Review: COMO Alpina Dolomites (Italy)

Luxury Travel Expert

1 month ago

Wednesday newsletters always feature a hotel or flight review.

Last month, I spent a lovely weekend in Italy’s Dolomites, one of the world’s most spectacular mountain ranges. You can read my trip reports here:

Review: Skyalps DASH DHC-8 Q400 from Antwerp to Bolzano
Review: 5-star COMO Alpina Dolomites Hotel (today)

Review: COMO Alpina Dolomites (Italy)

Hotel website: COMO Alpina Dolomites
Location: Google maps
Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso

Set on Europe’s highest alpine plateau, COMO Alpina Dolomites represents a bold evolution of alpine hospitality that seamlessly merges contemporary design with the raw beauty of northern Italy’s high mountains. Since opening its doors under the stewardship of the globally respected COMO Hotels and Resorts, this property has rapidly gained fame as a destination in its own right — shortlisted in the Michelin Guide with a one Michelin Key for its exceptional hospitality. From sunrise over wildflower meadows to the final light fading behind jagged peaks, the hotel feels deeply connected to its dramatic surroundings while delivering the refined service and comfort expected of a five-star retreat. Guests can enjoy complimentary guided hikes and elevated alpine pursuits including e-bike tours, heli-skiing, paragliding and ice climbing. Dining spans an Italian trattoria inspired by regional tradition and the health-focused Sassolungo Restaurant. An excellent COMO Shambhala spa completes the experience, positioning the hotel as one of the Dolomites’ most compelling luxury addresses.

COMO Alpina Dolomites features in my top 10 lists of the best luxury hotels in the Dolomites and the best COMO Hotels & Resorts in the world.

Have you ever stayed at COMO Alpina Dolomites? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.

In this review of COMO Alpina Dolomites (more info and photos below my YouTube video):

Pros & things I like
Cons & things to know
My verdict
Tips for future guests & save money
Best time to visit
How to get there
Photos

Pros & Things I Like

Overlooking the towering Sassolungo and Sasso Piatto peaks, COMO Alpina Dolomites commands one of the most privileged positions in the region. Located on Alpe di Siusi — also known as Seiser Alm — the hotel sits atop Europe’s largest high-altitude plateau, a vast expanse of meadows and mountain ridgelines. Set within South Tyrol’s Val Gardena area of northern Italy, Alpe di Siusi is a destination in its own right: in summer, wildflower-strewn pastures and panoramic hiking trails stretch for miles; in winter, the plateau transforms into a pristine gateway to skiing and snowshoeing. From the hotel’s doorstep, guests can step directly onto cable cars and trail networks connected to the renowned Dolomiti Superski circuit — a playground suited to seasoned skiers and first-time alpine explorers alike. Elevated above the valley floor on a hillside, the 5-star hotel ensures that every moment — from breakfast to après-ski — unfolds against a backdrop of sculptural rock formations that define the Dolomites’ iconic skyline.

The story of COMO Alpina Dolomites begins in 2010, when the property first emerged on the high plateau of Alpe di Siusi. Midway through construction, the Bernardi family stepped in to take over the project, shaping it into a contemporary alpine hotel that quickly became a respected address in the Dolomites. For more than a decade, they operated the property with a hands-on approach, building its reputation among discerning travelers seeking panoramic views and modern mountain comfort. A new chapter began in 2023, when Singapore-based COMO Hotels and Resorts acquired a 90 percent stake in the hotel, marking its first move into the Alps. By December of that same year, COMO had secured full ownership, purchasing the remaining shares and setting the stage for a comprehensive repositioning. This transition signaled more than a change in management; it represented a strategic evolution, aligning the property with COMO’s global portfolio of refined retreats.

The architecture and interiors at COMO Alpina Dolomites have always favored clean, modern lines over rustic nostalgia, yet the recent redesign — led by the in-house team at COMO Hotels and Resorts — has given the property a sharper, more confident aesthetic. Where public spaces were once wrapped in taupe and caramel tones, they are now reimagined in shades of teal and blue that echo alpine skies and the shifting hues of distant peaks. The update lends the lounges and communal areas greater visual depth while preserving the building’s signature openness and natural light. Stone, timber and expansive glass walls remain fundamental to the architecture, framing uninterrupted views of the Dolomites and reinforcing a powerful connection to the outdoors. The overall result is a contemporary alpine design — one that feels distinctly different in a region where most hotels rely on traditional chalet-style architecture and decor.

The layout of COMO Alpina Dolomites is thoughtfully conceived to maximise both views and convenience. Guests arrive into a spacious lobby that extends into a bar with multiple lounge areas — some arranged around a central fire pit — with floor-to-ceiling windows framing uninterrupted vistas of the Dolomites. The lobby space opens onto an expansive outdoor terrace that overlooks the surrounding peaks and rolling meadows — a spectacular setting for morning coffee or sunset aperitif. This central level forms the social heart of the hotel, with two of the three restaurants also located here, allowing for an easy transition from drinks at the bar to dining at the restaurants. An underground walkway connects the main building to a wood-clad rotunda housing the third restaurant and the ski room, which offers direct slope access in winter. The hotel’s 60 rooms are spread across three floors, all with panoramic mountain views. One level below the lobby, the light-filled spa, gym, yoga studio and boutique complete the self-contained alpine retreat.

