th Hugo Spritz, or simply stare at mountains and contemplate quitting your job forever — this guide will help you pick the best Dolomites base for your style of adventure.

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WHERE TO STAY QUICK PICKS

First Time | Cortina d’Ampezzo

Hikers | Val Gardena (Ortisei, Santa Cristina, Selva)

Spa vibes | Alta Badia (Corvara, Colfosco)

Autumn Colour | Val di Funes and Lago di Federa

Photographers | Any mountain Rifugi

See it all | Split stay between Cortina (east) + Val Gardena (west)

The features in this post were hand-selected by an obsessive travel nerd with strong opinions who doesn’t gatekeep good shit (hi, that’s me). Some of them are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my work and the occasional wine along the way – Cat.


Dolomites Accommodation 101: Picking Your Base

First off, a little Dolomites Geography — because this is where most trip plans go off the rails.

The Dolomites are HUGE.
Driving from one side to the other can easily take 2+ hours without factoring in scenic stops, mountain roads, or your sudden and overwhelming need to photograph a single adorable cow.

Very broadly, think of it like this:
East Dolomites = Cortina d’Ampezzo, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lago di Braies, Lago di Sorapis, Cinque Torri
West Dolomites = Val Gardena, Seceda, Alpe di Siusi, Val di Funes, Alta Badia

Having a car makes everything easier — but if you’re relying on buses, you’ll need to stay in a bigger town with solid transport links (think: Cortina or Ortisei).

Moral of the story?
Don’t try to “see it all” from a single base unless you enjoy white-knuckling mountain switchbacks for six hours a day.

Pick a side — or plan a split stay. Your ankles, sanity, and designated driver (probably yourself) will thank you.

A note on price:
The Dolomites aren’t wildly expensive across the board — you’ll find basic pensions and mountain guesthouses if that’s your priority. But this guide focuses on the kind of stays that blend comfort, charm, and location — the kind that make a trip feel memorable, not just manageable. So while many of my picks sit in the mid to boutique range, I’ve included some luxury gems too — for when you want to look around at sunrise and say, “Fuck yeah, I’m glad I splurged.”

To make life easier (and vibes stronger), I’ve used a simple €–€€€ rating so you can quickly spot what fits your budget — or your “I deserve something gorgeous” energy. Here’s how it breaks down:

PRICING GUIDE
= Mid-range — under €200
€€ = Boutique — ~€200–300
€€€ = Luxury splurge — €300+

Interactive Map: Where to Stay in the Dolomites (Hotels, Rifugi + Highlights)

Still not sure where everything is?
I made you a custom Dolomites map with every single hotel and rifugio I recommend, colour-coded by region, with highlights clearly marked — because trip planning shouldn’t feel like a puzzle from hell.

Why Stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo

Perfect for: first-timers, spa dabblers, hikers + scenery junkies

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Cortina is the classic Dolomites base — and for good reason.
Nestled in a wide valley with easy access to heavy-hitters like Tre Cime, Lago di Sorapis, Cinque Torri and Lago di Braies, it’s a dream launchpad for a first trip.
It’s also stylish as hell — expect a mix of old-money ski lodges, Prosecco at 10:00am (I’m not judging), and a bit of a “rich Europeans on holiday” vibe, especially in peak summer and ski season.

Pros:
➔ Easy access to iconic hikes and lakes
➔ Great bus connections if you’re car-free
➔ Loads of restaurants, shops, gear rental if needed

Cons:
➔ Expensive (especially July, August and Christmas)
➔ Can feel busy and touristy at peak times

Whether you’re hiking, honeymooning, or just here to dramatically stare at mountains from a hot tub, there’s a Cortina stay with your name on it. Here are some of the best hotels based on what kind of adventure you’re chasing.

Best Hotels in Cortina d’Ampezzo

QUICK PICKS | Best Hotels in Cortina d’Ampezzo
I know you’re busy, so if you don’t have time for the full breakdown, here’s my quick list of heavy hitters for the best stay in Cortina
Budget-friendly & central : Hotel Villa Alpina – cozy, charming, five minutes from everything
Central stylish boutique €€: Ambra Cortina – walkable, female-owned, and just a little flirty
Luxe with mountain calm €€€: Faloria Mountain Spa Resort – Sleek design, mountain views, perfect serenity

Best Boutique Hotels in Cortina d’Ampezzo for a Special Stay

Walk to wine bars. Sleep like a dream.

