Escape the Ordinary: Uncover Hidden Gems in Austria's Post-Pandemic Solden
Escape the Ordinary: Solden After the Apocalypse (Almost!) - My Honest Austria Adventure
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a trip to Solden, Austria, post-pandemic (or, y'know, still-pandemic-but-we're-pretending-it's-over-ish) and wanted to give you the lowdown, warts and all, on what "Escape the Ordinary" actually means in this little slice of Tyrolean heaven. This review is going to be messier than my suitcase after packing it, but hey, that's real life, right? And if you're even THINKING about chasing a little slice of mountain air, you NEED to know the deal.
First, the Big Picture: Accessibility, Accessibility, Accessibility… And Then Some!
Let's rip the band-aid off first: Accessibility is key in a mountain town. And Escape the Ordinary? They're making a solid effort. Elevators are a lifesaver. I’m not a wheelchair user (thankfully!), but I saw enough elderly folks and families with prams to know this place gets it. The website and promotional material were pretty vague about actual wheelchair accessibility in the restaurants and lounges, a bit of a bummer, and I’d recommend calling ahead to get a clear answer. And let's be real, navigating the cobbled paths sometimes requires a little… creative route planning. But the fact they're trying is worth a nod.
Internet? Yeah, They've Got It (Mostly)!
Okay, I'm a digital nomad wannabe and a complete Wi-Fi addict. So, the Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms! was music to my ears. And guess what? It actually worked. Most of the time. Sometimes the connection hiccuped, especially during peak hours, which was a bit of a drag when I needed to upload those epic mountain Instagram stories (priorities, people!). Internet [LAN] was also available, which I didn't use but some people who need rock-solid connections for remote work might find it a godsend. Wi-Fi in public areas also, worked pretty reliably, though sometimes I did feel like I was competing with the entire population of Solden for bandwidth.
Sanitation Station: Were My Eyes Bleeding?
Post-pandemic travel is a minefield of sanitizer and awkwardly-spaced tables. But I will say this: Escape the Ordinary nailed the sanitation game. Anti-viral cleaning products, rooms sanitized between stays, staff trained in safety protocol (and actually wearing their masks!), hand sanitizer everywhere – it felt… safe. Like, a real, genuine effort. I even noticed Daily disinfection in common areas and they were rooms sanitized between stays, which brought peace of mind. The Sanitized kitchen and tableware items are a plus. They were also offering individually-wrapped food options which was helpful. The Safe dining setup was a nice touch. This is one area where they seriously impressed.
The Real Deal: Food, Glorious Food!
Okay, the food. Let’s talk food. Because after hiking all day, you need fuel. And Escape the Ordinary had some serious options. The breakfast buffet (yes, a Breakfast [buffet]!) was pretty standard, but with a good selection – European cold cuts, pastries, eggs cooked to order. Breakfast service was reliable, but some days I felt a bit like I was fighting off the hungry horde to get to the bacon! The Asian breakfast and Asian cuisine in restaurant options which i didn't try were interesting, I hear. They also had Western breakfast which I enjoyed.
Now, the Restaurants… oh, the restaurants! The A la carte in restaurant was delicious I think. I tried the schnitzel and it was heavenly – perfectly crispy and not at all greasy. The Desserts in restaurant were to die for. Forget your diet, just go and eat them! Speaking of which, the Vegetarian restaurant was well-appreciated. One thing that made me sad was that they didn't have a separate Coffee/tea in restaurant. But what I enjoyed was the International cuisine in restaurant that they served (very delicious) I also could enjoy the Western cuisine in restaurant. The Poolside bar and Happy hour was something the hotel was known for, and I would say it was a great place to hang-out. I also enjoyed the Snack bar and the Soup in restaurant.
The Relaxation Factor: Spa Days and Mountain Views
Alright, time to unwind. This is where Escape the Ordinary really shines. The Spa/sauna was a highlight. Seriously. I spent a good chunk of my time in the Spa, flitting between the Sauna and the Steamroom, sweating out all the stress. They also had a Pool with view (an Swimming pool [outdoor] and an Swimming pool) which was great for those times were I wanted to relax. I did not see the Body scrub or Body wrap. I had an amazing Massage, I mean Massage. Heaven. Pure, unadulterated heaven.
Fitness? Yes, They Have a Gym – But I Preferred the Mountains!
Okay, real talk: I'm not a gym bunny. But they do have a Fitness center, which looked pretty well-equipped. I stuck to the Gym/fitness for my workout. But honestly, the stunning alpine landscape is your gym. I prefered the mountains.
