Where to Stay in the Dolomites: Hotels I Loved as a Solo Traveler

Real stays. Honest reviews. Cozy corners of the Dolomites you’ll actually want to book.

Planning a trip to the Dolomites and feeling completely overwhelmed about where to stay? I get it—I’ve been there, scrolling for hours and wondering:
Do I go rustic in a rifugio? Splurge on a spa hotel? Pick a town and hope for the best?

Here’s the thing: after hiking through these mountains solo—and sometimes with my husband and dogs—I’ve stayed in enough places to know what works.

In this guide, I’ve rounded up the hotels I’ve personally stayed at that offer not just a bed, but a vibe, a view, and a reason to stay a little longer. Locally owned, budget, and maybe splurge-worthy!

This is for you if you’re:

• Starting the Alta Via 1 or 2 (for before and after on the AV1 check out this blog post here)
• Bringing your dog and need pet-friendly options
• Looking for peaceful villages with epic hikes right outside your door
• Solo traveling and want places that feel safe and welcoming
• Trying to avoid tourist traps but still want comfort and style

These are the hotels I’d send my BFF to. The places I’d stay again.

Where to Stay in the Dolomites at a Glance: Personally Approved Picks for Solo Travelers, Hikers, and Dog Parents

Short on time? Here’s the quick-look cheat sheet.
Each one of these hotels has been personally vetted by me—not just for the location or look, but for the experience they gave me as a solo traveler (and occasionally with my husband and dogs).

Click the hotel name to check rates and book instantly—because the Dolomites fill up fast in summer and fall.

Hotel	Location	Why I Chose It	Best For
Hotel Elephant	Bressanone (Brixen)	A luxury base to start Alta Via 2; 14th-century elegance + spa vibes	Hikers starting AV2, spa lovers, solo travelers wanting quiet
Hotel Trenker	Lago di Braies	Start of Alta Via 1 + incredible Ladin cuisine and family-run charm	Foodies, solo hikers, peaceful scenic escapes
B&B Passo Tre Croci	Cortina d’Ampezzo	Budget base steps from Lago di Sorapis trailhead	Photographers, snowshoers, budget solo travelers
Ciasa Agrietar	La Villa, Alta Badia	Dog-friendly, mountain apartment with kitchen	Couples, dog owners, fall hikers
Hotel Sorapiss	Lago di Misurina	Solo-hiker-friendly with Tre Cime access and cozy views	Solo female travelers, hikers, lake lovers
Hotel Ortler	Castelrotto (Kastelruth)	Alpe di Siusi access + perfect fall festival base	Festival goers, slow travelers, food & wine lovers
Hotel Villa Angelino	Ortisei, Val Gardena	End of AV2, eco-certified spa property near Seceda	Wellness travelers, eco-conscious hikers, spa lovers

Best Hotel for Hikers Starting the Alta Via 2

Bressanone/Brixen- Hotel Elephant

4-star elegance with historic charm—and yes, they welcome backpackers too.

Why I booked it:
I wanted a comfortable base to start my Alta Via 2 hike and figured, why not treat myself to a little luxury before heading into the mountains?

My experience:
Okay, picture this: I showed up in hiking boots and an Osprey 38L pack, fully convinced I didn’t belong in this stunning 14th-century hotel. But from check-in to check-out, every staff member made me feel like I was right where I belonged.

What makes it special:
Hotel Elephant blends old-world charm and modern amenities, and it’s got the kind of thoughtful hospitality that makes you exhale after a long day. My single room was cozy (no A/C, but they offered a strong fan), and dinner at their restaurant was? A full-on moment. They’ve received accolades from Michelin and Falstaff, but there’s no ego here—just great service and even better food.

Why Hotel Elephant is great for solo travelers:
You get a central location in a walkable, scenic town, top-tier meals without needing to venture out, and staff who go out of their way to make you feel seen, even if you’re dining alone or rolling in after a train ride with hiking poles.

Best Hotel for Hikers Starting the Alta Via 1

Hotel Trenker – Lago di Braies
Mountain views, Ladin cuisine, and serious solo-traveler soul.

Why I booked it:
It was the night before I started Alta Via 1—and I wanted a peaceful place with great food and proximity to Lago di Braies. Spoiler: it delivered on all fronts.