HOTEL de LEN
€€€ | Central Cortina
Design-led, sustainable, and effortlessly cool. Walking distance to everything. Spa access isn’t included — but the interiors alone feel like a deep breath. A favourite with style-conscious travellers.

Ambra Cortina
€€ | Central Cortina
Flirty, feminine, and full of personality. If your suitcase has both hiking boots and a silk dress, this place gets you.

Hotel Villa Alpina
€€ | Cortina centre
Old-school charm with wooden balconies and warm service. Basic but central — the kind of place you return to after aperitivo and still feel at home.

Hotel Villa Gaia
€ | 10 mins walk from centre
Family-run, peaceful, and full of thoughtful touches. Ideal for low-key travellers who want a calm night after a wild hike.

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Best Hotels in Cortina for Hiking, Photography & Sunrise

Because sunrise waits for no one. Easy trail access, peaceful settings, and strong mountain energy for those heading out early.

Hotel Columbia & Spa
€ | Walkable to cable cars
Friendly, family-run spot with Dolomite views, a sweet little spa, and the kind of breakfast that sends you straight to the summit.

Rifugio Ospitale
€ | 7km outside town
A rustic rifugio with serious local soul and its own 13th-century chapel. Killer onsite restaurant. Best for hikers with a car and a love for hearty mountain meals.

B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci
€ | Passo Tre Croci
Modern and simple, but the location is hard to beat if you’re eyeing Lago di Sorapis. Big trail energy. Not walkable to town.

Chalet Alpenrose
€€ | Misurina (15km away)
Alpine chalet meets remote mountain magic. Amazing for Cadini and Misurina lovers. You’ll need wheels, but you’ll wake up in wonderland.

Best Wellness & Spa Hotels in Cortina to Relax and Recharge

Spa vibes, terraces, cozy spaces for admiring mountains while sipping Prosecco. Because hiking legs deserve sauna time.

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Faloria Mountain Spa Resort
€€€ | Zuel di Sopra (Cortina outskirts)
A full-on spa sanctuary just outside town with mountain views, a heated indoor pool, and a free shuttle into Cortina. You’ll need to pry yourself off the daybed to make it to dinner. Feels a bit like a Bond villain’s mountain hideout (in the best way)…

Camina Suite and Spa
€€€ | On the edge of town
A design-lover’s dream with forest views and an intimate spa. Close enough to town to wander in for wine, far enough for actual silence.

Hotel Lajadira & Spa
€€€ | 1.5km from centre
Understated and elegant, with a full-service spa and shuttle to town. Free parking and breakfast – a perfect option if you want comfort and calm without spending half your budget on the bathrobe.

Best Hotels Near Cortina for Quiet Mountain Escapes

More stars. Less noise.

Dolomiti Lodge Alverà
€€€ | Near Tofana cable car
Chic lodge with knockout views, a spa, and easy access to the lifts. You’re not in town, but you’re closer to the mountains that matter.

Hotel Tofana
€€ | Pocol
Design-driven, ski-in/ski-out beauty in a sleepy village just out of town. Best for those who like solitude and saunas after steep climbs.

Ciasa Vervei (La Locanda del Cantoniere)
€ | 7.5km from centre
Traditional and tucked away, this one’s for the introverts. Come for the peace, stay for the homemade pasta.

Why Stay in Val Gardena

Perfect for: serious hikers, mountain-lovers, photography fanatics, low-key luxe adventurers

Val Gardena is hiker heaven — and hands down one of the best places to base yourself in the Dolomites if you’re here to walk your boots off.
The valley gives you easy access to Seceda, Alpe di Siusi, Val di Funes, and the jaw-dropping Sella Pass region.

a foggy morning at seceda
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Val Gardena is made up of three towns, each with its own distinct vibe:

Ortisei is the biggest and most charming — artsy, walkable, and just a little bit posh. Think cafés, wine bars, art galleries, and the kind of boutiques that’ll make you seriously contemplate your life savings. It’s also the best choice for car-free travellers, with excellent bus and cable car connections straight from the town centre.

Selva di Val Gardena sits higher up, right on the doorstep of the Sella Massif. It’s pure adventure territory — perfect if you’re here to smash trails, chase sunrises, and spend more time outside than inside.

