Where To Stay In The Dolomites On A Budget: Popular Spot Alternatives
If you’re looking for where to stay in the Dolomites on a budget, most likely, towns like Cortina d’Ampezzo and Ortisei will not be it.
While Cortina d’Ampezzo, Val Gardena, and Alta Badia offer incredible access to scenic wonders and top-notch amenities, they also come with a premium price tag. For travelers watching their budget, finding affordable accommodation in these iconic spots can be a real challenge.
Over the years, our numerous visits to the Dolomites – from budget journeys to luxury getaways – have let us to scout every corner of this majestic region. We’ve made it a mission to seek out accommodations that deliver the best value for money.
In this guide, we’ll share the lessons learned from our adventures – highlighting where to stay, what to look for, and how to enjoy the Dolomites without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning for another alpine escape, you’ll find actionable advice to help you make the most of your stay in this stunning corner of Italy!
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Before choosing budget accommodation in the Dolomites
Budget stays in the Dolomites aren’t risky because they’re cheaper — they’re risky because of where they’re located.
Staying in the wrong valley can mean:
- adding 1–2 hours of driving every day
- paying more for parking and toll roads
- cutting hikes or activities short
This guide focuses on budget stays that still make logistical sense, not just the cheapest options on the map.
Short on time? Best Hotels in the Dolomites are:
#1 TOP PICK
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Monte Pana Dolomites Hotel in Santa Cristina
✔️ Located Val Gardena
✔️ Amazing rooms
🚫 A bit off the “action”
#2 PICK
#3 PICK
Where to stay in the Dolomites on a budget: Area-by-Area Guide
So now, let’s go through the best budget-friendly alternatives for these pricey towns. Luckily, they are not located far from the popular spots!
I use Booking.com for budget stays in the Dolomites because availability matters more than price here — especially once smaller guesthouses start selling out.
1. Val Gardena Alternatives (Western Dolomites)
The most popular towns in Val Gardena are Ortisei, Selva and Santa Cristina. Out of these three, Selva and Ortisei have the most expensive accommodation options. Santa Cristina, on the other hand, is more budget friendly, so it’s an alternative to Val Gardena in Val Gardena.
Other cheaper places are Campitello di Fassa and Moena in Val di Fassa, Colfosco in Alta Badia, and even Val di Funes.
Val Gardena itself is an incredible area that lets you explore places such as Seceda, Alpe di Siusi, and Val di Funes with ease. Hence the popularity.
Santa Cristina in Val Gardena
Best for: Travelers who want access to Val Gardena hiking and sightseeing without the premium prices of Ortisei and Selva.
Not ideal if: You want ultimate nightlife or luxury spa hotels that only higher-tier towns offer.
Why this works on a budget: It’s quieter and less booked than Selva or Ortisei, but still centrally located for trails, lifts, and scenic drives.
What most people underestimate: Lower price doesn’t mean remote — you still have great transport links and views.
👉 See comfortable, value stays in Santa Cristina on Booking.com
Opposed to Ortisei and Selva, Santa Cristina is quieter, not so popular, and thus, more affordable. It still offers central access to Val Gardena and the best places to visit around it, but with a lower price tag. I know that when deciding how to plan your Dolomites trip, starting to look at accommodation prices can throw a lot of things off.
We stayed in Santa Cristina on one of our trips, and it was really pleasant. Our hotel – Monte Pana Dolomites hotel – had a huge field right by it, you had a view and direct access to Monte Pana mountain, and in winter, it became a ski-in ski-out hotel.
📍Option 1: Smarthotel Saslong – close to chairlifts and a bus stop, making it a great base for exploring the area. The rooms are comfortable and bright.
📍Option 2: Garni Ossi– located centrally in Santa Cristina, a nice hotel with friendly staff and great buffet breakfast. Right next to public transport, so great for those who will use busses.
📍Mid-Range Option: Monte Pana Dolomites Hotel– nice and quiet location, great view. We loved the hotel and the food. The hosts are extremely helpful. And there are hiking trails that start right at the hotel.
Val di Fassa
Best for: Authentic alpine base for both summer hikes and winter slopes with more availability than Val Gardena towns.
