Where to stay in the Italian region made for nature-filled summer breaks
If you love nature, lakes, mountains, snow and forest getaways, then the beautiful Dolomites region is the perfect place for your next holiday. The ultimate year-round destination, you can do everything here from hiking to skiing, so we’ve selected the best Dolomites hotels for an incomparable stay.
The Dolomites themselves are a range of 18 Alpine peaks in north-eastern Italy which rise, at their highest, to over 3,000 metres. Awarded prestigious UNESCO Heritage status in 2009, they make up some of the most stunning mountain landscapes you'll ever see, with dramatic, jagged ridges, sheer cliff-faces, vertical walls and deep valleys. Taking their name from the rock they’re made of, they are, incredibly, around 250 million years old.
Scattered around the mountains are a range of charming, pretty Alpine towns which have plenty to offer in both summer and winter. Glitzy Cortina d’Ampezzo, known as the ‘Pearl of the Dolomites’, is where you’ll find designer boutiques and Michelin-starred restaurants. It’s best-known during ski season, and will be hosting the Winter Olympics in 2026.
The small, picturesque town of Bressanone (or Brixen) is the oldest in the province of Tyrol, with a magnificent Baroque cathedral and a quaint historic centre, while peaceful Corvara in Badia has a quiet, local feel, with plenty of independent shops and little alleyways perfect for exploring.
You might be surprised to see place names in German, as well as in Italian; that’s because the northern part of the Dolomites were part of the Austro-Hungarian empire up until the early 20th century. After WWI, the region became part of Italy, but the German language is still spoken.
Many of the hotels here are in traditional Alpine style – wooden and chalet-like – but some are strikingly modern. Whatever takes your fancy, here’s our pick of the best Dolomites hotels...
Hotel Freina, Selva di Val Gardena
Perched right at the bottom of the Ciampinoi ski slope, this handsome, Alpine hotel has been family-run for three generations. As a result the welcome feels friendly and personal, keen to make you feel at home in this comfortable, relaxed environment. There’s a spa and sun terrace, and all rooms are furnished in a more contemporary style, with cream, brown and beige tones. In winter, you can ski in and out; the hotel is in the middle of the Sellaronda, the circuit which goes around the Sella mountain in the heart of the Dolomiti Superski area.
You can also go cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, and experience the traditional local Christmas markets. Summer is perfect for hiking, or tackling one of the region’s via ferrata climbing routes, while you can also experience local fetes and festivals in the Val Gardena area, such as the fun village festival in Ortisei, or the colourful folklore festival in Gröden.
Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti, Pinzolo
A luxurious eco-spa resort tucked into the scenic Rendena Valley, Lefay’s design takes inspiration from its breathtaking natural surroundings. The impressive, A-frame exterior is made from dark wood and glass, letting light flood inside via floor-to-ceiling windows.
The real draw here is the four-floor spa and wellness centre; no matter what time of year you come, you can benefit from top-notch facilities including a vast indoor/outdoor pool, a 24-hour gym, a yoga studio and different water and sauna-based therapies. You can take daily fitness classes, guided meditations, or morning hikes, borrow an e-bike to explore the area, or take advantage of the on-site ski concierge in season. The airy rooms are tastefully decorated in neutral tones with touches of wood and stone, and the two restaurants serve a mix of local and Mediterranean cuisine.
Saltus, San Genesio
This boutique eco-hotel boasts a stunning, secluded setting in the small mountain village of San Genesio, surrounded by thick forest on the one side and the soaring Dolomites on the other. At 1,100 metres above sea level, the air here is some of the freshest and most healing you'll ever encounter, best appreciated while hiking, walking or horse-riding your way around the area, or simply by taking a dip in Saltus' rooftop Sky Pool.
Inside, it's a haven of peace and relaxation, constructed with sustainable materials, decorated in a chic, minimalist style, and featuring entire walls of glass to immerse guests in the surrounding nature. Well-deserved 'me time' comes naturally when there are no TVs or clocks to be found, while the WiFi is purposefully limited to allow you to fully switch off from the rest of the world, and have a truly restful night's sleep. The Forest Spa is pure bliss, complete with Susanne Kaufmann treatments, a huge sauna, cloud-like day beds, a yoga room and outdoor experiences, too. Clementina Jackson
Hotel La Majun, La Villa
La Villa is a charming village set within the heart of Alta Badia, a UNESCO World Heritage site made up of villages and valleys perched between South Tyrol and Trento. Here you’ll find the family-run mountain retreat, Hotel La Majun, a blend of Alpine elegance and traditional Italian charm which offers awe-inspiring views of the peaks of the La Varella – the second highest in the Dolomites – and the Sella group plateau.
Whether you’ve been working your muscles by skiing or hiking, the hotel’s spa offers the chance to relax, with a large indoor pool, sauna, and outdoor hot tub. In summer, you can choose from a wide range of hiking trails and biking routes, while winter offers access to the Dolomiti Superski, the largest ski circuit in the world, with 750 miles of slopes accessible by 50 lifts across 15 resorts.
Miramonti, Avelengo
Perched high above the South Tyrolean town of Merano, Miramonti is a luxurious mountain retreat for recharging mind, body, and soul. Not only are the views from up here truly breathtaking, but the entire hotel has been designed to allow guests to soak them up from every angle – be it from the infinity pool, glass-fronted Forest Sauna, 26-seat Panorama restaurant, or one of the 44 fabulous rooms.