Santa Cristina, tucked quietly between the two, is the sleepiest of the three — a low-key base for hikers and mountain lovers who want to dodge the tourist hustle but still stay connected to the action when they need it.

Oh — and if you’re tempted by the idea of waking up on Alpe di Siusi itself, there are a handful of hotels up on the plateau. They’re car-free, cloud-high, and absolutely stunning.

Pros:
➔ Direct cable car access to Seceda, Alpe di Siusi, and Dantercepies trails
➔ Gorgeous town vibes without Cortina’s price tag
➔ Great balance between adventure and creature comforts
➔ Stay on Alpe di Siusi for sunrise views without the dawn cable car dash

Cons:
➔ Can still be pricey in peak summer and winter
➔ Luxury here leans more boutique lodge than flashy five-star — less glitz, more quiet charm.
➔ You’ll need to plan transport carefully if you’re not hiring a car

Whether you’re chasing sunrise hikes, secret forest trails, or just want to collapse into a fluffy bed after a 20km adventure, Val Gardena delivers the goods.

Best Hotels in Val Gardena

QUICK PICKS | Best Hotels in Val Gardena
I know you’re busy, so if you don’t have time for the full breakdown, here’s my quick list of heavy hitters for the best stay in Val Gardena
Budget-friendly & central €: Chalet Hotel Hartmann – Adults-only, stylish, and perfect for peace-seekers in Ortisei
Central stylish boutique €€: Hotel Angelo Engel – Walkable, wellness-focused, and full of charm
Luxe with mountain calm €€€: ICARO Hotel – Sleek design, sunrise views, and stillness on Alpe di Siusi

Boutique + Central Hotels in Ortisei

For walkable charm, wellness perks, and dreamy Dolomite views.

Hotel Angelo Engel
€€€ | Ortisei
Cozy and classic, with a heated outdoor pool, small spa, and ideal access to Ortisei’s village life. Perfect if you want wellness without leaving town.

Chalet Hotel Hartmann – Adults Only
€€ | Ortisei
Quiet, beautifully styled, and just outside the centre. Intimate and relaxed, with mountain views and no kid-clatter.

Hotel Grones
€€€ | Ortisei
Peaceful location above town with lovely Dolomite views. Great for a quiet night in with wine and a bath.

Gardena Grödnerhof Hotel & Spa
€€€ | Ortisei
Sophisticated and serene – a full five-star experience with pools, gourmet dining, and excellent service.

Hotels in Santa Cristina for Wellness & Trail Access

For quiet mornings, easy lift access, and soft Tyrolean luxury.

Hotel Garni Aghel
€€ | Santa Cristina
Top-rated B&B with a local feel, close to trails and lifts. Spotlessly clean, with free parking and warm hospitality.

Dorfhotel Beludei
€€€ | Santa Cristina
Luxe, quiet, and surrounded by views. Refined wood interiors, a beautiful spa, and perfect if you want privacy and pampering.

Vitalhotel Dosses
€€€ | Santa Cristina
Elegant and wellness-focused with standout food, a fantastic spa, and unbeatable service – a gem for spa-lovers who hike hard.

Almhotel Col Raiser
€€€ | Mountain-top above Santa Cristina
Cable car or hike-access only and worth every step – perfect for hikers, sunrise chasers, and anyone craving a real alpine escape.

Boutique + Wellness Hotels in Selva di Val Gardena

For design, views, and trails just beyond the terrace.

Giardin Boutique Hotel B&B
€€ | Selva
Elegant and refined but still warm and personal. Right on the trails and ski slopes – wake up and walk out.

Boutique Hotel Nives
€€€ | Selva
Modern and minimalist with all the luxury perks. Spa, pool, and a peaceful vibe just off the main drag.

Chalet Elisabeth
€€€ | Selva
Ski-in/ski-out serenity with big views and rustic elegance. Tucked away but high on charm.

Hotels on Alpe di Siusi

For mornings without crowds and the quietest kind of magic.

two small mountain huts with the peaks of the sassolungo massif in the background visited on a Dolomites itinerary
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ICARO Hotel
€€€ | Alpe di Siusi
Design-forward, peaceful, and perched high on the plateau. Wellness meets wow-factor here.

Sporthotel Sonne
€€€ | Alpe di Siusi
Spa with a view, trails right outside the door, and a mountain hut aesthetic with polish.

