Set before a breathtaking backdrop of snow-covered peaks, Das Central is located amidst the majestic Ötztal Alps in Sölden, Austria. These groomed slopes are reliably powdered and welcome families, couples and avid skiers who can ski by day and spa by night. Non-skiers can also immerse themselves in the wide variety of après-ski activities and the warmth of Das Central hotel, a luxurious hideaway that epitomises sophistication and tranquillity.
The Vibe
There’s a cool and stylish rusticity about the coffee and pistachio decor that runs throughout the hotel. You can flop on one of the comfy sofas arranged around an open fire after a day of energetic skiing, or float around the elegant bar area for a well-deserved aperitif. The individually designed rooms are spacious and offer marvellous mountain views enjoyed from the suite’s sumptuous beds.
Situated on different floors, the “Gamskogl” double rooms were fully renovated in 2015, partitioning the bedroom area and the modern bathroom with an extraordinarily large window that is essentially a transparent wall. The bath sits at a curved angle, perfectly positioned within the scale of the glass wall so that you can unwind with a view.
The Restaurants
Ötzaler Stube
Recently awarded two toques by Gault Millau, Ötzaler Stube is just one of the many restaurants within the hotel encased in a pine-lined parlour. You must without a doubt try the Kaiserschmarrn (chopped sweet pancakes), a long-running Austrian favourite. Accompanied with a refreshing local white, the potato ravioli with roasted onions and succulent celery also goes down a treat.
Feinspitz
The gourmet tasting menu at Feinspitz offers several typical Austrian delights beyond the usual wiener schnitzel, including wholesome pea soup topped with crème fraîche as well as home-grown vegetables which work as a side or a starter. You can expect cold-pressed juices, homemade jams, farmhouse bread and Alpine-hut butter lazily served in here until 10:30 am for breakfast in the comfort of “casual luxury” (the hotel’s mantra).
Fondue
Conveniently located right next to the wine cellar, this homely basement chalet serves up some serious fondue paired perfectly with a cracking selection of the hotel’s local wines. The menu includes a substantial selection of bites to dip in and out of the hot pot, from Bourguignonne meat to breadsticks, olives, pickled onions and soft bread. The fruity fresh Pino 3000 is fantastic with cheese-coated veal followed by a generous glass of the classic Austrian Riesling from the Steingraben vineyard.
ice Q
Outside of its walls, Das Central is the brains behind ice Q, an ethereal restaurant with a spectacular backdrop of the Alps that will take your dining experience and expectations to a whole new level of luxury. Located 3,048m above sea level, the 900-square architectural masterpiece was transformed into a futuristic hospital named “Hoffler Klinik” – a place where Bond’s opponent Blofeld, played by Christoph Waltz, forged his sinister plans. Look forward to a tantalising tapas menu as well as a vast selection of the finest champagnes.
The Spa
You can expect fabulously smooth skin and a glowing complexion after your stay at Das Central thanks to the hotel’s three-story Wasserwelt Venezia. Let yourself be carried away in the soporific healing waters and get steamy in the dizzying array of different saunas and steam baths after an active day on the slopes. In classic Austrian style, the dress code is naked, natürlich, so no need to bring your cossie.
If your muscles are particularly sore, opt for one of the Das Central signature treatments, including a mesmerising 50-minute massage tailored to your preferences.
The Wine
Awarded “Best Wine Hotel in Austria 2016”, wine lovers will be very pleased to learn that Das Central is home to over 30,000 bottles of various wines. Guests can also enjoy a tour of the hotel’s abundant wine cellar riddled with liquid gold. Here you will learn about the maturation process of Pino 3000, created from two oak wine barrels of the very best Pinot Noir from three different vineyards in Austria and Germany. The wine is then matured at an altitude of 3,000 metres, giving it its fruity fresh aftertaste and its signature elegance.
Pleasure seekers look no further! Das Central also hosts the annual wine and gourmet festival, Wein am Berg, welcoming renowned chefs and wine growers from around the world to celebrate delectation in its finest form. The festival will be running between the 25 – 28 April 2019 and you can read more about the hotel’s exciting packages here.
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