My experience:
The rolling pastures, the flower-box balconies, the cozy alpine atmosphere—it all felt like something out of a storybook. But it was the food that stole the show. I’m a self-declared foodie, and Hotel Trenker’s Ladin-inspired menu? Chef’s kiss. One of the staff even recommended a red wine from the valley that reminded me of Bordeaux—it was strong, earthy, and just what I needed.

What makes Hotel Trenker so special:
Hotel Trenker is family-run, warmly designed, and surrounded by nature. The rooms are spotless and well-appointed—many with balconies—and after hiking all day, I was grateful for the wellness area with a sauna and steam room.

Why it’s great for solo travelers:
You’ll feel well cared for, not just accommodated. Whether you’re getting hiking tips, savoring a local wine, or soaking in the peacefulness of the valley, this place delivers quiet confidence—the kind that’s perfect before a multi-day hike.

Best Budget Stay Near Cortina for Hikers & Photographers

B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci – Cortina d’Ampezzo
Steps from the Sorapis trailhead with mountain views and solo-friendly vibes.

Why I booked it:
I was planning a winter adventure—snowshoeing around Cinque Torri and chasing that perfect golden-hour drone shot near Cortina. This B&B was affordable, well-located, and tucked into a quieter corner of the mountains.

My experience:
My room? A quiet corner single with a direct mountain view—exactly the kind of peaceful recharge I needed. While I wasn’t blown away by the food (just being real with you here), the location and serenity more than made up for it. This spot is about steps away from the trailhead to Lago di Sorapis—you can roll out of bed and start hiking.

What makes it special:
The value-to-location ratio here is excellent. If you’re watching your budget but still want views and trail access without sacrificing comfort, this is your place. It’s no-frills, but the room was clean, the vibe was quiet, and it gave me exactly what I needed: rest, convenience, and killer scenery.

Why it’s great for solo travelers:
It’s quiet. It’s straightforward. And it’s in a spot that feels remote, but is close to Cortina if you want to grab dinner or restock snacks.

👉 Book B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci
Want easy access to Lago di Sorapis and a peaceful stay that won’t blow your budget? Click here to book your mountain base now. Perfect for photographers, solo hikers, and winter adventurers.

Best Dog-Friendly Stay in Alta Badia

Ciasa Agrietar – La Villa, Alta Badia
Spacious mountain apartments with trails, tranquility, and a welcome mat for your pup.

Why I booked it:
We were headed into the Dolomites for a relaxed, four-day trip—just me, my husband, and our dogs. I needed something pet-friendly, peaceful, and close to hiking. This apartment ticked all the boxes.

My experience:
From the second we arrived, I could tell the dogs were at ease—and so was I. Ciasa Agrietar felt like a mountain retreat I could settle into, not just crash in. Think: wood-beamed ceilings, a full kitchen, a cozy living space, and plenty of room to breathe.

The best part? The vibe. It didn’t feel like a rental—it felt like a home base for exploring everything Alta Badia has to offer.

What makes it special:
Beyond being pet-friendly (they welcomed our dogs without fuss), Ciasa Agrietar is managed by Sportony, which also runs mountain equipment rentals and local adventure logistics—so you’re staying with people who get what outdoor lovers need.

It’s also just minutes away from Lärchenweg, one of my favorite fall hikes—golden larches, sweeping views, and very family/dog-friendly.

Why it’s great for solo travelers, couples, and pet owners:
You get independence with the security of a professionally run property. It’s great if you’re a solo traveler wanting your own kitchen and quiet evenings, or a couple with dogs looking for a little extra room.

Best Solo-Friendly Hotel for Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Hotel Sorapiss – Lago di Misurina
Cozy rooms, lake views, and the perfect launchpad for solo hikers.

Why I booked it:
I was preparing for my Alta Via 2 hike with a three-day warm-up in the Misurina area, and I wanted a base that provided easy access to Tre Cime, good food, and a sense of comfort as a solo traveler. This hotel delivered.

My experience:
It stormed one night, and I’ll never forget watching the lightning ripple across the lake from my room. The bed was huge, the room surprisingly spacious, and the staff went above and beyond to make me feel at home. As a solo traveler, that mattered more than I can say.