Paradiso Pure Living (Vegan)
€€€ | Alpe di Siusi
Plant-based wellness dream in a jaw-dropping setting. Yoga, silence, and mountain air – this one is a vibe.

Why Stay in Alta Badia

Perfect for: relaxed hikers, spa lovers, photographers, slow adventurers

Alta Badia is where you go when you want Dolomites magic — but with a side of low-key luxury and no desire to elbow your way through crowds.

It’s made up of several small villages, the main bases being Corvara and Colfosco.
Think spa hotels, beginner-friendly hiking trails, hidden Michelin-starred dining rooms, and that rare, perfect mix of adventure and indulgence — without the buzzkill of bus tours or ski-bro chaos.

Corvara is the biggest and most accessible town, with easy connections to Passo Gardena, the Sella Massif, and the jaw-dropping road to Selva.
Colfosco is smaller and quieter — a base for people who want the views without the scene.
La Villa and San Cassiano are equally gorgeous options nearby — traditional, peaceful, and perfectly placed for hiking trails and sunrise views (with fewer camera-toting crowds to trip over before breakfast). San Cassiano especially shines for food-lovers and spa dabblers looking to slow all the way down.

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Pros:
➔ Unbeatable access to Passo Gardena, Gran Cir, and some of the Dolomites’ most beautiful valleys
➔ Quiet, luxurious vibe without the flashy Cortina energy
➔ Spa hotels, food scene, and ridiculously photogenic landscapes
➔ Scenic trails that are gentler on the knees but still big on views

Cons:
➔ Public transport is patchy — a car makes life 100x easier
➔ Somewhat spread out — not as walkable between villages as Val Gardena or Cortina
➔ Nightlife = mostly hearing your neighbours’ hiking boots hit the floor

Whether you’re here to bag summits, soak your sore legs in a rooftop spa, or just drink in the views (and the Riesling), Alta Badia is where slow luxury meets big mountain energy.

Best Hotels in Alta Badia

QUICK PICKS | Best Hotels in Alta Badia
I know you’re busy, so if you don’t have time for the full breakdown, here’s my quick list of heavy hitters for the best stay in Alta Badia
Budget-friendly & central €: Hotel Pradat – Cozy, walkable, and a great-value base for exploring Corvara
Stylish boutique €€: Sportony Mountain Lodges – Design-led lodge apartments with serious mountain charm
Luxe with spa & scenery €€€: Kolfuschgerhof Mountain Resort – Spa views, Alpine woodwork, and a firelit glass atrium you’ll never want to leave

Boutique + Central Hotels in Alta Badia

Design-forward, walkable, and full of personality – for chic stays close to lifts and lattes.

Hotel Pradat
€ | Corvara
A family-run classic with wooden balconies, warm service, and everything you need within strolling distance. It’s not flashy, but it feels like home.

Ciasa de Munt Lifestyle Living
€€ | Corvara
Think art on the walls, modern Ladin design, and a spa that feels like a secret.

Sportony Mountain Lodges
€€ | La Villa
Rustic-meets-modern lodge apartments with gorgeous interiors and a whisper-quiet location. Bonus: kitchenettes for the wild-at-heart who cook.

Wellness + Spa Hotels in Alta Badia

For steam rooms, Dolomites views, and full-body exhalations.

Kolfuschgerhof Mountain Resort
€€€ | Colfosco
Wellness temple meets mountain lodge. Pool with a view, firelit atrium, and a spa menu that will absolutely make you late for dinner. I never wanted to leave this place.

Hotel Arkadia – Adults Only
€€€ | Corvara
Stylish, quiet, and right on the slopes. Come solo or with your lover, but leave your tiny screaming gremlins at home.

Alpine Hotel Ciasa Lara
€€€ | La Villa
Modern, light-filled, and effortlessly classy. The spa here is a serious win after a long day on the trails.

Hotel Cristallo – Wellness Mountain Living
€€€ | La Villa
Polished but unfussy, with an excellent wellness area and rooms that actually deliver on those promise-of-tranquillity photos.

Sustainable + Soulful Hotels in Alta Badia

For wild-hearted, slow-sipping, eco-loving mountain magic.

Lagació Hotel Mountain Residence
€€€ | San Cassiano
Sustainability meets luxury in this dreamy suite-only retreat. Spacious, thoughtful, and totally unbothered by the noise of the world.

Miraval NaturHotel
€€ | Badia
Wood, stone, silence. Designed to calm your nervous system and reset your brain. With a sauna.

