Where to Stay in the Dolomites? + 7-day Itinerary

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When you have decided to visit the Dolomites, you are surely wondering where it is convenient to stay. You can stay in a mountain hut in the middle of nowhere or choose a slightly larger village with more amenities. The ideal place to stay in the Dolomites also depends on what you want to see. Here, we share two tips for slightly larger villages that, in our opinion, are perfect as a base for exploring the Dolomites. If you have the time, it is recommended to stay a few nights in both villages so that you can explore the two different regions. Additionally, at the end of this article, we provide a handy example itinerary for a week in the Dolomites.

Please note: Hotels in the Dolomites are not cheap and are often fully booked at least 7 months in advance. So, booking your hotel in advance is necessary if you want to have any choice. Furthermore, it’s good to know that many hotels may appear outdated. However, that doesn’t always mean it’s a bad hotel, but it seems that interior design is simply lacking in the Dolomites.

Staying in Ortisei / Urtijëi

Ortisei, also known as Urtijëi, is located in the beautiful Val Gardena region, in the heart of the Dolomites. Val Gardena has 3 villages, with Ortisei being the largest. It is a cozy base with many traditional hotels dating back to the beginning of the previous century. There is a lively shopping street, and you will also find numerous village cafés, boutiques, and excellent restaurants. From here, you can directly take the cable car to Seceda, and it is also a short drive to other beautiful places such as the Gardena Pass, Gran Cir, and Alpe di Siusi.

Tip: We visited the Dolomites in the summer, but this region is one of the most beautiful ski areas in Europe during the winter. Even in winter, the villages we recommend are ideal places to stay, as there are many slopes in the immediate vicinity.

Our favorite places in Ortisei / Urtijëi

Hotel Garni Walter

Just a 1-minute walk from the center, you will find the cozy Hotel Garni Walter. This is one of the best hotels in Ortisei, where you can also park your car for free. The rooms are very neat and have comfortable beds and nice showers. The highlight of our stay was the included breakfast. The breakfast buffet is truly extensive, with fresh bread rolls, various cheeses, fresh fruit, juices, 10 different sweet treats, and much more.

Hotel Hell

Contrary to its name, Hotel Hell is a delightful place to stay. It has a modern interior, especially compared to many other hotels in the region. The hotel offers free access to the sauna, steam room, gym, and a lovely outdoor jacuzzi. You will stay in a comfortable double room with a balcony, and the town is only a 5-minute walk away. Note: Only a few “budget” rooms are available, so be sure to book early if you want to secure one.

Staying in Cortina d’Ampezzo

If you want to explore the Dolomites without having to drive long distances daily, combining Ortisei with Cortina d’Ampezzo is wise. Cortina d’Ampezzo is also a paradise for hikers, climbers, and, of course, winter sports enthusiasts during the winter. From the town center, you have a beautiful view of the impressive peaks of the Dolomites. Here, you will find a lively center, and you are close to important attractions such as Tre Cime di Lavaredo / Drei Zinnen and Lake Sorapis.

Our favorite places in Cortina d’Ampezzo

Hotel Meuble Oasi

A pleasant and affordable place to stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo is Hotel Meuble Oasi. Upon arrival, you will receive a warm welcome from the owner, Giovanni. He will provide you with many tips, such as good restaurants in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Hotel Meuble Oasi is located just on the outskirts of the center, so many restaurants and cafés are within walking distance. There are also private parking spaces where you can park your car for free.

B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci

For stylish accommodation, choose B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci. The interior of this hotel looks fantastic, especially compared to most hotels in the Dolomites. Passo Tre Croci is a 15-minute drive from Cortina d’Ampezzo. It is located in a beautiful natural setting, next to the entrance of Lake Sorapis! Ideal if you want to start your hike early.

7-Day Itinerary for the Dolomites

To make it easier for you, we are sharing our own 7-day itinerary for the Dolomites. Of course, you can customize it based on your own pace or add and skip places as you prefer. The itinerary takes into account travel times between places and the amount of time you’ll spend there. You can find all the places mentioned in the itinerary in the article about the most beautiful attractions of the Dolomites. If you’re not familiar with some of them or want to learn more, you can find additional information there.

Note: You can also reverse this itinerary, and if you want to see more of Italy, it can be perfectly combined with our itinerary for Northern Italy. That’s why day 7 is listed as ‘drive to Venice or Verona’.