recommendation for a stay in the Dolomites?

My preference is for Val Gardena (Ortisei is the larger village). But anyplace will do. Rick Steves pushes Castelrotto, which is not technically on the Dolomites and much lower down the valley and is unknown to most Italians. He must have his reasons for putting the place on the map, maybe he was bribed by the local tourist office, who knows. However from Ortisei you can drive down to Castelrotto in 15 minutes if you want to see it.

We stayed here and highly recommend it. No bribes taken.:)
http://www.uhrerhof.com/eng/index.php
This is a family-owned and operated small hotel. It includes a spa area and lovely grounds.
The rate included an excellent breakfast and an outstanding multi-course dinner every night. It is on top of a hill in a small, small village called Bulla. If you have a car this is the perfect place. You can hike or explore all day and then return to your apartment-sized room, sit on your balcony looking out over the valley and then go down to an exquisite meal. There is a grocery store in Ortisei (at the bottom of the hill) where you can stock up on basics should you want them.

ah, thank you both. Just a 4 hour drive from my base location, Poggio Alla Croce. Looks great TravelMom

Hi,

We loved our two stays in the Alta Badia at the Ciasa Montanara in La Villa.
www.montanara.it
www.altabadia.it

The Val Gardena also makes an excellent base. We stayed in St. Christina at the Garni Ariston.
www.garniariston.com

For something truly spectacular drive a pass or two or three. The Gardena Pass, between the Val Gardena and the Alta Badia is a truly amazing drive.

Paul

right up my alley Paul. I LOVE mountain driving!

Well, if you love mountain driving, you hit the jackpot by picking this area of the Dolomites! By basing in either the Val Gardena or Alta Badia, you have easy access to these terrific Dolomite Passes:
Gardena, Sella, Pordoi, Campolongo, Falzarego and Giau for starters. Based in either location, you could do an easy loop day trip covering these four passes... Gardena, Campolongo, Pordoi and Sella.

This may interest you:
www.alpineroads.com

Paul

great suggestions Paul , thank you! Me and my stick drive Peugeot 308 will have a lot of fun

Hotel Grones in Ortisei was a wonderful experience for us. The rooms were large and nicely appointed and we had views of the valley and some mountain peaks. Dinner was included and it was of a very high level. I can't imagine that you'd find any place better to eat at night. We loved Ortisei and rode gondolas and took a rail up to the mountain valleys above the town. Highly recommend the town and Hotel Grones.

I second the Hotel Grones and Ortisei. The Val Gardena is amazing. The family who runs the Hotel Grones are the most hospitable people you will ever meet. If you go get the dinner plan, the food is delicious and inexpensive for the quality.