Lüch de Costa
€€€ | Colfosco
Modern farmstead turned boutique base. Sweeping views, Alpine design, and that soft, minimalist quiet.

Hotel Ciasa Salares
€€€ | San Cassiano
Sustainable luxury with a chocolate room. Yes, really. Ideal if you want to disappear into gourmet heaven with a clean conscience.

Badia Hill
€€€ | Badia
Rooftop spa. Big views. Sustainable design. It’s giving architectural digest meets mountain hideout.

Why Stay in Val di Funes (Villnöss)

Perfect for: photographers, chill hikers, dreamers, slow adventurers

Val di Funes (or Villnöss, if you’re feeling bilingual) isn’t a big destination — it’s a mood.

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This valley is famous for its fairytale-perfect churches, the spiky silhouette of the Odle/Geisler mountains, and the kind of golden-hour light that makes you believe in magic again. It’s the Dolomites at their most poetic — slow mornings, soft silence, and landscapes that hit you right in the chest.

You don’t come here for shopping, après-ski, or restaurant hopping. You come to watch mist curl over a mountain ridge. To sit with a coffee on a farmhouse terrace and forget what day it is. To remember what it feels like to move at the pace of your own breath.

Accommodation is mostly rustic and family-run — think Alpine guesthouses, boutique farm stays, and quiet hotels where the welcome is warm and the dumplings come with a side of Schnapps. Don’t expect flashy — but you’ll sleep well, eat better, and wake up wondering if you ever need to go home.

Santa Magdalena is the classic base for those iconic Dolomites shots — sleepy, peaceful, and postcard-ready. San Pietro has a touch more buzz (relatively speaking) with a couple of great restaurants and easier access to the rest of the valley.

Pros:
➔ Iconic Dolomites photography location (hello, Santa Magdalena Church)
➔ Super peaceful — perfect for unwinding after busy days
➔ A true local vibe (no ski bros, no high heels)

Cons:
➔ Very limited hotel choice (especially if you want luxury)
➔ Car pretty much essential — public transport is sparse
➔ Nightlife = the cows go to bed and so do you

If you’ve ever dreamed of finding that real mountain magic, Val di Funes might just be your Dolomites soulmate.

Best Hotels in Val di Funes

QUICK PICKS | Best Hotels in Val di Funes
I know you’re busy, so if you don’t have time for the full breakdown, here’s my quick list of heavy hitters for the best stay in Val di Funes
Budget-friendly with views €: Fallerhof – Serene, simple, and full of heart – ideal if you just want peace and those postcard peaks
Modern comfort €: Hotel Gsoihof – Scenic silence, mountain views, and warm luxury without the splurge
Luxe alpine boutique €€: Viel Nois Guest House – Rooftop spa, sleek design, and one of the best restaurants in the valley

Best Boutique & Wellness Stays in Val di Funes

For the design lovers, spa seekers, and wellness-first wanderers.

Viel Nois Guest House
€€ | Funes
Design-led but still deeply local, Viel Nois nails that rare combo of boutique flair and authentic hospitality. The rooftop spa is a dream, the restaurant is one of the best in the valley, and the vibes? Immaculate.

Oberkantiolhof
€ | Villnoss
Authentic Alpine living with outrageous views of the Geisler peaks and its own private sauna and hot tub. Great if you want full immersion without fuss.

Hotel Gsoihof
€ | Villnoss
Farmhouse luxury with an outdoor pool and scenic silence. One of the best-rated spots in the valley for a reason.

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Best Stays with Iconic Dolomites Views

Because that Geisler ridgeline isn’t going to admire itself.

Residence Töglhof
€ | Funes
Modern alpine apartments with uninterrupted Geisler views and plenty of space to cook, lounge, or sip wine on the balcony.

Residence Geisler
€ | Funes
A solid self-catering option with a sunny garden, friendly hosts, and everything you need to unwind post-hike.

Proihof
€ | Funes
Warm hosts, hearty breakfasts, and views that make you rethink your entire life plan. A quiet, comforting base with real farmstead charm.

Fallerhof
€ | Villnoss
Simple but lovely apartment-style with kitchenettes. Quiet location, clean rooms, kind hosts – and that all-important view.

Central & Quiet: Easy Access, No Drama

Walk to dinner. Skip the car. Wake up to church bells, not traffic.