With 60 rooms and suites across the main building and adjacent chalet wing, each room at COMO Alpina Dolomites comes with quality fabrics, calm tones, artisan woodwork, and floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the outdoors in. During my visit, I stayed in a Mountain Room, which offered an expansive bedroom with a lounge area. A private balcony opened to sweeping views of Alpe di Siusi, basking in sunlight throughout the day. The ensuite bathroom was thoughtfully designed, with double wash basins, a separate toilet cabin, a walk-in shower, and a deep soaking bathtub stocked with signature COMO Shambhala toiletries. A comfortable sofa in the bedroom could be converted into a bed for one additional adult or two children, making the room a practical option for small families. Adding a personalized touch, guests are invited to select either sweet or savory local snacks as a welcome amenity on arrival, reflecting the hotel’s attention to detail and guest experience.

The wellness experience at COMO Alpina Dolomites is centered on the COMO Shambhala Spa, offering a comprehensive range of treatments and facilities for relaxation, recovery, and overall well-being. The spa includes a heated 22 m (72 ft) indoor pool and a 7 m (23 ft) outdoor pool, both family-friendly, alongside a dedicated adults-only area featuring Finnish and bio-herb saunas, two Kneipp basins, salt and aromatic steam rooms, ice fountains, invigorating showers, and quiet lounges. The latter spaces include one room with waterbeds and another with sofas and beds arranged to maximize panoramic mountain views. Nine treatment rooms provide massages, body therapies, and beauty rituals, many incorporating natural Alpine botanicals. Additional amenities include a Hay Bath room, an Aveda Coiffure salon, a fully equipped Technogym fitness center, a yoga studio, and a NASA-designed Space Curl 3D machine for spinal stretching and postural improvement.

Dining at COMO Alpina Dolomites offers a diverse and elevated culinary experience across multiple venues:
- Sassolungo welcomes guests each morning with an abundant buffet breakfast, while dinner menus highlight Mediterranean, regional, and international creations crafted from locally sourced ingredients, complemented by expertly paired wines or health-focused options from the COMO Shambhala Kitchen.
- For a taste of northern Italian culinary heritage, Trattoria Dell’Alpe draws inspiration from the rich traditions of Venice and Verona, offering fresh seafood, handmade pastas, and tender meats prepared with a creative balance of classic and contemporary techniques.
- The Alpina Chalet Grill & Bar, accessible both from the slopes and the resort, serves casual meals throughout the day, featuring steaks, gourmet pizzas, and a variety of Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a relaxed mountain setting.
- The Lobby Lounge, Bar & Terrace provides a warm, timber-clad environment for complimentary tea-time snacks, artisanal cocktails, or lively evening conversations, all framed by panoramic mountain views.

One of the defining strengths of COMO Alpina Dolomites is its year-round access to breathtaking outdoor pursuits. In winter, the hotel’s ski-in, ski-out access places you directly on some of the Dolomites’ most enchanting slopes, with opportunities for piste skiing, snowshoe treks, and guided downhill adventures across Val Gardena and beyond. The surrounding Dolomiti Superski circuit offers terrain for every ability, from gentle cruisers to adrenaline-fueled experts, and the concierge can arrange lift passes, private lessons, and personalized guides to tailor your alpine days. Summer transforms the plateau into a labyrinth of trails perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and picnicking amid wildflower meadows and cool high-altitude breezes. Guided excursions introduce guests to hidden alpine lakes, panoramic summit views, and culturally rich mountain huts serving hearty local fare. For those who prefer a more leisurely rhythm, options such as horse-drawn sleigh rides in winter or scenic cable-car journeys in summer provide gentle ways to absorb the landscape’s beauty.

The experience at COMO Alpina Dolomites reflects the principles of COMO Hotels and Resorts, a brand known for combining understated luxury with thoughtful service and wellness integration. Globally, COMO properties — including its flagship COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali — follow a philosophy centered on authentic experiences, connection to place, and attention to individual needs. At the Dolomites property, this approach is evident in personalized concierge services, bespoke wellness programs, and staff who offer support without intrusion, ensuring guests can engage with the mountains at their own pace. Travelers familiar with COMO will recognize the brand’s consistent standards of comfort and service, while newcomers will appreciate an atmosphere that is welcoming, calm, and attentive to both the natural environment and local culture. The ethos at COMO Alpina Dolomites emphasizes a sense of connection to the surrounding landscape, the traditions of South Tyrol, and the distinctive alpine environment.

Cons & Things To Know

One potential downside of staying at COMO Alpina Dolomites is its remote location. While the setting on Alpe di Siusi offers stunning alpine scenery and ski-in/ski-out convenience, it also means you’re somewhat isolated. Reaching the property can require a long transfer (especially from major airports like Innsbruck or Venice), and once there, dining and nightlife options outside the hotel are limited unless you’re willing to plan transportation carefully.

