16 Best Hotels in The Dolomites, Italy

With delicate wooden balconies and an eye-catching wooden gable, the pink Cavallino Bianco (Little White Horse) looks like a gigantic dollhouse, and it is, in fact, marketed toward families. Beyond this facade lies a sprawling all-inclusive modern resort, but the cozy bar—with its large, handcrafted fireplace—retains some old-fashioned charm. Guest rooms have upholstered furniture with cheery large-scale plaids and honey-color wood accents. The hotel is only a five-minute walk from the main ski facilities; ski guides are available.

This architecturally stunning property in the Alpe di Siusi, with a facade of wood and quartzite, has three restaurants, a serious spa area, and its own ski rental service. Spacious rooms, in light blue tones with wood floors, all include Dolomites views and oversized bathrooms. The Sassolungo restaurant serves Mediterranean and international plates with local ingredients, while Trattoria Dell’Alpe offers dishes from the Veneto region; there’s also the Alpina Chalet Grill and Bar for casual cuisine on the slopes. The large spa area has both an indoor and heated outdoor pool, saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation rooms; there’s also a good-sized gym. For even more exercise in the warmer months, opt for an e-bike tour with one of the hotel guides. The kids aren't left out with their own club for ages 4 to 12.

Blending beautifully into the mountain landscape, this deluxe lodging just south of Madonna di Campiglio features one of the largest and most impressive spas in the Alps. Elegant, spacious suites incorporate local materials such as wood and stone into the contemporary Alpine decor; all include balconies or terraces with mountain and valley views, and some feature private Jacuzzis and saunas. The 5,000-square-meter (54,000-square-foot) spa includes a dizzying range of pools, saunas, and Turkish baths, along with a fitness center and exceptional spa treatments. The two restaurants, Grual (only for ages 12 and older) and Dolomia, feature seasonal ingredients with a focus on local producers. A shuttle transports skiers and hikers directly to the Pinzolo ski lifts.

Perched up in the hills 4,035 feet above Merano, this striking Alpine hotel takes full advantage of its superlative views with floor-to-ceiling windows in the guest rooms, a panoramic restaurant, and an infinity pool. Guest rooms have a mountain feel, with wood accents (many with light birch-wood paneling), a muted color palette, and sleek Scandinavian-style furnishings; all come with balconies overlooking the mountains. Some suites also include Finnish saunas or Jacuzzis. There’s a choice of three restaurants: the more formal Panorama, which offers tasting menus; the more traditional Miramonte Stube; and the casual Classic Restaurant. You very well might stay at Miramonti just for the spa, spread out across several levels, which includes two pools (one infinity and one heated onsen pool), a forest sauna, and a gym and activity room—all with those wonderful vistas.

If you need somewhere to lay your head after a day of visiting the nearby wineries, this ultramodern property near Lake Caldero, owned by the Moser family, has beautiful views, an expansive spa, a private beach area on the lake, and its own vineyards. The contemporary rooms with wood floors and detailing all have balconies overlooking the lake, vineyards, or garden; some include private infrared saunas in the bathrooms. The restaurant serves local cuisine with Mediterranean flair, or sample meats, cheese, and wine in the charming stone wine cellar. The nearly 39,000-square-foot spa includes an outdoor pool (heated between March and October), an adults-only indoor-outdoor pool, a kids’ pool, whirlpool, steam room, and several saunas, including a lakeside sauna open from November to January. Try the wines from the hotel’s own winery, Mosel Winery, or beers from their microbrewery.

Set dramatically in the foothills, the Adler Spa Resort Dolomiti is a luxe chalet home base for skiing the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage peaks—with two lifts within walking distance—or exploring the spectacular surroundings with cable car rides, hiking, and mountain- or e-biking. Dating to 1810, this family-friendly property has remained in the Sanoner family and was the first of their Adler resort group. Its 108 rooms are understated in warm wood, with some opening to balconies facing the 10,436-foot-high Sassolungo, the landmark of Val Gardena. The gym also highlights the view, as do some areas of the 37,000-square-foot spa, which features two heated indoor-outdoor pools (open year-round), a rooftop sauna, heated whirlpool, subterranean salt grotto, and treatments using organic house-brand face, hair, and body products. Regional, seasonal food is a focus here, with an impressive breakfast buffet and daily multi-course dinners.

