Nestled in the serene, pine-clad landscapes of Sölden, Austria, stands the majestic Das Central Hotel. It’s a beacon of luxurious hospitality that masterfully blends traditional Tyrolean charm with contemporary elegance.
Celebrating over five decades of excellence, this 5-star haven is not just a hotel but an embodiment of Alpine luxury living.
A warm welcome awaited us as we stepped into Das Central, and we immediately felt at home. It set the stage for an experience where world-class luxury meets the cosiness of Tyrolean hospitality.
Whether you’re an avid alpinist, on a family ski trip, or a couple looking for a tranquil retreat with a touch of exclusivity, Das Central caters to all with its unique mantra: Alpine. Luxury. Life.
The hotel’s prime location in the impressive Sölden ski resort, only a stone’s throw away from the town centre and the ski lifts, is a perfect blend of convenience and scenic beauty.
Rooms and suites
Das Central’s 121 distinct rooms and suites, each a testament to opulence, are carefully designed to retain the essence of Tyrolean aesthetics while providing unparalleled comfort.
Our room felt like a unique sanctuary, meticulously crafted to provide an atmosphere of luxurious comfort, infused with high-quality materials and ample space for relaxation.
There are a variety of different room categories to choose from including:
- Double Rooms: 28-40 m² (301-430 sq-ft)
- Junior Suites: 40-50 m² (430-538 sq-ft)
- Wellbeing Suites: 50-60 m² (538-645 sq-ft)
- Family Suites: 60-70 m² (645-753 sq-ft)
- Presidential Suite: 200 m² (2,152 sq-ft)
The bed in our room was inexplicably comfortable, plus I loved the inviting relaxation area by the windows.
We had a small balcony which provided breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain vistas.
Our luxurious bathroom offered both a bathtub and shower, and the design beautifully complemented the room’s refined aesthetic.
If you have the budget and are looking for the pinnacle of luxury, I’d recommend booking into the Presidential Suite.
It’s complete with two bedrooms, a spacious living area, kitchenette, private wellness area, terrace with whirlpool, and south-facing mountain views.
Spa and wellness
For me, the real highlight of our stay was Das Central’s new Summit Spa. As you see the outdoor infinity pool for the first time, I challenge you not to gasp!
A sanctuary of serenity set high above the rooftops of Sölden, this exclusive spa experience offers an unparalleled escape. The interior design perfectly complements the natural beauty of the stunning setting.
The 17-metre-long infinity pool is a marvel – a swim felt like floating above the town while soaking in the breathtaking Alpine views. The whirlpool, with its sun terrace, is another highlight. It created the ultimate pool-and-mountain experience that is both rejuvenating and awe-inspiring.
The Summit Relax Area is a haven of tranquillity and I loved unwinding here after a day on the slopes. The light-filled room, complete with panoramic windows, offers cosy corners of privacy and an inspiring mountain vista.
It really feels as though they’ve thought of every detail, with fluffy blankets to snuggle up with and phone charging sockets. Plus, you can get a drink or bite to eat from the bar too.
My only slight grievance was that I really wished the relaxation area was adults-only. Nothing kills an afternoon of relaxation quite like screaming children!
Saunas & steam baths
We also loved the new sauna area, which features a brine steam bath, a refreshing cold-water plunge pool, a Finnish event sauna and a bio-panorama sauna.
For those seeking a more traditional sauna experience, Das Central’s existing sauna area offers seven different saunas and steam baths, accessible for ages 16 and over.
This includes a Finnish sauna, tepidarium, infrared sauna, hot stone sauna, brine steam bath, bio sauna, and a natural brine grotto with dry heat and infrared.
If taking to the slopes isn’t enough exercise for you, you can make the most of the epic fitness centre at Das Central. It’s equipped with over 120 square metres of the latest equipment from Technogym.
Food and drink
Led by the acclaimed 3-toque-awarded chef, Michaek Kofler, the dining experience at Das Central is truly impeccable.
Our days started with an indulgent breakfast buffet. It was complete with made-to-order eggs, fresh bread and pastries, cereals, meats, cheese and a whole host of regional produce.
