Review: Hotel Das Central Sölden (Austrian Alps)

Wednesday newsletters always feature a hotel or flight review.

Today: Review of Hotel Das Central Sölden (Austrian Alps)

Hotel website: Hotel Das Central Sölden
Location: Google maps

Five-star Hotel Das Central is the height of luxury in Sölden, one of Austria’s most famous ski villages. The property is just steps from the village center and 10 minutes from the ski lifts (complimentary shuttle service is provided). Each of the 121 rooms and suites are unique and exude luxury, yet retain Tyrolean charm. There’s lots to love for foodies too, from the sumptuous breakfast buffet to five-course evening feasts. If you really want to spoil yourself, try the à la carte restaurant Ötztaler Stube which has a Michelin star. Spread across three floors, the hotel’s Venetian-themed features saunas, steam baths and relaxation rooms – plus, an indoor pool with frescoes of gondolas on the walls. In addition, the adults-only rooftop summit with its outdoor infinity pool is the perfect spot to soak up the winter scenery after a day on the slopes.

Hotel Das Central Sölden features in my top 10 list of the best luxury ski hotels in Austria.

Have you ever stayed at Hotel Das Central Sölden ? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.

In this review of Hotel Das Central Sölden (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

Das Central is the best luxury hotel in Sölden, a world-renowned destination for alpine enthusiasts, boasting more than 145 kilometers (90 miles) of meticulously groomed ski slopes. The town sits at an altitude of around 1,368 meters (4,488 feet), providing crisp mountain air and panoramic views of Austria’s stunning peaks. Its strategic location allows access to the BIG 3 Ski Area, which includes three 3,000-meter (9,843-foot) peaks that can be conquered in a single day—a must for adventurous skiers and snowboarders. Beyond winter sports, Sölden offers a lively après-ski culture with vibrant bars, cozy cafes, and diverse restaurants. In summer, the town transforms into a paradise for hikers, mountain bikers, and nature lovers, making it a year-round destination. Staying at Das Central places guests in the heart of this alpine hub, with easy access to natural wonders, cable cars, and local attractions like the James Bond exhibition, ensuring breathtaking alpine panoramas and nonstop adventure are always within reach.

Hotel Das Central’s architectural and interior design tells a story of evolution. The hotel originally embodied classic alpine charm, with warm wood paneling, stone accents, and cozy, traditional spaces. In recent years, the hotel underwent a careful redesign, merging its alpine tradition with contemporary, luxurious elements. The result is a harmonious blend of rustic charm and modern elegance. The newly renovated interiors feature soft natural materials, muted color palettes, and innovative lighting that accentuates the alpine backdrop. Every detail—from bespoke furniture to panoramic windows—was designed to immerse guests in both comfort and visual splendor. The hotel’s Summit Spa, a multi-million-euro rooftop wellness facility, reflects the same philosophy: combining the serenity of nature with cutting-edge luxury, offering a sanctuary high above Sölden with uninterrupted mountain views.

Hotel Das Central has been family-owned and operated since 1969 by the Falkner family, creating an atmosphere that is both intimate and luxurious, where every guest feels valued rather than just another reservation. Unlike corporate hotels, Hotel Das Central emphasizes personalized service, with staff anticipating needs—from arranging ski equipment and local excursions to remembering room preferences—making each stay feel truly tailored. The Falkner family’s philosophy centers on authenticity and connection, fostering a sense of belonging while supporting the local community through collaborations with regional farmers, artisans, and producers. By combining local culture, personal attention, and genuine hospitality, Das Central’s owners ensure that every aspect of the guest experience—from dining and relaxation to alpine adventure—is infused with the spirit of Sölden.

Hotel Das Central Sölden offers 121 rooms and suites, each designed to combine alpine coziness with high-end sophistication. The rooms range from compact yet luxurious double rooms to spacious penthouses with expansive terraces overlooking the Ötztal Alps. Many suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing guests to enjoy stunning mountain sunrises without leaving their beds. Every room is equipped with modern amenities, including underfloor heating, smart TVs, high-speed Wi-Fi, and luxurious bath products. The interiors feature natural wood, soft textiles, and a neutral color palette designed to provide a calming retreat after an action-packed day on the slopes. For families, some suites offer interconnecting rooms, ensuring both comfort and privacy. During my visit, I stayed in the ‘family suite deluxe Nederkogl’, which offered two spacious, elegantly designed bedrooms, a living space, and a balcony (with sauna) overlooking the stunning Ötztal Alps.

