In Sölden, in Tyrol, hotel Das Central effortlessly combines Alpine luxury and relaxation. Between powder descents and panoramic hikes, you stroll around in boots or sneakers before donning your chic outfit for a Michelin-starred dinner. Top-tier rooms, a Rooftop Summit Spa in levitation, a monumental wine cellar, and gourmet addresses perched at over 3,000 m: here is a joyfully detailed review of this five-star hideaway that knows how to play the card of great comfort… without ever taking itself too seriously.
An Alpine address with relaxed chic
Nestled in the heart of the village of Sölden, but sheltered from the hustle and bustle of the main street, Das Central embodies what five-star hospitality has of warmest. A family-owned establishment for 55 years, now headed by Angelika Falkner, the hotel embraces a style of “day on the slopes, glamorous at night.” And the adventure is literally on your doorstep: in winter, you access a domain of 145 km of slopes served by 31 state-of-the-art lifts; in summer, it’s 1,600 km of marked trails that crisscross the Ötztal. In short, you breathe, you climb, you slide… then you savor.
Rooms and suites: cocoons with a view
The 125 rooms and suites, all individually decorated, play with natural textures and contemporary lines. Junior suites open to the peaks, Wellness suites with private spa areas, and spacious penthouses up to 105 m²: everyone finds their nest. After the 2023 renovation, 31 brand new rooms and suites have joined the collection, increasing the choice without altering the cozy soul of the place.
Let’s head to the Wellness suite Söldenkogl: elegant wood, mineral tones, and large bay windows overlooking the stream. The balcony stretches above the Ötztaler Ache and Söldenkogl, featuring a genuine private spa: sunny veranda and a sauna just for you. The bathroom checks all the happiness boxes: Italian shower, deep bathtub, double sink, natural cosmetics Valentina & Philippa… and even a heated Japanese toilet seat (yes, the mountains can be high-tech). Additionally, there are Wi-Fi, TV, safe, Nespresso machine, fluffy bathrobes, spa bag, slippers… and a hiking backpack ready for the next day’s escape.
Rooftop Summit Spa: at the pinnacle of well-being
Perched on the 4th and 5th floors, the Rooftop Summit Spa turns heads. Its star? A 17 m infinity pool seemingly floating above Sölden, complemented by a whirlpool on the sun terrace and light-filled relaxation areas. On the warmth side, the Summit Sauna Area features an animated Finnish sauna, a bio panorama sauna, a salt steam bath, and a cold plunge pool facing the peaks. For the daring, cryotherapy at -110 °C promises fast regeneration (and a little heroic chill).
Also included is an indoor pool on the ground floor, designed like a Venetian winter garden, and an Adults only basement floor dedicated to well-being, featuring a selection of seven saunas (including infrared, tepidarium, and ice cave). The more energetic will head to the Summit Cardio Fitness (5th floor), equipped with Technogym and a terrace for sunlit workouts, before seriously building muscle in the strength center of 120 m² on the lower level.
Exceptional dining: from breakfast to stars
The day begins with a gourmet breakfast and then, in the evening, it’s time for the tasting menu of five courses at the Feinspitz restaurant. Antipasti and salad buffets, attentive service, and sometimes a visit from Angelika Falkner herself, who comes to inquire about guests’ enjoyment.
For high-flying cuisine, you settle at the Ötztaler Stube, Michelin-starred. Chef Stefan Speiser prepares a seasonal, locally sourced, and sustainable cuisine, concluded with formidable desserts. The food-wine pairings navigate between Austria and the world, eagerly drawing from the cellar, a true treasure chamber: over 30,000 bottles from seven countries and forty regions.
A more intimate atmosphere awaits at the Marend Stube, with pine woodwork, heart-sculpted chairs, and a menu that is both traditional and comforting. During the day, head to the Summit Bistro & Bar for snacks, and to the Bar & Cigar Lounge for sipping in the glow of embers.
Elevated gastronomy: Ice Q and other altitude hangouts
The indulgence continues at the peak. Hop on the Gaislachkogl gondola to reach Ice Q, perched at 3,048 m in a spectacular glass cube. The spot, featured by James Bond in Spectre, claims the title of the highest gourmet restaurant in the Alps. At the intermediate station, beyond 2,000 m, the restaurants FALCON (à la carte and market) serve regional classics, with a very good selection of vegetarian and vegan options.
Slopes, trails, and 007 within reach
In winter, you carve on 145 km of slopes thanks to 31 ultra-modern lifts. In summer, you wander through 1,600 km of hiking and mountain biking trails. The hotel provides a direct shuttle to the gondolas, with the Giggijoch and Gaislachkogl stations about 500 m away. At the top, the 007 ELEMENTS experience offers a cinematic immersion into the Bond universe and the behind-the-scenes of Spectre. You go up for culture… and come down with stars in your eyes.
For whom, how much, and how to get there
Demanding families, couples seeking romance, and seasoned adventurers will find their happiness here. Prices start around 250 € per person per night in half-board, based on double occupancy. As for access, Innsbruck airport is only an hour’s drive away, with direct flights from London operated by British Airways and EasyJet. Arrive, drop your bags, and head out to enjoy the mountain: the arrangement is simple and effective.
The details that make it all
What remains in mind, beyond the chandelier? A sincere atmosphere of a family home, the kindness of the teams, the hiking bag ready to go, the heated Japanese toilet that brings a smile, and the rare sensation of transitioning from an active day to a gourmet evening with a snap of the fingers. Between refined comfort and sporty freedom, Das Central finds a terribly seductive balance.
Wanderlust? Also to read
To best prepare for your escape (and bonus points), here is a clever guide to travel credit cards 2025. If you prefer the sea spray to the snow, head to the new hotels on the Basque coast. Winter sun enthusiasts will eye the hotel gems of the Canary Islands, while aesthetes will leaf through a panorama of luxury hotels where travel becomes pleasure. And for a parenthesis with a Belle Époque charm, slip into the Royal Émeraude.