I particularly loved the tea bar and juicing room, where you can whip up a nutritional juice to fuel a day on the slopes.
In the evenings we enjoyed tucking into exquisite dishes from the gourmet menu. Plus, there is a salad and antipasti selection on offer to enjoy between courses.
For wine aficionados, I know you’ll be in your element! With a cellar housing 30,000 bottles (yes, really!) and a list featuring 600 wine varieties, you will be utterly spoilt for choice.
The maître d’hôtel, Martin Sperdin, is on hand to guide you from local Burgenland to the esteemed vineyards of Burgundy.
For those seeking an extra touch of luxury, the Ötztaler Stube à la carte restaurant is a must-visit. Here, Chef Kofler’s unique creations will no doubt wow you.
Alternatively, you can immerse yourself in the cosy ambiance of a fondue evening in the wine cellar, surrounded by an impressive collection of wines.
Sölden ski resort
For me, Sölden stands as a real jewel among European ski resorts. Situated in the breathtaking Ötztal Valley of Tyrol in Austria, it’s renowned for its reliable snow conditions and impressive glacier skiing. In fact, the ski season often begins as early as September in Sölden!
Sölden boasts a vast ski area with 144 km of slopes, extending even further when including the nearby resorts of Obergurgl and Hochgurgl. It’s ideal for all ski levels, including beginners, intermediates and advanced skiers.
The resort features fast and modern mountain lifts, significantly reducing wait times and enhancing the overall skiing experience. Sölden’s prestige as a top skiing location is further solidified by hosting the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Opening.
The town of Sölden itself exudes a traditional Tyrolean charm, marked by its wooden buildings and a historic church at its heart.
It’s not just the skiing that draws visitors. The town is a bustling hub of social activity, with a plethora of restaurants offering diverse cuisines, lively bars, and clubs that promise an exhilarating après-ski experience.
For more information on the resort, have a read of my Sölden ski resort guide.
James Bond Elements & IceQ
Beyond its skiing accolades, Sölden gained international fame by featuring in the James Bond film “Spectre,” adding a touch of cinematic glamour to its already impressive resume.
007 Elements
I’d highly recommend a visit to the 007 Elements exhibition, located at the Gaislachkogel summit. Especially for any avid James Bond fans and movie buffs.
This cinematic installation is dedicated to the world of the iconic secret agent and celebrates the role of Sölden in the James Bond film “Spectre.”
The exhibition is designed to be an immersive experience, taking visitors on a journey through a series of galleries that showcase the creativity and innovation behind the Bond films.
Housed in a breathtaking architectural structure, 007 Elements blends seamlessly with its mountainous surroundings. It offers not just an insight into the world of espionage but also spectacular views of the Ötztal Alps.
Inside, you can engage with interactive exhibits that feature the making of “Spectre.” This includes original costumes, props, and behind-the-scenes footage, providing a fascinating glimpse into the making of a Bond film.
IceQ Restaurant
For an unmissable dining experience, I cannot recommend IceQ restaurant highly enough. Perched at 3,048 metres above sea level, the IceQ restaurant is a gem in Sölden’s crown, and also featured in “Spectre.”
With its contemporary glass façade, IceQ stands as a modern contrast to the rugged Alpine peaks, offering panoramic views that are as breathtaking as the cuisine.
The restaurant specialises in high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, creating dishes that are a fusion of traditional Alpine recipes and modern culinary techniques.
Every dish was sublime and the staff were brilliant at recommending perfect wine pairings for each course.
Watch our experience in my Instagram reel.
Final words
We had the most unforgettable stay at Das Central Hotel in Sölden and I would whole-heartedly recommend both the hotel and the ski resort to anyone.
I’d love to visit again – perhaps in the summer – as I felt like two nights wasn’t enough to fully experience all the wonders that this luxury lifestyle destination has to offer.
Das Central Hotel, Sölden, Austria offers double rooms from €200 per person per night, based on two people sharing on a half board basis.
I’d also recommend watching my Austria ski vlog, where you can gain more insights into our stay at Das Central Hotel, as well as our time in Hochgurgl:
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