Hotel Fines
€ | Funes
Walkable to the main village, clean and easy, with a location that’s as convenient as it is quiet. Ideal for short stays.

Hotel Kabis
€ | Funes
Simple, central, and very friendly – a long-time favourite with returning guests thanks to warm hospitality and an easygoing vibe.

Worth the Detour

If you’re already swooning over the stillness of Val di Funes but want to splurge somewhere truly otherworldly, take a peek at this:

Forestis Dolomites
€€€€ | Plose (above Bressanone)
A secluded spa retreat perched above Bressanone. With soaring suites, forest views, and sauna-with-a-sunset vibes, it’s the kind of place you go to whisper “I’ve made it.”

Where to Stay for Iconic Dolomites Highlights

If you’re planning your trip around bucket list spots — like Tre Cime, Seceda, or Lago di Braies — picking the right base can be the difference between dreamy sunrise hikes and soul-crushing traffic jams.

QUICK PICKS | Where to Stay for Dolomites Highlights
Want to make your life easier? Here’s exactly where I’d stay to hit the Dolomites’ most iconic spots without the chaos:
Tre Cime di Lavaredo: Chalet Lago Antorno, Misurina (early access + lake views)
Lago di Braies: Gasthof Huber (super close, epic food)
Croda da Lago: Hotel Tofana (design-forward, spa-equipped, trail-accessible)​
Seceda: Adler Spa Resort Dolomiti (walk to cable car, spa heaven)
Alpe di Siusi: Hotel Steger-Dellai (plateau sunrise magic)
Lago di Sorapis: Una Perla a Cortina (apartment-style, trailhead-adjacent)
Val di Funes: Hotel Tyrol (elegant, eco-conscious, banging views)

Want a few more ways to avoid the sunrise crowds and still score that dream view? Here’s where to base yourself depending on the highlight you’re chasing:

Tre Cime di Lavaredo:
Cortina d’Ampezzo is the biggest and best-known base — but Misurina (cute lakeside vibes) or Dobbiaco/Toblach (better for early starts, fewer crowds) are great alternatives if you want to dodge the chaos.

Lago di Braies:
Stay in Prags/Val di Braies for the quickest access to the lake and shuttle. Villabassa is a solid alternative with more of a village feel. Dobbiaco also works for sunrise lovers who want a touch more comfort. Staying on the lake is possible — just bring your patience and a 5am alarm.

hotel lage di braies with mountains in the background and orange larch forests in the distance
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Croda da Lago:
Cortina is the obvious base, but Pocol is a quieter option nearby. (Pro tip: there’s a chic little spot at Passo Giau that’ll have you halfway to the trailhead before your espresso’s even cooled.)

Seceda:
Ortisei wins for cable car convenience, but Selva di Val Gardena (via Col Raiser) is fab for hikers who prefer to earn their views. It’s also slightly less polished and more budget-friendly.

Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm):
Stay in Ortisei for access, Castelrotto or Seis/Siusi for charm, or up on the plateau itself for that espresso-in-a-bathrobe-at-sunrise vibe.

➔ Lago di Sorapis:
Passo Tre Croci is the nearest jump-off point, but Cortina also works if you don’t mind an early start and a longer approach. Staying nearby = better coffee before the climb.

Val di Funes (Santa Magdalena):
You want to be in the valley — Santa Magdalena for the views, or San Pietro if you want a small shop and a proper cappuccino before your hike. (Bring a car — buses here are charming but not reliable for adventure planning.)

Stay in a Dolomites Rifugio & Wake Up on Top of the World

If you want to take your Dolomites experience from great to unforgettable, book a night in a rifugio — one of the traditional mountain huts scattered across the peaks.

Why bother?
Because nothing — literally nothing — beats rolling out of bed at dawn to watch first light spill across the mountains while everyone else is still parking their car two valleys away.
Want sunrise at Tre Cime? A moonlit dinner overlooking Lago di Federa? A sauna at 2,700 metres? There’s a rifugio for that.