Things To Do (Beyond Just Chilling):
- Hiking: Duh. This is Solden! You can hike from the hotel or catch a lift up. Breathtaking views, and well-marked trails (mostly).
- Skiing/Snowboarding: If you go in winter, the slopes are legendary. I went in the summer so I unfortunately missed all of this.
- Just… Breathe: Seriously, sometimes the best thing to do is just find a quiet spot and stare at the mountains.
The "Meh" Bits:
- Room size: My room was fine, but not huge. It felt like it had everything I needed, and that's a plus.
- Soundproofing: the Soundproof rooms were great, until the people above started their own rave at 3 am. Annoyingly sometimes.
- Extras: I would say the room decorations could be better, and I was missing a Mirror.
The "Wow" Moments:
- The Views: Seriously, the views from my room (a High floor one) were out of this world. Waking up to those mountains every morning was worth the price of admission alone.
- The Staff: They were genuinely friendly and helpful. The Front desk [24-hour] was a godsend, especially when I locked myself out of my room (more on that later…).
And Now… The Big Sell! (Because You Deserve a Vacation!)
Here's the Deal: Book NOW and Get Ready to "Escape the Ordinary" in Solden!
Tired of the same old, same old? Craving adventure, relaxation, and soul-stirring views? Then Escape the Ordinary: Uncover Hidden Gems in Austria's Post-Pandemic Solden is calling your name!
- Guaranteed Peace of Mind: We're taking your safety seriously! Enjoy peace of mind with our rigorous sanitation protocols, trained staff, and flexible booking options.
- Unforgettable Alpine Adventures: Hike through stunning landscapes, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and experience the magic of the Austrian Alps. Then recover at our Spa!
- Delicious Dining: From hearty breakfasts to gourmet dinners, our restaurants will tantalize your taste buds. And grab a cocktail at the poolside bar!
- Unrivaled Relaxation: Melt your stress away in our spa, with massages that will leave you feeling renewed and refreshed.
- Family & Couple-Friendly: With the Couple's room option, we guarantee a romantic experience.
Book directly on our website and get a 10% discount on your stay! Plus, receive a complimentary bottle of local wine in your room upon arrival!
Don't just dream about your next vacation. Make it a reality. Escape the Ordinary.
Click here to book your Solden adventure TODAY!
(Limited availability. Act fast!)
Vung Tau's Hidden Gem: Triple-T Homestay - Unbelievable Views & Luxury!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average travel itinerary. This is… well, it's me trying to survive a week in Apart Corona, Sölden, Austria. Prepare for chaos, questionable decisions, and the unvarnished truth.
The "Almost Died of Exhaustion" Edition: Sölden, Austria, December 2024
(This itinerary is, of course, subject to change. Translation: I'll probably screw it up. Repeatedly.)
Day 1: Arrival & Altitude Hilarity (aka "Pancake Face and Panic Attacks")
- Morning (Probably): Arrive at Innsbruck Airport. Landed alright, which is already a win after the flight I took. Grab a pre-booked transfer (god bless pre-booking, really). I swear, the driver will look like a mountain goat, which is both reassuring and terrifying.
- Afternoon (Hopefully): Get to Apart Corona. Unpack. Immediately realize I packed all the wrong things. (Seriously, where’s the warm hat? The good one?) The apartment looks lovely online, pray to god it's the same in person.
- Early Evening: Explore Sölden. Walk around. Stumble into the village center. The air is thin… and possibly laced with something fancy. I'm already breathing like a Victorian maiden with the vapors. My heart rate will probably hit a record high, and I suspect a mild altitude-induced panic attack.
- Evening: Dinner at some traditional Austrian place. Pray for something hearty, because I am STARVING. Seriously, I might gnaw on the table. Consider ordering a "Schnitzel" (the size of my head). Attempt to appear sophisticated while devouring said Schnitzel.
- Night: Bed. Bed. Bed. Fall asleep immediately, likely drooling. Pray I don't have to get up to use the bathroom.
Day 2: Skiing? More Like "Falling Down the Hill" (and Loving It) - Take a deep breath!
- Morning: Up early-ish. Breakfast: cereal that I'll likely spill on myself. Gear prep: struggle into ski boots (they are the devil incarnate), and pray my rental skis aren't older than I am. Head up the gondola. The views should be breathtaking. My fear? More breathtaking.
- Mid-Morning: First ski run. Expect to resemble a drunken penguin. Probably eat snow. Possibly yell obscenities. Swear that I will never attempt this again. Immediately love it. I'm so in over my head.
- Lunch: Find a mountain restaurant. Eat way too much cheese and sausages. Consider adding a schnapps to make me feel better.