Not ideal if: You want to be right at the most iconic Dolomites viewpoints — those are a drive away.
Why this works on a budget: The valley is slightly less trendy than Val Gardena but still offers excellent trails, scenery, and infrastructure.
What most people underestimate: You get a more local vibe and better pricing — but knowing which village suits your route is key.
👉 Check budget stays in Campitello di Fassa & Moena on Booking.com
Val di Fassa is still a bit of a hidden gem in the Dolomites, although it is becoming more and more popular. The valley is just gorgeous, but the lower popularity means that it still has that authentic Alpine feel and, of course, lower prices.
Villages such as Campitello di Fassa and Moena are still quite popular, but they do offer a lot of budget-friendly accommodation. So if you need to check your budget, these towns have options.
There are great hiking trails and ski slopes in Val di Fassa, so it’s a great location both in the summer and in the winter.
📍Option 1: Dolomites Hotel La Meridiana in Moena – it’s centrally located and has excellent views. The breakfast is tasty and abundant. Overall, many guests praise the great value for money.
📍Option 2: Hotel Villa Mozart in Pozza di Fassa, just outside of Canazei, is a chalet-style property. It has simple rooms, but they are nice and clean. There’s breakfast included in the price – and even a sauna!
📍Mid-Range Option: Cesa Planber in Canazei – centrally located, just a couple of minutes from the Belvedere cable car. This bed-and-breakfast has excellent views of the surrounding mountains!
Val di Funes
Best for: Travelers prioritizing scenery over nightlife or dining variety
Not ideal if: You want quick access to multiple Dolomites regions
Why this works on a budget: Smaller guesthouses and farm stays keep prices lower than major hubs
What most people underestimate: Limited accommodation means availability disappears quickly
👉 Check availability in Val di Funes on Booking.com
Val di Funes is a popular place to visit, but for some reason people don’t yet stay there that often. It’s the valley where you’ll find the two very popular viewpoints – Santa Maddalena view with the Puez-Odle in the background and the Ranui Church.
📍Option 1: Apartements Kaserott in Villnoss – located walking distance to the Santa Magdalena viewpoint and the Ranui Church. They have a view of Puez-Odle, sauna with a view, and so much more.
📍Option 2: Hotel Gsoihof in Villnoss – a farmstay hotel with an unbeatable view of the Puez-Odle mountains. The rooms are gorgeous, and there’s even a swimming pool with a view.
📍Mid-Range Option: Wanderhotel Teiserhof in Funes – a hotel with a wellness and sauna, with an incredible view of the mountains. It’s located only 15 minutes from Santa Magdalena and the Ranui church.
2. Cortina d’Ampezzo Alternatives (Eastern Dolomites)
Cortina d’Ampezzo is at the top of the list for the most famous places to stay in the Dolomites. Everyone recommends it for the Eastern Dolomites. And I generally agree with them – Cortina has a great location and everything a traveller might need for a comfortable trip.
You also get easy access to some of the most iconic sights in the Dolomites, such as Tre Cime di Lavaredo, lakes Misurina and Braies, or Cinque Torri.
Unfortunately, that comes with quite a price tag. Accommodation in Cortina is quite expensive so it’s often not in people’s budget – or it doesn’t make sense to stay there for such a price.
Luckily, there are quite few convenient alternatives in the area which offer the same or similar level of comfort.
Dobbiaco
Best for: Travelers who want access to multiple valleys without changing accommodation
Not ideal if: You want to walk everywhere or avoid driving completely
Why this works on a budget: Prices stay lower here than Cortina or Val Gardena, but road access is still excellent
What most people underestimate: Distances look short on the map, but mountain roads add time fast
👉 Check budget-friendly stays in Dobbiaco on Booking.com
As the best alternative to Cortina, I always offer Dobbiaco. It’s a great little town to stay which offers good shops and restaurants, as well as great transport connections. If you need to use public transport, it’s actually in a way a better place to stay than Cortina – there’s a direct train from Bolzano to Dobbiaco and a direct bus (in summer season) to Rifugio Auronzo. The lakes Landro, Dobbiaco, and Braies are also very close – closer than from Cortina.