The stone and brick chambers, prison cells, and chapels in this labyrinthine 13th-century castle (occupied by Trento's prince-bishops in the 16th century) today contain spare, rustic guest rooms with carved-wood trim, lace curtains, and heavy wooden beds—some of them canopied. Modern-art installations grace the grounds. The popular restaurant (nonguests welcome) serves lightened-up versions of ages-old seasonal recipes from the area for dinner, while the café-bistro offers breakfast and vegetarian four-course lunches from mid-April to September.

Located in a quiet, panoramic spot, this chalet is ideal for exploring the mountains or simply relaxing amid the beauty of the Alps. Family-owned and -operated for more than 40 years, it is a prime example of the hospitality found in the Dolomites region. Rooms are cozy with balconies offering panoramic views of Lake Antorno and the Tre Cime.

This refined, amenities-filled hotel has a distinctly Germanic vibe and lots of mountain atmosphere—from its outdoor hot tub and sauna to its simple guest rooms, with light-wood paneling, white accents, and balconies, to its underground fondue room–wine cellar (24,000 bottles with a focus on biodynamic producers). The hotel houses three restaurants plus a delightful "cheese room" and "chocolate room." Other facilities include a ski room, a kids' play area, a spa with an indoor pool, sauna, and Turkish bath, and a gym.

This family-friendly ultramodern hotel near the Plan de Corones chairlift, made up of four sleek connected houses designed by Italian architect Matteo Thun, offers spacious rooms and an expansive spa. Guest rooms have a contemporary mountain feel, with wood walls and floors; each includes a balcony or terrace. Some of the suites include private saunas or infrared cabins. The inviting spa extends over three floors and includes saunas, a hammam, heated outdoor and rooftop pools, and a 24-hour gym. If you can tear yourself away, the hotel’s “experience concierge” is happy to recommend off-the-beaten-path activities nearby.

On the shores of beautiful Lake Misurina and just a few kilometers from renowned winter resort Cortina d’Ampezzo, this grand hotel has simply furnished rooms that range from standard fare to full apartments. The on-site spa offers massages, a Turkish bath, and a sauna and Jacuzzi. There are year-round activities offered on the lake, and there's a kids' club available as well.

Unpretentious Alpine chic meets contemporary decor, with warm pine, ceramics, rich textiles, and wood-beamed ceilings—and all but one of the guest rooms have balconies. La Genzianella is also a bike-friendly hotel: there's safe storage, a sportswear laundry, mountain-bike rental, maps, and even an instructor. The lovely spa includes a sauna, steam bath, and treatment rooms. Lifts to the Alta Valtellina are 50 yards from the entrance, and there are lockers for ski equipment.

Right in front of the Plan de Corones chairlift, this is a great base for a skiing or hiking vacation, with bus service to the ski slopes and a spa and pools on-site to unwind after a big day out. The hotel can help to arrange discounted ski passes with advance notice. In the warmer months, staff can help you find the best hiking in the area; the hotel even has its own guides. The decor is typical of the region, with warm wood and fabrics, and plenty of amenities. Some rates include breakfast and dinner, which are rotated regularly for variety, and discounts are offered for stays longer than four nights.

At this comfortable lodge with a distinctive wooden facade, flower-bedecked balconies catch the sun, and contemporary guest rooms and suites have views of the forested slopes. The restaurant serves home cooking as well as international dishes.

You need to make your way north to the Campo Carlo Magno Pass to reach this grand if dated hotel, the former summer residence of Habsburg emperor Franz Josef, replete with verandas, Persian rugs, and bay windows. A modern wing has been added, but there's still tons of old-world charm. In summer the golf course attracts a tony crowd. Note that the hotel requires minimum night stays during many months.