15 Best Hotels in The Dolomites, Italy

For a taste of old-school Italian glamour just outside of Merano, you can’t do better than this elegant Relais & Chateaux property high up in the mountains, set amid 4 acres of gardens and featuring a Michelin-starred restaurant and spa that both use products sourced from the land. Enormous individually decorated suites boast country-chic decor, sitting rooms, and terraces or balconies; some of the spacious bathrooms include claw-foot tubs and infrared saunas. Guests can choose from the more gourmet Prezioso restaurant for dinner or the lighter-style Orangerie, which offers a large panoramic terrace, for lunch or dinner. Amid the lovely gardens, you’ll find a heated pool, whirlpool, and freestanding fitness center, while the cozy spa includes three saunas and a steam room—as well as treatments from the hotel’s very own “modern alchemist,” who creates bespoke creams and lotions using plants and herbs from the very same gardens.

This luxury grande dame, now run by Marriott, is lauded for its service, spa, and more—the architecture was immortalized in 1963's The Pink Panther. Guest rooms are furnished in handwoven fabrics and wood paneling typical of the region, but with an attention to elegance and detail that clearly define the resort's level of excellence. The prestigious bar and spa have both set the precedent for other properties in their class around Europe.

This friendly, intimate hotel in the center of town combines history with modernity in its spacious, minimalist suites—some with original ceiling frescoes—inside a house dating from 1450. Guest rooms, all suites, are done up in muted colors and use reclaimed wood in the furnishings. Many visitors come just for the top-notch restaurant, where owner Florian Fink is the chef. Perhaps the most unique feature is the spa inspired by Roman baths, which includes a sauna, steam bath, and hot and cold Roman baths.

It’s all about the views at this minimalistic yet quietly luxurious retreat (for guests age 14 and over) high up in the mountains at 1,800 meters (5,900 feet), reached by winding roads through the pretty forest—rooms in the main building exude cozy mountain chalet vibes, while those in the Tower have a more polished feel along with astounding Alpine views in the suites and penthouses, two of which boast their own fireplace, sauna, and outdoor pool. The restaurant, with floor-to-ceiling views of the majestic Dolomite peaks, serves up an innovative nightly changing seven-course dinner menu using local ingredients. The lovely spa includes saunas, steam rooms, an indoor/outdoor pool, and relaxation areas, and daily scheduled activities include yoga, sauna treatments, and DJ nights. An added perk: ski-in, ski-out access to the Plose ski and hiking area, small but less crowded than other Dolomites standbys.

At this recently renovated cozy inn—more than 500 years old and still one of the region's best—each room is unique, and many are filled with antiques and paintings. The name comes from the 1551 visit of King John III of Portugal, who stopped here while leading an elephant (a present for Austria's Emperor Ferdinand) over the Alps. Housed in the large park are a pool, tennis courts, and the separate Villa Marzari, with 12 rooms and a sauna. Two in-house gourmet restaurants (one with a Michelin star) serve tasty fare.

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.

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.

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.

Stunning mountain views are the hallmark of this elegant property, dating from 1912, which also has a delightful spa and friendly service. Modern rooms feature wood accents and beamed ceilings; most look straight out to the Dolomites. Ristorante Savoy features international dishes, while 1224 Bar Lounge & Terrace offers lighter bites; both eateries have those awe-inspiring mountain vistas yet again. The spa has a heated indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room, and a well-equipped gym will please active types. Though the location isn’t right near the ski lifts, free transfers are available.

At this mountain-chic inn in the center of Cortina, from the same owners as Puglia’s famed Borgo Egnazia resort, sustainable materials and chill vibes add up to the most modern boutique hotel in town. Comfortable guest rooms made almost solely of pine include pops of bright colors on the chairs, tables, and headboards. When you don’t feel like partaking in Cortina’s nightlife scene, De Len Restaurant and Bar De Len make for great dining and drinking options. The rooftop spa has saunas, a heated pool, and a whirlpool, all with panoramic views of the mountains; guests can book it for an hour of private use, included in their stay.

Each room has its own contemporary design, some have saunas with hot tubs and stunning views, and all enjoy a prime location near Piazza del Duomo. The friendly owner gives good suggestions about what to see, do, and eat in the area.

For reasonably priced accommodations, it's hard to beat this garni (bed-and-breakfast) right on Piazza Duomo, where some of the simple rooms have wonderful views. Family-run since 1912, this tidy place offers some handy amenities that include paid parking, a 10-minute walk away.

The Zani family runs this modern, centrally located hotel, which has welcoming public spaces, warm-color guest rooms, and one of the city's most appealing restaurants. Select from classic rooms or those with a more contemporary style, all with comfortable beds and updated bathrooms. The Ristorante Novecento serves wonderful dishes paired with local wines; they also make gluten-free dishes upon request.

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.