The accommodation prices are noticeably lower than in Cortina.
If Dobbiaco is getting a bit… full, so to say, other options are Rasun di Sopra and Anterselva and the area around them. They’re approximately 20 minutes’ drive from Dobbiaco in a nice valley.
Dobbiaco is also a base that works in the shoulder seasons.
📍Option 1: Aparthotel Haus Greg – we stayed in this apartment, and were really pleasantly surprised! It’s tastefully decorated, has a full kitchen, and even a coffee machine. The bathroom is huuuuge. And I loved the view from the living room.
📍Option 2: Hotel Stauder – a nice, relaxed boutique hotel with a wellness area. People really enjoy the great service, location, and cleanliness of this bed and breakfast.
📍Mid-Range Option: Hotel Sole – Sonne – a nice alpine hotel with clean, comfy rooms, a great indoor pool, and a relaxing sauna. The location is perfect: just a short walk from the town center and close to hiking trails, ski slopes, and the lakes in the area. Guests love the hearty breakfasts, the tasty dinners (with veggie options!), and the genuinely welcoming staff who make you feel right at home
Rasun di Sopra and Anterselva
Best for: Families and calm travelers who want relaxed mountain village life within easy reach of classic Dolomite drives.
Not ideal if: You want walkable nightlife or a large dining scene — these are village-style stops.
Why this works on a budget: Less touristed = better pricing.
What most people underestimate: Kids and outdoor lovers especially appreciate the calm base and easy nature access.
👉 Check budget-friendly stays in Rasun di Sopra & Anterselva on Booking.com
Rasun di Sopra and Anterselva are quite close to Dobbiaco, also located in Val Pusteria. Just like Dobbiaco, they’re less touristy, thus calmer than the bustling popular times. Rasun di Sopra and Anterselva are some of the most family-friendly places to stay in the Dolomites, with nice playgrounds and kid’s-friendly activities.
📍Option 1: Hotel Bruggerwirt in Anterselva di Mezzo has no-frills rooms, a lounge, and a garden with a terrace where you can relax. Many guests praise the really great breakfast. The view from the hotel is amazing.
📍Option 2: Garni Renzler in Rasun di Sopra – another no-frills hotel with a garden and an outdoor seating area. There’s an excellent breakfast included in the price. One of the things I really like about Garni Renzler is that it has a kitchen that you can use so you don’t have to eat in restaurants all the time.
📍Mid-Range Option: Hotel Messnerwirt in Anterselva di Sotto – a spa hotel with a spa and wellness center, sun terrace, outdoor play area, and rooms with balconies! Hotel Messnerwirt has an “exceptional” breakfast, and you can even get a half-board for a good price.
San Vito di Cadore
Best for: Travelers who want Cortina access and views but can’t justify Cortina’s prices.
Not ideal if: You must stay in Cortina itself — this is a short drive out, not the center.
Why this works on a budget: 10–15 minutes from top sights with significantly lower nightly rates.
What most people underestimate: San Vito’s views and bus links make it feel close to Cortina life even with easier pricing.
👉 Browse budget options in San Vito di Cadore on Booking.com
It’s located only 15 minutes’ drive from Cortina, so you still get easy access to all of the main sights in the Eastern Dolomites. On the other hand, it’s more affordable. But the views from San Vito itself are magnificent!
The town also offers good bus connections, so if you don’t have a car, this is a place to consider.
📍Option 1: Hotel Villa Trieste is a cozy, well-rated hotel in San Vito di Cadore, praised for its warm hospitality, clean rooms, and beautiful mountain views. Guests love the friendly staff, good breakfast, and convenient location close to shops and restaurants. It’s a great value choice for couples seeking a comfortable and affordable stay near Cortina.
📍Option 2: Best Western Hotel Nevada offers simple, budget-friendly accommodation in the center of San Vito di Cadore. While the decor is a bit dated, guests consistently praise the cleanliness, great location, and helpful staff. The proximity to restaurants and cafes makes it a convenient and affordable base for exploring the area.