Located on the ground floor, Hotel Das Central’s original spa area is a unique blend of Alpine and Venetian design, creating a whimsical yet luxurious wellness experience. The centerpiece is an indoor pool styled like a Venetian canal, complete with a mural of gondolas for a playful, immersive experience. Guests can stroll across a replica of St. Mark’s Square, surrounded by arches, fountains, and carefully crafted décor, transporting them to Italy while remaining in the heart of the Alps. Additional adults-only facilities include saunas, steam baths, an ice grotto, and relaxation lounges, providing multiple ways to unwind. The spa also offers a variety of treatments, from massages to facials, incorporating locally sourced ingredients and aromatherapy. The design and amenities make it more than just a spa—it’s an experience that blends cultural storytelling with ultimate relaxation.

Taking wellness to a new level, the Summit Spa is Hotel Das Central’s latest addition. This fabulous rooftop facility offers panoramic views of Sölden’s peaks, combining breathtaking scenery with luxury treatments. Guests can enjoy an outdoor infinity pool and Jacuzzi, multiple saunas, and a variety of relaxation lounges designed to maximize comfort and serenity. The rooftop spa’s design emphasizes natural light, open spaces, and organic materials, creating a seamless connection with the surrounding landscape. It’s the perfect place to relax after skiing, hiking, or sightseeing. The Summit Spa houses several treatment rooms. Signature treatments include alpine-inspired massages, aromatherapy sessions, and hydrotherapy circuits, all designed to rejuvenate the body and mind while providing unforgettable views of the Alps. The Summit Spa also features an innovative highlight: a cryo chamber with temperatures plunging as low as -110°C (-166°F).

Five-star Hotel Das Central Sölden boasts three excellent restaurants, designed to satisfy every palate. Seasonal and regional influences dominate the menu, ensuring that every dining experience feels authentic and rooted in Sölden’s culture.
- Awarded with one Michelin star, Ötztaler Stube is the hotel’s signature restaurant. The restaurant features warm wooden interiors, stone accents, and soft lighting, creating a welcoming atmosphere that evokes the charm of the Ötztal Valley. The set menu comprises five or seven courses, with a vegetarian version also available on request. The dishes draw on modern influences to showcase regional culinary tradition, featuring locally sourced ingredients such as Längenfeld salmon trout or fallow deer from Sölden.
- Feinspitz, the main restaurant, is located next to the lobby. Each morning, a gourmet breakfast is offered at Feinspitz, featuring a generous selection of freshly prepared egg dishes, wholesome mueslis, a variety of artisanal breads, a tea bar with over 20 varieties of premium teas, and a juice bar. For dinner, Feinspitz transforms into a sophisticated gourmet experience; guests can choose from a 5-course menu, featuring both classic and innovative dishes, alongside a daily rotating vegetarian menu. A generous salad and antipasti selection provides light and fresh options for dinner, while weekly gala nights and dessert buffets offer indulgent highlights.
- The hotel’s Fondue Restaurant – open on selected nights only – offers a cozy and convivial alpine dining experience, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Guests can savor a variety of cheese, meat, and chocolate fondues, all prepared with high-quality local ingredients.
- The hotel’s impressive wine cellar provides a curated collection of rare wines, ideal for tasting experiences or pairing with multi-course meals. Over 30 000 bottles are stored in the cellar! The oldest bottle in the hotel’s vault is the one-century-old Chambertin, produced in 1918. The Romannée-Conti Grand Cru produced up to the 1989 vintage, and the Masseto collection, dating back to 1990, are only a few of the exclusive selections.

One of Hotel Das Central’s greatest advantages is its excellent location, just steps away from Sölden’s ski lifts and the renowned BIG 3 Ski Area. Guests can easily walk to the Giggijochbahn (10 min stroll) or take the hotel’s convenient shuttle service, cutting down travel time and maximizing time on the slopes. The ski area offers approximately 145 kilometers (about 90 miles) of pistes, ranging from challenging black runs for expert skiers to gentle blue and red slopes for beginners and intermediates, as well as exciting off-piste options for adventurous snowboarders and freeriders. The ski arena is dotted with mountain restaurants, cozy huts, and panoramic viewpoints, where skiers can enjoy hearty meals, hot drinks, and traditional Tyrolean delicacies while taking in breathtaking vistas of the surrounding peaks.

For guests seeking convenience and alpine cuisine directly on the slopes, Hotel Das Central manages three mountain restaurants in the Sölden ski arena.
- Perched atop the Gaislachkogl peak, Restaurant ice Q is an architectural masterpiece and a must-visit for fine dining enthusiasts. Known internationally as a James Bond filming location, ice Q serves gourmet cuisine in a dramatic, modern setting with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing 360-degree mountain views. Adjacent to the restaurant, a chic tapas bar offers lighter bites, sharing plates, and cocktails, providing a more casual yet equally scenic lunch option.
- Situated mid-mountain, Falcon Restaurant combines modern design with alpine charm. Its menu features fresh, flavorful dishes, from soups and salads to Tyrolean classics, offering quick yet high-quality meals for skiers and snowboarders. The restaurant’s panoramic windows and terraces provide sweeping vistas of the Ötztal Valley, allowing guests to enjoy both the cuisine and the spectacular alpine scenery.
- Just a short ride from Das Central, Wirtshaus am Giggijoch offers a cozy alpine atmosphere with traditional Tyrolean cuisine. Guests can enjoy hearty dishes like schnitzels, roasted meats, and seasonal specialties, all made with locally sourced ingredients. The sunlit terrace provides breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, making it a perfect stop to relax and refuel during a day on the slopes.

