The Trentino region might not have the most recognisable name in Italian geography, but we bet you all recognise ‘The Dolomites’ and ‘Lake Garda’, and those two very familiar points on the map mark out the north and south of Trentino. Skiers, hikers, bikers and climbers are naturally drawn here, as are sailors, poets, authors, and anyone inspired by a spectacular landscape. Trentino’s major centres, Trento, Riva del Garda, and Rovereto, aren’t necessarily the best places to stay in Trentino, but they’re lively cites, with memorable architecture that reflects the many cultures that have converged here: Austria, Germany and Italy. Our picks for the best places to stay in Trentino include fabulous mountain chalets, luxurious spa hotels, lake-side retreats, family-friendly ski resorts, and cosy B&Bs. And properties with some seriously incredible views!

If you’re heading to Trentino for the skiing, you’re probably en route towards the Sella Ronda, a spectacular wintersports hub and the start of a myriad of routes. We have recommended a couple of gorgeous ski chalets in Madonna di Campiglio, and some great ski hotels in Passo del Tonale and San Martino di Castrozza. Come the warmer months, the same areas are much loved by hikers, bikers and climbers. Between these alpine spots and the lake to the south, are a number of National Parks, including the Stelio National Park. There’s also the Non Valley, known for its high altitude apple growing, and the beautiful Sole and Sugana Valleys, the later the route of the old Roman road through the alps, the Via Claudia Augusta. This whole region is also known for its grapes, and the sparking wines produced from them, which is one of the reasons we recommend the best places to stay in Trentino to foodies, especially come autumn.

Riva del Garda is Trentino’s southern border, but the northern tip of Lake Garda, and definitely the most dramatic end. Riva del Garda is surrounded by rocky cliffs on three sides, with the serenity of the lake marking out the fourth. Turn corners in amongst Riva’s historic architecture and you’ll suddenly come upon breathtaking views. This is an obvious choice as one of the best places to stay in Trentino for a relaxing or romantic break, but it’s also surprisingly beachy and still a great choice for an active holiday — especially for families.

The Best Places to Stay in Trentino

For the Views

• The Biohotel Hermitage is in a picturesque spot, just outside of Madonna di Campiglio, a short shuttle-bus ride from town, and from the nearest ski lift. This hotel’s 25 rooms and suites have some of the best views around, overlooking a wooded valley, with peaks and glaciers beyond. All of the rooms have huge windows, and most have a balcony or terrace too. The restaurant has a Michelin star, and a fantastic wine list, while still managing to be family-friendly. Skiers will appreciate the impressive après-ski spa and food offering.
• Large and luxurious, the Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti is secluded within a wooded valley, but with spectacular views from the huge windows of its 88 rooms and suites. This is a stunning place to appreciate the majesty of the Dolomites. The spa is included in the name, and is as impressive as that accolade suggests, with a long treatment menu and beautifully designed facilities. The views from the hotel pool are really something, and the restaurant offers gourmet dining.

For Skiers

• La Mirandola is a charmingly rustic choice, close to the ski lifts in Passo del Tonale. If you enjoy the cosiness of chalet chic, La Mirandola may be for you, with its exposed stone walls, blonde-wood floors and exposed beams. The cavern-like restaurant is especially atmospheric, and the menu of local classics makes it an easy choice for guests. There’s also a spa, and a terrace with a view. 29 rooms and suites, including family-sized options.

For Chalet Charm

• Madonna di Campiglio’s Boutique Hotel Diana is a charming chalet style hotel, with a fairytale tower, plenty of blonde wood inside and out, and an extensive spa. Its 27 rooms and suites are all unique. When it comes to practical facilities, we like the Hotel Diana for its warm welcome, spa facilities and superb restaurant.
• The Hotel Chalet del Sogno is another charming chalet in Madonna di Campiglio, built from local stone and plenty of blonde wood. Its 18 rooms and suites are very spacious, with pine detailing, and private balconies. The restaurant offers hearty, family-friendly fare in a welcoming atmosphere — ideal for groups as well as families. There’s an excellent spa with a pool and sauna. Just 25 metres from the piste.

For Romance

• The Villa Orso Grigio is magically positioned on the top of a hill, overlooking the Val di Non, and the alps beyond. Outside the beautiful villa-style building are park-like gardens, and each of the ten rooms and suites has its own private little section. The rooms are all individually decorated, with traditional alpine touches like wood-panelled walls, tapestries, and weighty, cosy fabrics. Some of the rooms have their own harman too. The hotel also has a pool, an elegant lounge and cigar room, and an excellent restaurant specialising in traditional local fare. Secluded feeling, but still very convenient for skiers or walkers.
• Madonna di Campiglio’s DV Boutique Hotel is our pick for style: a 20 room boutique-style hotel with carefully designed rooms featuring plenty of wood, leather and furs, plus an excellent spa and restaurant. We love the cosy bar, and favour rooms with private balconies with wonderful views, plus private saunas and wood stoves. It’s romantic, but family-friendly too.