In terms of accommodation, there are different categories to suit every taste: those who appreciate regional design can opt for the Craftmen’s Homes, the Lofts offer minimalistic Nordic style, while the modern MONTI is a sustainable climate house and as cutting-edge as they come. It's particularly magical here in the spring and summer, when the apple trees begin blooming, there are bike and wine tours of local vineyards, and you can explore the surrounding 30-acre forest and nearby waterfalls on long, sun-drenched walks. Clementina Jackson
FORESTIS, Bressanone
Practically floating above the clouds, this stunning, five star retreat sits on the southern slope of the Plose mountain, 1,800 metres above sea level. You can ski in and out, as it’s just 100 metres from the nearest lifts, while other activities include snow-shoeing, forest bathing, and wyda – the Celtic version of yoga. Here it’s all about reconnecting with nature, surrounded as you are by the four elements of pure spring water, pristine mountain air, hours of sunshine and a mild climate.
The resort is carbon-neutral, and uses 100% renewably sourced energy, with a zero-plastic, no-waste policy. The luxury suites all offer panoramic views of the surrounding massif, while head chef, Roland Lamprecht, sources his produce only from nearby suppliers and the resort’s own garden.
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Sensoria Dolomites, Siusi
Blond wood inside and out make for a striking structure at the foot of the Alpe di Siusi. Only open since the summer of 2022, Sensoria offers 45 minimalist, elegant rooms and two suites, with a private spa area and a spacious outdoor terrace with views of the craggy Sciliar massif.
The spa features an indoor and outdoor pool, a selection of saunas, a gym, and several treatment rooms. Wellness is a large part of Sensoria's ethos, and you're encouraged to get out into the mountain landscape, from forest-bathing, horse-riding and wild lake swimming to cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing.
Hotel de LEN, Cortina d’Ampezzo
Set inside a striking, reimagined wooden chalet, the hotel’s sustainable architecture is influenced by local heritage; the name itself, ‘de LEN’, means ‘of wood’ in the local Ladin language. Bold wooden strips present an eye-catching facade, behind which sits a smart, stylish building housing 22 rooms lined with pine and fir, chosen for their properties in helping to enhance sleep.
A spa on the top floor overlooks the mountains and valley around Cortina, while the restaurant serves dishes made with fresh regional produce. The hotel really comes into its own during winter; a new gondola, the Cortina Skyline, connects two of Cortina’s three ski areas and means you can ski from Cortina all the way to Alpe di Siusi, possibly the longest downhill-only experience in the world.
Berghotel Ladinia, Corvara in Badia
One of the very first guesthouses in Corvara, Berghotel has kept all the charm it had since opening in 1930 within its magnificent mountain setting. With all the feel of a family home, furnishings are charming and traditional, with embroidered cushions, lace tablecloths, hand-painted crockery and rustic wooden tables and chairs.
The 13 cosy rooms feature timber panels and are all named after female characters from local Ladin legends, while the restaurant menu places high emphasis on seasonal ingredients; you might find speck from a local farm, tartare of smoked trout, or tagliatelle with Alpine cheese.
Granbaita Dolomites, Selva di Val Gardena
Equipped with a magnificent spa, the impressive, five-star Granbaita is the perfect place to relax after an active day on the mountains. You’ll find multiple pools, saunas, a snow grotto and fitness centre, and treatments such as the traditional South Tyrolean hay bath. Then you can indulge in the gourmet cuisine of chef Andrea Moccia, with refined dishes using local ingredients such as venison with morels, risotto with hazelnuts, or nettle ravioli. The hotel’s design won it an architecture award, and all of the slick, tastefully wooden-clad rooms offer views onto the mountains.
In summer and autumn, you can hike through the meadows and pine forests of the beautiful Puez-Odle Nature Park with the Granbaita guides, or experience the thrill of the famous ‘Sella Ronda’ bike tour. Also on offer are yoga under the stars and meditative forest walking. In winter, take advantage of complimentary skiing and snowboarding equipment, and ski to your heart’s content.
Hotel Sassongher, Corvara in Badia
Dating back to the 1930s, Sassongher is a traditional, South Tyrolean family-owned hotel located in the heart of charming Corvara. The cosy, chalet-style property is a blend of classic and contemporary, with an extensive spa. The perfect, mountain-side sanctuary, it boasts an infrared sauna to help boost the immune system, and a glass sauna on the rooftop that takes full advantage of the landscape.
After a day on the mountains, you can retreat to one of the three ‘Stube’ – beer-parlour-style restaurants – to enjoy local delicacies. If you’re keen on being active, the hotel can organise their expert mountain guide to take you skyrunning – running at an elevation above 2,000m with steep gradients.
Hotel La Perla
Welcoming, authentically Italian hospitality is at the heart of everything at Hotel La Perla, located in the pretty mountain town of Corvara high up in the Dolomites. It touches everything from the cosy rooms, finished with Swiss pine and soft textiles, to the special hidden tree house where guests can enjoy an aperitivo of champagne, delicious nibbles and glorious views of the mountains.
You certainly won't go hungry here, with plenty of dining spots including traditional Les Stües, plus a bistro with music and cocktails, and an Alpine restaurant with great views of the Sassongher. As if that wasn't enough, there's also Biraria L’Murin, an al fresco spot for informal dishes and drinks.
Hotel Castel Pietra, Fiera di Primiero
Set in a quiet location just a five minute walk from Transacqua, the biggest town in the Primiero valley, this charming hotel places an emphasis on both family and active stays. Kids have access to their own lounge, outdoor play area and entertainment, with a babysitting service on hand, while frazzled parents or grandparents can relax in the two-storey spa, with Turkish bath, Kneipp facilities and sauna.
To get the blood flowing, there’s a whole host of activities for all the family, from hiking and Nordic walking to canyoning, climbing, ice-skating, angling, horse-drawn sleigh rides, an adventure park, and more. Before dinner, don’t miss the 'Enrosadira', the name given to the rosy-pink colour the mountains take on at dusk, then enjoy delicious cuisine in one of the two restaurants.
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