The Credentials
In a region where hotels sprout up like edelweiss, Das Central stands tall.
First opened in December 1969, with a five-star rating, and a newly acquired Michelin star for its restaurant Ötztaler Stube, the hotel’s impressive credentials include awards and accolades too numerous to list. A combination of old-school alpine luxury, juxtaposed with glossy state of the art contemporary spa, Das Central is a benchmark for five-star hotels in the Dolomites.
Sleep
I was lucky enough to test-drive one of the newest and best suites in Das Central, the aptly titled Wellness Suite Söldenkogl. The bed was a highlight, with such smooth and soft linens getting up was quite the challenge. A large adjoining bathroom, with his and hers basins, two-person bath and rainforest shower were topped only by the addition of an in-room private sauna. With both Finish and Infrared options, and a glass wall overlooking a fast-flowing river, it was possibly my favourite spot in the hotel. Said sauna had three adjustable options: Bio-Sauna (65°C), Finnish Sauna (90°C), and Infrared (up to 45°C).
Various lighting circuits throughout the Wellness Suite allowed for everything from ambient to ‘lost-something-and-running-late-to-check-out bright’. The design was sleek and modern; clean lines and uncluttered surfaces, with a clear focus on comfort and relaxation. The Wellness Suites have both their own balconies overlooking a babbling brook below, and, adjacent to this, a sort of indoor balcony – a glass cube reading nook, suspended over the brook and projecting out from the room, insulated with thick glass walls for warmth and silence – in case you’re the sort of person upset by the sound of gushing water gurgling below.
Dine
Das Central has three fabulous onsite restaurants. You can enjoy a gourmet breakfast and a 5-course menu in the hotel restaurant Feinspitz, or fine dining in their acclaimed restaurant Ötztaler Stube. Recently awarded a Michelin star, alongside its three preexisting Toques, their standard dinner is either a modest five or more splendiferous seven-course affair, consisting of such haute cuisine delicacies as alpine caviar, skrei cod and scallops with kaffir lime, turbot with crispy chicken skin, wild garlic and morel, king oyster mushroom with radish, seaweed and ponzu, and lamb with lingonberries, turnip and rosemary. This all followed with a selection of sweet delicacies, and paired with an (optional) wine flight from the hotel’s extensive cellar.
If you fancy a more rustic alpine experience, their third restaurant, Marend Stube is a more intimate, traditional, pine-panelled room, with traditional heart-carved wooden chairs and a menu shared with the Das Central Bistro.
The Crowd
The clientele at Das Central is a vibrant mix of Europeans united in their passion for snow sports and penchant for luxury. You’ll encounter a lively blend of affluent families, couples seeking a romantic escape, and seasoned adventurers eager to conquer the Dolomites’ renowned slopes. Conversations revolve around the latest ski runs, the best après spots, and the thrill of carving through fresh powder.
The Spa
Surrounded by majestic three-thousand-metre peaks, the new Summit Spa is the perfect antidote to the gruelling demands of the slopes.
With its Summit Infinity Pool with mountain panorama – 17 meters long and 17 meters above ground level – you can float your troubles away above the rooftops of Sölden. There’s also a rooftop whirlpool with sun terrace.
Inside, there are light-flooded relaxation rooms with panoramic windows, in addition to the Summit Sauna Area, with a new brine steam bath, cold-water plunge pool, a Finnish event sauna, and a bio-panorama sauna. The architect has really taken advantage of the mountainscape, allowing for uninterrupted views in almost every direction.
The glossy new spa is a standout feature of Das Central, with an optional menu of additional therapies to soothe and rejuvenate. I opted for a facial, which was a masterclass in relaxation. A combination of gentle exfoliation, nourishing masks, and expert massage left my skin soft, lifted, and revitalised.
Out & About
The Dolomites are a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities, and, with regular private shuttles to and from the gondolas, Das Central is well-placed to take advantage of this. The hotel is situated just 5 minutes from the slopes of Sölden, with access to over 150 kilometers of pistes. The skiing is world-class, with something for every ability. The hotel can arrange ski lessons, equipment rental, and guided tours, making it easy to get the most out of your time on the mountain, whether a total beginner, or black-run regular. And when the day is done, the hotel’s spa and wellness centre is the perfect place to unwind.
Or, if you’d rather unwind in a more energetic manner, there are weekly afternoon DJ parties at Giggijoch, a sort of party-pitstop halfway down the mountain – the perfect pre-supper lubricant on the descent back down to Das Central.
If you’re after an altogether more civilised affair, may I recommend a restaurant good enough for Bond himself! After a morning on the slopes we took lunch at Ice Q, a futuristic solid glass cube perched on the side of a mountain. Featured in the Bond film Spectre, it has a gravity defying steel and glass exterior. Ice Q’s angular lines and sharp edges a contrast to the white organic peaks of the Dolomites. Lunch was exquisite, with a focus on modern, innovative cuisine and local ingredients, with expertly paired wine.
The views from the restaurant were breathtaking, with the hairpin alpine roads of the car chase scenes in Spectre directly below.
The Best Thing
The private in-room sauna, or the phenomenal restaurant – Ötztaler Stube is fully deserving of its newly-acquired Michelin Star.
The uninterrupted views of snowcapped mountains through the glass walls of the gym felt like a scene from Succession. But, equally, star-floating amongst billows of steam on a rooftop was an elegant way to start the day.
Testament to Das Central’s impeccable service, I’d accidentally left something at the hotel, only realising when I was about to board the plane home. In horror, I emailed them, and received said item airmailed to London just days later.
All in all, a first-rate hotel, offering first-rate food, surrounded by first-rate skiing.
The Details
www.central-soelden.com/en/; Wellness Suite Söldenkogl from 660 Euros/night
Innsbruck Airport is just 1 hour away by car and BA and easyJet fly from London to Innsbruck.