📍Mid-Range Option: Hotel Dolomiti is a classic, friendly Italian hotel with a welcoming atmosphere and clean, comfortable rooms. Visitors highlight the excellent service from the owners and staff, beautiful balcony views, and satisfying breakfast. It’s a popular option for travelers who want a genuine Dolomites experience without overspending.
If all budget options are starting to blur together
This usually means you’re comparing prices without anchoring them to location.
When that happens, I switch to viewing availability by area first — then price — so I don’t accidentally book myself into long daily drives.
3. Alta Badia Alternatives (Central Dolomites)
Two of the most popular towns for staying in Alta Badia are Corvara and San Cassiano. Alta Badia is overall a more luxury-oriented location in the Dolomites, so the prices are generally higher no matter what.
There are quite a few Michelin-starred restaurants in Alta Badia, so if you’re into top-notch food, this is your place to stay!
Some more budget-friendly alternatives to Corvara are actually San Cassiano, Colfosco, and La Villa.
San Cassiano
Best for: Travelers wanting Alta Badia access without Corvara’s luxury price tag.
Not ideal if: You want central Corvara perks — those are still pricier here.
Why this works on a budget: More apartments and midrange stays make San Cassiano better value as a jumping-off point for hikes.
What most people underestimate: You’re still in Alta Badia light — excellent trails and mountain scenery — just with better pricing.
👉 See budget accommodations in San Cassiano on Booking.com
San Cassiano, although it is one of the most popular places to stay in Alta Badia, has a higher number of budget-friendly apartments and mid-range hotels than Corvara.
📍Option 1: Ciasa Antersies – a laid-back aparthotel offering bright, well-equipped units, a spa, and kids’ play areas. The wellness is included in the hotel price, and has a Turkish bath, Finnish sauna, calidarium, and hydromassage and sensory showers. The relaxation area offers panoramic views of the valley.
📍Option 2: Residence Dolomieu – an aparthotel located just in the center of San Cassiano. Each of the apartments has a kitchenette and even a spa bath!
📍Mid-Range Option: Hotel La Stua – a relaxed hotel with a spa and hammam, nice and bright rooms, and great breakfast. It’s also very centrally located, which is great for reaching shops and restaurants.
Colfosco
Best for: Travelers who want authentic alpine town feel with lots of bed-and-breakfast style budget hotels.
Not ideal if: You’re looking for cutting-edge nightlife — it’s calm but charming.
Why this works on a budget: The small size means friendly prices and great access to Alta Badia lifts and hikes without Corvara’s premium.
What most people underestimate: Views from many hotels here can rival pricier neighbors.
👉 Check Colfosco budget stays on Booking.com
Colfosco is a small town, which is right next to Corvara, but has a higher number of budget-friendly Bed and Breakfasts. It’s your perfect charming alpine-style town in the mountains, so if you’re looking for something like that on a budget, Colfosco is a great option!
📍Option 1: Garni Reutlinger – a low-key hotel that has rooms with stunning mountain views. Guests consistently praise the friendly atmosphere, free breakfast, and warm bar, making it a welcoming and affordable base for exploring Colfosco and the surrounding Dolomites.
📍Option 2: Ciasa Soreghina – a nice little bed and breakfast in the center of Colfosco, just steps from the ski slopes. The views from it are amazing, and the breakfast is full and tasty.
📍Mid-Range Option: Hotel Luianta – a bit out of Colfosco, but on the other hand, you’re right by the Cascate del Pisciadu and the cable cars. The price of Hotel Luianta also includes dinner, and there’s a nice restaurant on site.
La Villa
Best for: Adventurers who want Alto Badia access but with a quieter, more local vibe and easier pricing.
Not ideal if: You’re chasing trendy après-ski or high-end spas.
Why this works on a budget: A range of comfortable hotels and apartments near lifts and trails at lower nightly rates.
What most people underestimate: It’s a great compromise — less flash, same mountain access.
👉 Browse La Villa value accommodation on Booking.com
La villa is a charming quieter village in Alta Badia, but it still offers great access to many hiking trails and ski lifts. There’s a range of budget (for Dolomites standards) accommodation, making it a great place for exploration.