What makes it special:
The location is magic—you’re steps from Lago di Misurina and just a short drive to the trailheads for Tre Cime di Lavaredo. After a full day outdoors, you’ll come back to hearty Tyrolean dishes like schnitzel and fresh pasta, plus a genuinely warm welcome at dinner—even if you’re dining alone.

Why it’s great for solo travelers:
This place never made me feel awkward for traveling solo. From check-in to meals, the staff was attentive without being overbearing, and I always felt safe, cared for, and seen.

Best Stay for Fall Festivals & Alpe di Siusi Access

Hotel Ortler – Castelrotto (Kastelruth)
Alpine hospitality, a sauna with a view, and easy access to one of the Dolomites’ dreamiest landscapes.

Why I booked it:
We were heading up to Compatsch for the Almatrieb festival—and I wanted a place close enough to catch the action, but calm enough to truly unwind. Hotel Ortler checked every box.

My experience:
Right from the start, the staff felt like family. They even let me check in early so we could catch the ski lift up to Alpe di Siusi without stress. The room was charming and warm, but the real winner? That mountainside pool and the dining room view—absolutely breathtaking.

What makes it special:
Hotel Ortler is family-run, and it shows. The food is rooted in South Tyrolean tradition, with homemade touches and local wines that turn every dinner into an event. After dinner, take a soak in the sauna or just sit on the deck with a glass of Lagrein and enjoy the peace.

Why it’s great for solo travelers, couples & culture seekers:
This is the kind of stay that invites you to slow down and savor. It’s ideal if you want a little bit of everything: nature, comfort, culture, and seriously good food. Plus, the town of Castelrotto is charming and very walkable.Castelruth/Kastelrotto-Hotel Ortler

Best Eco-Friendly Stay to End Your Dolomites Adventure

Hotel Villa Angelino – Ortisei, Val Gardena
Sustainably certified, centrally located, and walkable to the Seceda lifts.

Why I booked it:
I had just wrapped up my Alta Via 2 section and needed a spot to rest, recharge, and soak in the beauty of Ortisei—without needing a rental car or schlepping far with my gear. This hotel was the perfect landing pad.

My experience:
Hotel Villa Angelino is the kind of place that makes you feel good on every level—from their sustainability practices (Level 3 certified by South Tyrol) to their all-season spa access. I loved that I could walk to Seceda, Rasciesa, and Alpe di Siusi lifts in five minutes flat. No stress, no guesswork.

What makes it special:
While technically a B&B, the atmosphere leans boutique. Think clean design, great service, and access to an epic wellness area shared with their sister hotel, including heated outdoor pools, ten saunas, and a year-round jacuzzi. Not a bad way to end a hiking trip, right?

Why it’s great for solo travelers, wellness seekers & eco-minded guests:
You’re steps from the mountains, close to cafes and restaurants, and part of a property that’s committed to low-impact tourism. It’s the kind of place that lets you unwind with intention—and a glass of wine.

Interactive Map – My Favorite Hotels in the Dolomites

Below you’ll find an interactive map of all the hotels I’ve stayed at and personally recommend in this post.

Tip: If your first choice is fully booked (especially during July–September), use this map to explore nearby towns and similar stays.

Click each pin to view details, check current prices, and book directly through my trusted links. Booking early guarantees better rates and supports my work at no extra cost to you. Thank you for being here!

Ready to Book Your Stay in the Dolomites?

Let’s be honest—finding the right base can make or break your Dolomites trip. I created this guide to save you hours of scrolling, second-guessing, and booking regret. Every hotel listed here is one I’ve personally stayed at and would recommend to a friend.

Whether you’re solo, traveling with dogs, hiking the Alta Via, or just craving clean sheets and a good meal in the mountains, I hope this helps you feel confident booking your next stay.

Book with confidence:
Click any of the hotel links above to check availability, compare prices, and lock in your stay. Booking through my affiliate links helps keep this blog alive and helps more travelers find places that feel just right.

Still unsure?
Drop your questions in the comments or DM me on Instagram. I’m happy to help you figure out where to stay based on your route, hiking plans, or even if you’re just looking for the best dog-friendly option with a view.

Still unsure? DM me on Instagram—I’d love to help.