For Families

• The Alp & Wellness Sport Hotel Panorama is dreamily positioned in Far della Paganella, surrounded by the Dolomites. Its 59 rooms and suites offer affordable luxury, with lots of natural materials in natural, muted colours. As well as romantic choices the hotel has some excellent family-sized suites. There’s an indoor pool, and an outdoor pool, clay tennis courts, a spa, and a fine-dining restaurant. Parents will appreciate the local ski school, kids club and babysitting service. The hotel also offers tennis coaching, and use of their e-bikes.
• The Hotel Letizia is a quintessentially traditional chalet in San Martino di Castrozza, at the foot of Pale di San Martino ski slopes. If your taste runs to wooden panelling and pine furniture, gingham and chintz, balconies overlooking the alps, cosy lighting, local alpine cuisine, and open fireplaces, the Hotel Letizia is probably just up your alley. There are 34 rooms and suites, some with magnificent pine four-poster beds, and some large enough to fit your family. There’s also an excellent spa and hamman, and a kids club.

For a Rural Retreat

• The Chalet Alpenrose is a cosy chalet within the boundaries of the Stelio National Park. The alpine views are second to none, and while the traditional chalet-windows aren’t huge, there are plenty of wonderful vantage points. Inside you'll find lots of pine, including decorative pine ceilings in some of the 19 rooms and suites, exposed beams, and plenty of quaintly carved, honey-coloured furniture. The sun deck, spa and sauna are all great places to relax, and there’s a Tyrolean restaurant.
• The Hotel Elda is positioned between Lake Garda and the Dolomites, surrounded by lush, green views. This is an eco-friendly hotel, with just 17 rooms and suites, simply decorated in a pale colour scheme, with the odd bit of design furnishing. We like the cosy lounge with its open fire. The restaurant has an Eastern European twist. Inside there’s a spa, and outside there’s a pool.

For an Active Break

• Garni on the Rock in Arco is the perfect spot if you are into climbing! You can show off your skills on the perpendicular rock face behind the property or check out the indoor boulder room. Rooms are minimal, with great mountain views. There’s also a spa with a hammam and sauna, perfect for after climbing. The hotel has guest bikes too.

For Great Value

• The Hotel Garni Laurino is a fabulous country house hotel in the pretty, rural town of Cavalese. Converted from a charming villa, the hotel now has 12 guest rooms, which include doubles, suites and whole apartments, all decorated with comfortable, contemporary simplicity. The communal areas are more historic, with wonderful original tile stoves, wood-panelled ceilings and walls, and plenty of original artwork. The largest apartments sleep up to six, and have everything you need to self-cater. Outside, the hotel has a huge garden, and just beyond the town is the Paneveggio Natural Park, with its hiking trails up mountains and past waterfalls.
• The Hotel Caffe Centrale is a great value choice in Mezzocorona, in the heart of the Dolomites. The handful of rooms are light, yet cosy, decorated with plenty of white paint and blonde wood. Our favourites have incredible views of the mountains. If you're here for the slopes you’ll be grateful for the spa, complete with sauna, steam bath, whirlpool bath, and a pool. We also rate the restaurant and its wine list.
• The Villa Kofler is a romantic choice in Campitello di Fassa. Its rooms are decorated in a range of styles, all with flair and contemporary detail. Guests also benefit from a large spa, and an Asian fusion restaurant. Great for skiers.

Best B&Bs

• Magically positioned at the foot of the Dolomites, with a particularly awe-inspiring crag the main view from some of its windows, the Stella Alpina is both spectacular and very affordable. There are just five rooms, including two apartments with kitchens, which are ideal for families. You are five minutes walk from a connection to the Sella Ronda ski region — or walking and cycling region in summer. There’s no restaurant, but they do offer breakfast, and they have an excellent wine cellar.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Villa?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• There are a number of airports you could consider for access to the Trentino region, and a number of large railway stations as well. Milan’s airports: Bergamo Airport, Linate and Malpensa, are just to the south, as is Verona-Villafranca. Venice’s Marco Polo Airport, is to the east, and Innsbruck Airport is to the north.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• If you’re planning to visit Trentino for the ski season the good news is that there are a number of high altitude resorts here, and the ski season runs between mid-December and April in some places. There are plenty of reasons to visit Trentino in the summer too, and not just the Dolomites and the Sella Ronda, or Trentino’s spa towns. There’s Lake Garda and the wine regions around its northern shore, and miles and miles of walking and riding trails marked out across this spectacular scenery. Autumn brings the harvest, and plenty on the plate for foodies.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could refine your search to the best places to stay on Lake Garda
• Or even further to the best family hotels on Lake Garda, the most romantic hotels on Lake Garda, the best places to stay in Riva del Garda or Arco
• If you’re looking for a ski resort, consider the best places to stay in Madonna di Campiglio
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.