📍Option 1: Albergo Stella offers cozy, alpine-style rooms in a rustic chalet setting, complete with free breakfast. Its location is perfect for both summer and winter activities, and there’s also an incredible view of the surrounding Dolomites.
📍Option 2: Hotel La Villa has both hotel rooms and apartments available. The location is really great – close to the center of La Villa and ski lifts.
📍Mid-Range Option: Hotel des Alpes – a nice family hotel, located near the center of La Villa, but still offering peaceful surroundings. Many of the rooms have balconies and views of the Dolomites, and there’s a wellness center with sauna and steam bath.
4. Other Notable Budget-Friendly Areas
Here are some other places that you can consider for your stay. They just don’t fit cleanly into the big valleys above, but they’re great budget flex options:
- Arabba: Laid-back, basic but comfortable hotels, great for Sella Ronda access
- Brunico/Bruneck: Larger town, wide range of budget options, good for families
- San Martino di Castrozza & Fiera di Primiero: Less touristy, great for hiking, local atmosphere
- Passo delle Erbe: Remote, scenic, unique mountain refuge experience
- Passo Tre Croci: Budget hotels right at trailheads, quiet, close to Cortina
- Misurina: Lakeside, gateway to Tre Cime, limited but affordable hotels
Tips for Saving Money on Accommodation in the Dolomites
If you’re not convinced by these alternative locations to the most popular hubs, here are some tips for how you can find your cheaper places to stay in the Dolomites.
Book early
If you’re travelling in the high summer or winter seasons, look for your accommodation early on. Generally, the closer it comes to your travel date, the more expensive the hotels get.
Sometimes, there are good deals if you book later, but unless you are ok with staying in hostels or camps to save on the accommodation, book the hotel as early as possible.
Booking on a budget close to your travel dates
Budget-friendly accommodation in the Dolomites often sells out before higher-end hotels because there’s less of it.
If you’re booking late or trying to stay flexible, this is where I’d check first to see what still makes sense for your route.
👉Check availability of budget accommodation on Booking.com
Consider staying in apartments, agriturismo, or guesthouses
This is quite a logical one, but if the hotels seem way too expensive, look into apartments, farmstays (agriturismo), or smaller guesthouses. They tend to be cheaper – and, as an added bonus, you get to enjoy close to real life experiences on your vacation.
Stay in smaller villages
The main hubs – e.g., Cortina, Selva, Corvara – are popular, and with a high demand come higher prices. Check out hotels just outside of the main towns, whether they’re in smaller villages or just in the middle of nowhere. The only thing is – staying out of the main towns might mean that you need a car to get around.
If budget isn’t your only concern, choosing the right base matters even more for reducing daily driving and logistics.
Go in the shoulder season
December, January, and February are the high winter season, and July and August are the high summer season. Consider going in other months (except May and November, which are complete off seasons). We went in June and October, and it was really great – price-wise, weather-wise, and even crowds-wise.
Booking close to your trip dates?
Availability disappears quickly in the Dolomites. If you want to see what still works for your dates and route, this is where I’d check first.
Choose the base that fits your route – then book with confidence
The biggest mistake travelers make in the Dolomites isn’t choosing the “wrong” hotel – it’s choosing a place that doesn’t match how they plan to move through the mountains.
Once you anchor your stay to the right area, everything else gets easier – shorter drives, better timing for hikes, and far less stress day to day.
If you already know which valley makes the most sense for your plans, the simplest next step is to check what’s actually available for your dates, especially for budget-friendly stays, which tend to sell out first.
👉 Browse available budget stays by area on Booking.com
If you’re still deciding between a few nearby towns, or you’re trying to balance price with logistics, sometimes a second set of eyes makes all the difference.
And if you want everything tied together – accommodation, driving routes, pacing, and day-by-day flow – I offer custom Dolomites itinerary planning so you can book with clarity instead of guessing.
👉 Your Custom Dolomites Itinerary – stress free!
No matter which option you choose, the goal is the same – spend less time navigating logistics and more time enjoying the mountains.
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