Chalet Hotel Hermann, Sölden, Austria

Location was great for us as situated above the town meaning great views and quiet at night - truly appreciated on New Years eve when we were able to watch the fireworks display from the balcony and avoid the somewhat raucous behaviour exhibited in the centre. Not ski in ski out and walk to the nursery slopes in ski boots takes a good 10/15 minutes but from there you can ski down to the gondola or catch the funicular that runs until 11pm. You can ski back down a red and off piste across a field but only for those more advanced. The number 56 bus runs from outside the hotel and Mike kindly gives lifts, alternatively a taxi up the hill costs E10. Rooms were simple and traditional in decor. We had four rooms and the one on the top floor was noticeably quieter, however the views from all were fantastic. Like the rest of the hotel rooms were kept clean and tidy and the 'fact of the day cards' were a nice touch. Every member of our party requested an additions, pillow after the first night as initially you're only given one and even with two you somewhat sink through! Only slight gripe would be the towels as unless requested are not changed and are very small in size. Bar was great, good choice of drinks that can be put on tab and paid at the end of the week. Lounge area was recently decorated, clean, modern and comfortable. Dining area was good, we found the table we were first allocated a little cold and by the next night Clare sorted this and brought in extra heaters. Spa didn't seem to be used frequently but for no negative reason as the sauna and steam rooms were lovely. Staff really helped make our holiday. All were lovely and very attentive (particularly topping up wine at dinner!). All the barman was great (so great he was over the river) and the traditional style bar became our evening hq. Thanks Al for keeping us entertained in an evening! Other thanks to William who waited our table most evenings and made us feel very welcome from day one and offered some great advice on the best runs/off piste areas and nightlife. Breakfast as you'd expect, choice of cereal, fresh bread or the daily hot. We didn't use the device but on offer for E6 was a poste picnic. We ended up spending E40 on lunch each day in various mountain restaurants so this could be a good alternative. The restaurant at the top of the gaislachkoglbahn had extensive choice but between 12-1.30 was nigh on impossible to find a table. Afternoon tea including cake and soup served at 4 was a pleasant welcome home and very much appreciated. Dinner is where the chalet really shone. Each evening, bar the first, you are given the menu for the following night to chose from and are thus given a degree of choice to suit individual taste. No meal could be faulted, sincerest compliments to the chef; best food we've experienced on a ski holiday. Special mention to the five course banquet on New Years eve, catered for by only 4 kitchen staff - amazing! We were lucky to have great snow all week and unlike other resorts we've visited during peak season, did not face lengthy ques at lifts (tip:Giggi lift much busier than thr gaislakokl). Definitely recommend the day trip to Obergurgl that can be reached via the free ski bus or E15 pp for a pre arranged coach that picks up at 8.30 and drops off at 6. Transfer was seamless and we were met by Clive who offered some helpful advice on the short (bonus!) transfer from Inspnsbruck to Sölden. The glacier was only open 2 out of 6 days we skied as lifts are quick to close in wind or snow so make the most of the fantastic runs up there if you get a blue sky day! Overall this is a lovely traditional chalet hotel and really made our holiday more enjoyable and comfortable. Nothing was too much trouble and service was with a smile. Definitely recommend and If we didn't venture to new resorts each year would certainly return.

Apres-Ski 5/5
Accommodation & Value 4/5

Dingle

Booking with Iglu Ski was easy and straightforward. Was met at the resort airport by Total ski. We preferred to get our own lift passes as we didn’t want to ski every day due to the weather forecast and wanted to buy the resort insurance at the same time but was repeatedly asked both on the coach and at the welcome meeting why we didn’t want to buy from them, they used hard sale tactics and even asked for our names to report back to their manager! This did cause us some upset. The staff in the chalet were very nice and helpful but the quality of the food and cooking wasn’t good. Which was why we choose to eat out for the last 3 nights. Our room was basic, in need of updating but was clean and had sufficient storage. The free shuttle bus from the chalet to the ski lift was very good and the driver was very helpful. There were lots of children in the chalet who were left to their own devices running up and down the stairs and corridors screaming and shouting, then all congregating outside our door whilst their parents were in the bar! We only went to the sauna once, used towel were left on the seats.

Apres-Ski 4/5
Accommodation & Value 3/5

Margaret