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Rifugio Life, in a Nutshell:

✔️ Dorm rooms or private rooms (some fancy, some… very not)
✔️ Hearty mountain food — polenta, dumplings, strudel, wine
✔️ Sunsets and sunrises that ruin you for all future sunsets and sunrises
✔️ Real alpine energy — muddy boots drying by the door, stars overhead, red cheeks and Riesling

Top Rifugi to Bookmark:
These are the ones worth your sweat and/or cable car ticket:

Rifugio Locatelli | Tre Cime sunrise perfection (alternatives: Lavaredo + Auronzo)
Rifugio Croda da Lago | Autumn larches + Lago di Federa magic
Rifugio Lagazuoi | Cable car up, sauna at 2,752m — not a drill
Rifugio Alpe di Tires | The Alpe di Siusi red-roofed icon (alternatives: Schlernhaus + Molignon)
Rifugio Biella | For the hardcore hikers heading beyond Lago di Braies
Rifugio Fratelli Fonda Savio | Perfect for Cadini and beginner-friendly via Ferrata vibes
Rifugio Vandelli | On Lago di Sorpais’ doorstep with Tre Cime views
Rifugio Firenze | For a Seceda sunrise you’ll never forget

Things to Know:

✔️ Book early — rifugi sell out months in advance, especially in July-September.
✔️ Many have half-board options (dinner and breakfast included).
✔️ Some offer private rooms; others are more hostel-style (embrace it, it’s part of the magic).
✔️ Pack light — your daypack becomes your overnight bag.

If you want a night you’ll never forget, a rifugio stay should absolutely be on your Dolomites itinerary.

Final thoughts: Where to Stay in the Dolomites

Planning where to stay in the Dolomites isn’t about ticking boxes — it’s about chasing the places that light you up.

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The ones you’ll still be screaming about across a valley at sunset.
The ones where you’ll end up drunk on Hugos in some tiny no-name bar.
The ones where you’ll sweat your sins out in a sauna with a view so good you forget your own name.

Pick a base that feels right. Lace your boots.
And remember: in the Dolomites, every wrong turn still leads somewhere unforgettable.

Cat x

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Save it for later (you’re going to need it), share it, or send it to the chaos-enabling bestie you’re going to drag up a mountain with you.
Build your dream itinerary with my Ultimate Dolomites Road Trip Builder.
Find your next trail with my Top Dolomites Hikes for Hugo-Loving Hikers.
Or just start screaming into the mountain mist — I’ll meet you there. (Or in the DMs. Or the comments. Whatever works)

Planning A Trip To the Dolomites?

With world-class hiking in summer, incredible skiing in winter, and a perfect blend of Italian and Austrian culture, the Dolomites is one of my favourite European destinations.

Check out these essential guides, travel tips, and more to help you plan your trip:

PLANNING A TRIP TO THE DOLOMITES | Here’s everything you need to make it perfect!
⤷ For first-timers, my Ultimate Guide to visiting the Dolomites
⤷ My Dolomites Itinerary guide, a week of feral mountain Dolomites energy, my (slightly more chill but not much) 5-Day Dolomites Itinerary and my long weekend 3-day options from Cortina or Ortisei
⤷ Perhaps you’re wondering how to actually get to the Dolomites or the best time to visit
⤷ If you just want some inspiration then build your own adventure with these single day road trips
⤷ Here are my favourite things to do in the Dolomites (there’s wine!)
⤷ And yes, you really do need to rent a car, and maybe read some Dolomites driving tips!

DOLOMITES DAY HIKES | Complete guides for my favourite day hikes in the Dolomites.
Hiking Lago di Sorapis, Croda da Lago, Seceda (including hiking to Seceda when the cable cars stop), Tre Cime di Lavaredo (and how to get there) and Cadini di Misurina.
Bonus: what to wear hiking in the Dolomites.

DOLOMITES PLACES | My favourite places to visit in the Dolomites like Lago di Braies, Alpe di Siusi and Val di Funes and where to stay when you get there (I’ve even made you a map)

ITALY | Plan a perfect first trip to Italy with my Top Tips for Travelers to Italy and Italy Travel Guide

TRAVEL INSURANCE | Don’t go anywhere without it! I use and recommend Safety Wing.

THOUGHTFUL TRAVEL | No matter where you go, always be aware of the fact that travel impacts the place and people that live there. Being a thoughtful traveller is more critical than ever. Here are my top tips to make your trip a mindful one.

PHOTOGRAPHY | Love my photos and want to know how to take better shots on your own trips? Then my photography guide is for you. Here’s all the photography gear I use too. Want to buy one of my images? Head to the Print Store.

ESSENTIAL GEAR | You’ll find my travel essentials here, and a complete guide to all my hiking gear here.

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