Another potential drawback — depending on what kind of stay you’re seeking — is that COMO Alpina Dolomites is very family friendly. While this is undoubtedly a positive for guests traveling with children, it can detract from the tranquil, spa-focused atmosphere that many associate with the COMO brand. During my visit, there were numerous families with young (and at times quite loud) children staying at the property. This noticeably affected the peaceful ambiance in the restaurants and, more significantly, at the main pool, where children often dominated the entire area. For guests specifically looking for a quiet wellness retreat, this can feel at odds with the hotel’s serene positioning. Although the spa includes an adults-only zone with lounges and saunas, there is no adults-only pool. IMHO, a simple solution — such as designating the main pool as adults-only during certain evening hours — could help strike a better balance between accommodating families and preserving the calm, restorative experience many guests expect.

Another subjective drawback is the interior design. The cool-toned, blue-heavy palette at COMO Alpina Dolomites may not appeal to everyone. While some guests will appreciate the clean, alpine-modern aesthetic, others may find the look slightly sterile or lacking warmth — particularly in a mountain setting where cozier, more traditional textures are often expected. Ultimately, this comes down to personal taste, but those who prefer a warmer, more Alpine driven design might feel the atmosphere is a bit impersonal.

More broadly, the hotel doesn’t clearly express a recognizable COMO design identity. Unlike brands such as Aman, Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, Rosewood, Soneva, or Six Senses — where you can usually recognize the brand through consistent design elements and a cohesive aesthetic — COMO hotels often vary significantly in style. This means that, while each COMO hotel has its own unique character, there isn’t a strong, unifying visual language that immediately signals “this is a COMO.” It’s not truly a negative thing, but for guests who appreciate a clear and consistent design identity across a hotel group, this lack of a distinct through-line may feel like a missed opportunity.

My Verdict

Layout: 8/10
Design: 8/10
Pool: 8/10
Rooms: 8/10
Food: 8/10
Breakfast: 9/10
Spa: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Wow factor: 7/10
Value for money: 7/10
Overall experience: very good – 8.2/10

Tips & Save Money

Save money: get complimentary VIP perks when booking COMO Alpina Dolomites through Virtuoso:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
- $100 USD resort credit, to be utilized during stay
- Early check-in / late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi

Save money: read here my tips for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel like COMO Alpina Dolomites (and/or receive many free perks).

Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit the Dolomites depends very much on what you’re hoping to experience. This is a region that reinvents itself beautifully with the seasons.

For hiking and alpine scenery, late June through September is ideal. Snow has typically melted from the higher trails by early July, mountain huts (rifugi) are open, and cable cars operate regularly. July and August bring the warmest weather and the most reliable access to high-altitude routes—but also the largest crowds and highest prices. If you value quieter trails and slightly cooler temperatures, September is often considered a sweet spot: stable weather, fewer visitors, and crisp, golden light as autumn begins to touch the landscape.

For skiing and winter sports, late December through March is prime season. Resorts around areas like Val Gardena, Alta Badia, and Cortina are fully operational, and the scenery becomes dramatically alpine. January — outside of holiday periods — can offer excellent snow conditions with fewer visitors than Christmas or February school breaks.

If photography, tranquility, and lower rates are your priority, late May/early June and October can be appealing shoulder seasons. That said, these months are less predictable: some lifts and huts may be closed, and weather can shift quickly.

How To Get There

To reach COMO Alpina Dolomites, you first need to travel to the Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) plateau in South Tyrol, northern Italy. Because the hotel sits directly on the plateau, and access roads are regulated, the final part of the journey requires some advance planning.

The most convenient airport is Bolzano Airport, which is served by SkyAlps with direct connections from select European cities. From Bolzano Airport, the hotel is approximately a 40-minute drive, making this by far the quickest and most seamless option when flight schedules align. Other nearby airports include Innsbruck, Verona, and Venice. Innsbruck is usually about 1.5 hours away by car, while Verona and Venice typically require between 2.5 and 3.5 hours depending on traffic and weather. From any of these airports, you can arrange a private transfer through the hotel, rent a car, or combine train travel with a taxi transfer.

If traveling by train, you should take a train to Bolzano (Bozen), which is the nearest major railway station. From there, the journey continues by car or taxi to the village of Siusi (Seis am Schlern). Access to Alpe di Siusi is regulated during much of the day, so guests either need to arrive within the permitted driving windows or take the Seis–Alpe di Siusi cable car. The hotel can arrange luggage transfers from the cable car station to the property.

If you are driving, it is essential to coordinate your arrival time with the hotel in advance due to the road restrictions. Guests staying at the property receive access permits, but these are time-specific and must be organized beforehand. Because of the plateau location and traffic regulations, contacting the hotel prior to arrival is strongly recommended to ensure a smooth and stress-free transfer.

Photos

Below is a selection of my photos from COMO Alpina Dolomites. To view additional images, including breakfast and dinner at the restaurants, click here.