Sölden gained international recognition as a filming location for the James Bond film “Spectre,” drawing fans of the franchise from all over the world. At the top of Gaislachkogl, the 007 ELEMENTS exhibition offers a truly immersive cinematic experience, featuring Bond-themed displays, interactive technology, and behind-the-scenes insights into the making of the film. Visitors can explore recreated sets, view iconic props, and learn about the high-tech stunts and filming techniques that brought the movie to life against the dramatic backdrop of the Ötztal Alps. Guests of Hotel Das Central can reach the exhibition conveniently via cable car, making it an ideal half-day excursion that combines adventure with entertainment. The hotel also offers special packages and guided tours tailored for James Bond enthusiasts, ensuring that visitors can experience the exhibition in comfort while still enjoying Sölden’s world-class skiing, hiking, or wellness facilities

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

One point to note is that, while the Hotel Das Central is ideally located in the heart of the village of Sölden and close to the lifts, it is not ski-in/ski-out. The hotel sits in the town center and requires either a short walk or use of the hotel’s shuttle bus to reach the gondolas.

Another consideration is the merge of design styles throughout the property. Hotel Das Central describes itself as combining “traditional Tyrolean Alpine lifestyle with a contemporary twist” in its theme. On the one hand, this means many rooms and common spaces are thoughtfully styled with high-quality materials, luxurious touches and modern wellness amenities. On the other, for travelers seeking a wholly consistent aesthetic (for example strictly modern minimalist, or strictly rustic Alpine), some may find the mix of rustic wood-paneled or chalet style elements alongside sleek modern design to feel less cohesive.

Hotel Das Central Sölden is firmly positioned in the luxury segment, with exceptional gastronomic credentials and an impressive wellness offering — from its extensive wine cellar to fine dining options and a world-class spa. However, with such a broad range of facilities and a relatively large capacity of 121 rooms, it can at times feel a touch busier than a truly boutique retreat. This is especially noticeable in the Feinspitz Restaurant, the hotel’s main dining room, which is beautifully designed but expansive in scale. During peak dining hours, its size and lively atmosphere can feel less intimate than smaller gourmet venues, slightly tempering the sense of secluded exclusivity that some discerning travelers might prefer.
The central location in Sölden offers both great advantages and subtle trade-offs: being central in the village means easy access to shops, restaurants and the resort atmosphere. But this also means you may be closer to village bustle (especially during peak times or for après-ski) rather than tucked away in a wholly isolated alpine hideaway. Guests valuing quiet solitude might prefer a more remote mountain lodge location

MY VERDICT

Location: 8/10
Design: 8/10
Pool: 9/10
Rooms: 8/10
Food: 9/10
Breakfast: 9/10
Spa: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Wow factor: 8/10
Value for money: 9/10
Overall experience: very good – 8.7/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

Save money: read here my tips for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel like Hotel Das Central Sölden (and/or receive many free perks).

Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit Sölden largely depends on the type of experience you’re seeking. For skiing, the prime season runs from late November to early April, when the resort’s two glaciers guarantee excellent snow conditions and the full mountain atmosphere is in swing. January through March offers the most reliable snow and lively après-ski scene, though mid-January or late March can provide a slightly quieter, more refined experience with fewer crowds and premium service still in full force.

If you prefer a more tranquil alpine escape, late June to early September is ideal. During summer, the Ötztal Alps transform into a lush playground for hiking, biking, and spa retreats, with September standing out for its calm ambiance and golden mountain scenery. Shoulder months like May and October can be peaceful and good value for wellness-focused stays, though some lifts and restaurants may be closed outside the main seasons.

HOW TO GET THERE

Reaching Hotel Das Central in Sölden is straightforward and scenic. The hotel sits in the heart of Sölden village, about a one-hour drive from Innsbruck Airport or roughly three hours from Munich or Zurich. Guests arriving by train can travel to Ötztal Bahnhof (34 km away) or Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof, from where private transfers, taxis, or hotel-arranged shuttles provide easy onward travel into the valley. Those driving will find well-maintained alpine roads leading directly to Sölden—just remember to purchase an Austrian motorway vignette before entering toll roads.

PHOTOS

Below is a selection of my photos from Hotel Das Central Sölden. To view more (including breakfast as well as dinner at the Michelin-starred restaurant), click here.