Das Central

Das Central in Sölden, Austria, a distinguished Michelin Key One-Keys property, consistently garners high praise for its blend of luxurious Alpine charm and exceptional hospitality. This 5-star hotel is celebrated for providing a comprehensive and indulgent experience amidst the stunning Ötztal Alps.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Das Central generally receives "wonderful" to "excellent" ratings from guests, often being lauded as one of the best 5-star hotels experienced by many. The overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting a harmonious balance of luxury, genuine Austrian cordiality, and a design that thoughtfully mixes old and new elements.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several standout features:

• The Spa Experience: The "unbelievable" and "epic" spa is a major draw, particularly the new Rooftop Summit Spa with its 17-meter infinity pool that appears suspended above Sölden, offering breathtaking mountain views. There's also a Venetian-themed Water World with numerous saunas, steam rooms, and pools. The inclusion of activities like sauna infusions and Pilates is also appreciated.
• Exceptional Dining: The hotel's culinary offerings are a significant highlight, including a Michelin-starred restaurant and a vast wine cellar.
• Personalized Service: The staff's attentiveness, friendliness, and willingness to anticipate guests' needs create a highly pampered and welcoming atmosphere.
• Experiential Activities: Beyond relaxation, guests appreciate various activities, including BMW test driving and easy access to the 007 Elements cinematic experience.

3. Room Quality

Das Central offers 121 individually styled rooms and suites, designed to combine alpine coziness with high-end sophistication. Rooms are described as luxurious, spacious, and well-equipped, featuring wooden surfaces, earthy-colored fabrics, intuitive smart lighting, and Alpine-inspired toiletries. Many rooms boast balconies with panoramic mountain views. Amenities often include comfortable beds, coffee makers, and luxurious bathrooms with both walk-in showers and deep bathtubs, often featuring double washbasins and premium natural care products. Some higher-category suites, like the Wellness Suite Söldenkogl, even include private saunas and sunrooms. While generally praised, some feedback suggests that while spacious and well-equipped, the decor in some rooms could benefit from a "splash of colour, a statement artwork or even just a fancy throw" to enhance the "luxe appeal." There have also been mentions of some older rooms appearing "tired" and requiring maintenance, such as broken shower toiletry holders.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offers an exceptional and diverse dining experience.

• Feinspitz Restaurant: This main restaurant provides a gourmet breakfast buffet with a generous selection of freshly prepared egg dishes, artisanal breads, wholesome mueslis, a tea bar with over 20 varieties, and a juice bar. For dinner, Feinspitz transforms into a sophisticated experience with a daily changing 5-course menu, including a "heaven-sent" vegetarian option, alongside a comprehensive salad and antipasti buffet.
• Ötztaler Stube: Awarded one Michelin star and three Gault&Millau toques, this signature restaurant offers exquisite seasonal haute cuisine with locally sourced, sustainable ingredients, paired with an impressive wine list.
• Ice Q Restaurant: Located at 3,048 meters atop Gaislachkogl mountain, this futuristic glass restaurant provides breathtaking views of the Italian Dolomites and Germany's Zugspitze, alongside an exquisite 3-course or 4-course fine-dining menu.
• Wine Cellar: A "treasure chamber" boasting over 30,000 bottles from seven countries and 40 regions, with a sommelier available for tastings and pairings.

5. Service & Staff

Service at Das Central is consistently highlighted as a strong point, described as "exceptional," "competent," "accommodating," "very friendly," and "helpful." Guests often feel "pampered and spoiled" due to the personalized attention, with staff anticipating needs, from arranging ski equipment and excursions to remembering room preferences. The family-run nature of the hotel contributes to genuine Austrian hospitality and a welcoming, attentive atmosphere.

6. Location & Accessibility

Das Central is centrally located in Sölden, making it an ideal base for exploring the Ötztal Valley.

• Skiing: It offers direct slope access and a complimentary shuttle service to the Giggijoch and Gaislachkogl lift stations, which are approximately 500 meters away. Sölden is known for its extensive ski resort with 145km of slopes and efficient lift systems.
• Summer Activities: In warmer months, the area transforms into a paradise for hikers, mountain bikers, and nature lovers, with 1,600kms of marked hiking trails.
• Attractions: Nearby attractions include the Ötztal Alps, and the 007 Elements cinematic exhibition is easily accessible via the Gaislachkogl gondola.
• Transport: Innsbruck Airport (INN) is about an hour's drive away. While the central location provides easy access to shops and the lively village atmosphere, it can also mean being closer to the "bustle" during peak times, which might be a consideration for those seeking complete solitude.

7. Value & Pricing

Das Central is positioned as a luxury hotel. Double rooms can start from approximately €250 per person per night, based on a half-board basis. Average weeknight prices were noted around $655, with March typically being the most expensive month and November the cheapest. While many guests find the experience to be well worth the cost, some returning customers have recently questioned the justification of the high price due to perceived "slipping standards" in food variety and room maintenance.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, a few recurring criticisms have been noted:

• Perceived Decline in Standards: Some long-term returning guests have reported a perceived decline in certain aspects, such as less food variety at buffets and items running out, as well as some rooms showing signs of wear and tear.
• Liveliness of Main Restaurant: The main Feinspitz restaurant, while beautifully designed, can feel "busier" and less intimate during peak dining hours due to its large scale, which might temper the sense of exclusivity for some.
• Spa Etiquette for Children: While the Summit Spa's infinity pool is a highlight, the general pool and jacuzzi areas can sometimes become "loud and splashy" with children, potentially disrupting the relaxation for guests seeking quiet. The hotel does offer an adults-only sauna floor in the basement.
• Room Decor: Some guests felt that while spacious and well-appointed, the room aesthetics could be enhanced with more vibrant colors or statement artwork.
• Nudity in Spa Areas: As is common in German-speaking countries, Austrian-style nudity is practiced in some saunas and steam rooms. The hotel does acknowledge this and offers clothes-on options, but it's something guests should be aware of.

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