Where to stay in the Dolomites? It was a question I pondered for months before our trip for many reasons but most because I’d never stayed anywhere so scenic and I really wanted to find hotels with the best views of the Dolomites.
We visited the Dolomites in early March and that was also a tricky time because I’m not really a skier, so we didn’t want to pay the premium of staying in a ski resort, but then that left us with the question of where to stay in the Dolomites in winter for a non-skier?
March is also a strange time because the weather was stunning and pretty warm for the duration of our trip but there was still snow on the ground so it didn’t quite feel like spring.
After researching the best towns to stay in the Dolomites and the best villages in the Dolomites with epic views,
After narrowing down my list of accommodation in the Dolomites to a few options (which I’ll share below), I came across the most beautiful rustic, yet modern, Dolomites hotel and the views were even more spectacular than I expected once we arrived.
The hotel and all the details are below.
View of the mountains from our hotel
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The best town to stay in Dolomites
Driving in the Dolomites
This really was one of the most overwhelming options for me, actually choosing the best towns in the Dolomites to base ourselves in for our trip.
We ended up staying in Val di Funes (the Funes Valley) and I really do think this is the best place to stay in the Dolomites for non-skiers. Based on the same criteria, it would also be the best place to stay in Dolomites in summer and one of the best options if you’re looking for where to stay in Dolomites for hiking.
This is because it has epic walking and hiking routes right from the town itself, there’s stunning views of the famous Dolomites peaks and there are walks and hikes of varying difficulty all available once the snow has melted.
However I wouldn’t recommend it as the best place to stay in Dolomites for skiing because while there is a ski slope in the town, it’s very small, there’s not really any kind of resort and it seems like more of a local run.
If you’re looking for where to stay in the Dolomites for skiing, I’d suggest Ortisei or Cortina D'Ampezzo as the two main ski resort towns with plenty of runs and lifts from the town and many Italian Dolomites accommodation will also supply shuttles to nearby resorts or lifts if you want to experience different areas.
The Italian Dolomites: where to stay
The best place to stay in Dolomites
Proihof Hotel
We stayed at Proihof and it was so much more spectacular than I’d ever have imagined.
The hotel itself is located on the edge of Santa Magdalena village with views of the Val di Funes in one direction and views of the famous Odle Mountain peaks in the other direction.
I remember driving up the hill, getting out of the car and actually just laughing in disbelief at the view just from the car park! The peaks were glowing with evening light and it was like I’d stepped straight into a movie set, it was so beautiful - one of the most beautiful places in the Dolomites that we saw on the whole trip!
The hotel itself is a traditional Dolomite mountains lodging in the style of a wooden Alpine chalet with woodwork detail, charming balconies cover the front of the a-frame building and these balconies are pouring with flowers from the pictures I’ve seen in the summer months.
Inside the hotel the wooden décor continues except that it’s modern, sleek, minimal but yet so cosy and welcoming. The smell of wood permeates and is beautifully complemented by the white furnishings and modern ensuite bathroom (which is HUGE).
The owner was so friendly and welcoming and you also receive a Dolomites guide book and pass on arrival which is valid for the duration of your stay and can be used on attractions throughout the Dolomites area such as cable cars or discounts on meals or attractions.
The Proihof is surrounded by lush meadows and views of the Geislergruppe, there’s no traffic so the area is much quieter than some of the busier resort towns.
The Proihof is also a great option for staying in the Dolomites on a family vacation. The hotel is very family-friendly, they produce their own jam and eggs, they also keep bees and there’s horses roaming the meadows.
If you’re looking for where to stay in the Dolomites for hiking, the surrounding Villnöss Valley makes this location a great option for Dolomites lodging during the summer months with routes and paths suitable for all ages and abilities.
We had our own vehicle which was definitely the easiest way to get here, however you can also get here easily using public transport. Take the train to Bressanone; there are direct train services from Verona. Munich, Bologna and more. From the train station, the number 330 bus will bring you directly from Bressanone to St. Magdalena.
Staying at the Proihof is one of the best hotel experiences I’ve ever had in my life because it was so beautiful, so welcoming and cosy but also modern and with all the amenities you need.
If you’re looking for the best places to stay in the Dolomites with an amazing view or where to stay in the Dolomites in summer or simply somewhere to stay in the Dolomites in the winter for non-skiers, I cannot recommend Proihof enough - I almost want to keep it a secret for myself, but I won’t!
Where to stay in the Dolomites without a car: Ortisei
Me in the snow in the Dolomites
If you’d prefer to be closer to a main town for ease of transportation, links to other areas of the Dolomites and Trentino-Alto Adige or for ski resorts, Ortisei is another option we considered because it seemed to be the best town in the Dolomites for generally cheaper prices, much cheaper than the more well-known and expensive town of Cortina D’Ampezzo.
Our top choice was the centrally located Hotel Garni Snaltnerhof, which is great for a family hotel stay in the Dolomites. The traditional hotel lodge is family-run, there’s a pizzeria on site and the wooden but modern interior is just as charming as the outside of the hotel.
If you’re looking for cheap places to stay in the Dolomites for a trip to the Dolomites on a budget, there’s a great selection of self-catered apartments in Ortisei which makes the price of your trip much cheaper. Apartment Elvis in Ortisei is a great option to keep your trip on a budget.
We also looked at a Dolomites self-catered apartment just outside of Ortisei, called Apartment Lara Ruveda because of its incredible terrace views and private parking.
Where to stay in the Dolomites: Cortina D’Ampezzo
If you’d prefer to stay in a bigger town or hub within the Dolomites or if you’re looking for some of the best places to stay in the Dolomites for skiing, we also considered the B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci Cortina just outside of Cortina D’Ampezzo because it has a really similar vibe to Proihof - a bit further out of the town so nice and quiet, amazing views, modern but wooden interior but still only 3 miles from Cortina.
If you’d prefer to be in the heart of it all in Cortina D’Ampezzo, the Royal Hotel Cortina is a historic, family-run chalet in Cortina’s pedestrianised area of Via Stazione, so you have restaurants, cafes, bars and attractions all within walking distance. Again the rooms are traditional, alpine style with beautiful town and mountain views.
We also considered the Hotel Villa Alpina again because of it’s stunning wooden interiors but with a modern style, more amazing views but it’s also located just two minutes walk from the centre of Cortina D’Ampezzo.
Summary: the best hotels and where to stay, Dolomites Italy
Val di Funes
We loved every second of our stay at Proihof in the Val di Funes, Dolomites.
I absolutely recommend staying here if you’re looking for stunning scenery, plenty of walks and outdoor activities, where to stay in the Dolomites in summer or a Dolomites hotel with the best views!
I hope this guide is useful to help you pick the best place to stay in the Dolomites for your trip.
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