- Afternoon: More skiing. More falling. More laughing. Trying to find "The Perfect Run". It doesn't exist, btw.
- Evening: Apres-ski! Find a bar. (The bar with the live music). Drink gluhwein. Dance terribly. Bond with my fellow ski-bumming brethren. Regret all my life choices.
- Night: Take a taxi back. Dinner at a pizza place. Try to act like I am not injured… probably.
Day 3: "Ooooh, That's Pretty" vs. "Please Let Me Live!" - Going up higher.
- Morning: Decide to ski the Big 3. (I think that's what it's called. Don't quote me.) It's going to be epic. (Or epically cold. Or both.)
- Mid-Morning: It is frigid. The views are stunning. I can barely breathe and my fingers are numb. I am on top of the world! Maybe I'll live!
- Lunch: Take the lift down and go to a restaurant on the bottom. I will recover, or die trying.
- Afternoon: Hit the slopes again. Realize maybe that's not possible.
- Evening: Back to the apartment: Hot shower. Possibly cry because my muscles ache. Eat as much pasta as humanly possible.
Day 4: "Spa Day! (Maybe)" & "Mountain Misery"
- Morning: Plan: Visit the Aqua Dome. (If I can actually make the drive.) Prepare for some serious relaxation.
- Mid-Morning: Try to go to the Aqua Dome. I get lost and I'm so angry. Decide to ditch it and go skiing.
- Lunch: Stop at a little ski hut and order a pizza. It's perfect.
- Afternoon: One more run. Everything hurts.
- Evening: Dinner at some random Gasthof. Drink a beer. Watch the snow fall. Swear I'm going to live here.
Day 5: The Deep Dive - AKA "Getting Lost in the Woods"
- Morning: Decide to try snowshoeing. (I've seen pictures, read about it. Looks easy, right? Wrong.)
- Mid-Morning: Get horribly lost in the woods. Panic. Take a few selfies to commemorate my potentially final moments.
- Lunch: Wander my way back to civilization. Eat something filling.
- Afternoon: Go skiing (again). Decide I am actually good at this now.
- Evening: Relax. Drink a beer, eat a bratwurst.
- Night: Try not to think about tomorrow. Just want to relax.
Day 6: "Farewell Sölden (For Now)"
- Morning: One last ski run. It will be glorious, or I will fall over.
- Mid-Morning: The run was great.
- Afternoon: Pack. Cry. Say goodbye to the mountain.
- Evening: Pizza. Beer. Think about all the things I should have done/could have done/didn't do.
- Night: Sleep.
Day 7: Departure & Delusional Bliss
- Morning: Final breakfast. Transfer to Innsbruck. Probably miss my flight because I wanted one last "Apfelstrudel."
- Afternoon: On the plane. Tired. Sore. Sunburned (somehow). Reliving all the moments and feeling a strange sense of accomplishment.
- Evening: Arrive home. Crash. Dream of Austria.
My (Very Important) Notes:
- Food: I will eat everything. I will try everything. I will judge everything.
- Weather: Pray for sun, but pack for anything. Austrian weather is notoriously fickle.
- Language: My German is terrible. Accept this. Please don't laugh at me.
- Photography: I will take a million photos. Most will be blurry.
- Emotional state: Expect a rollercoaster.
- The most perfect moment: Every moment of being in the mountains.
- Remember: This is just a guideline. The real adventure is always the unexpected stuff!
And that, my friends, is my "plan". Wish me luck. I'm going to need it. And maybe a therapist when I get back.
Luxury Quezon City Condo w/ FREE Pool! (Manila, BR)
Soelden Post-Pandemic: Let's Get Real. (An FAQ for Those Brave Enough)
Okay, seriously, is Soelden *actually* worth it post-pandemic? Like, is this even a good idea? My cousin raved about it, but he also thinks pineapple belongs on pizza...
Alright, deep breaths. Here's the deal: Soelden is…a mixed bag. Pre-pandemic, it was legendary. Partying, epic skiing, the whole shebang. Now? Well, things are different. First things first: yes, it's *absolutely* worth it if you want a ski trip that's more than just 'meh'. My cousin, bless his heart, might have a point. But, and this is a big but, manage your expectations. The vibe is… tempered. The apres-ski isn't the free-for-all bacchanalia of old (thank goodness, maybe). But the mountains themselves? Still breathtaking. The skiing? Potentially the best of your life. It depends on what you're after. If you crave isolation and quiet contemplation, maybe not. If you want to *ski* your face off and then enjoy a slightly more… subdued beer…then hell yeah.
What about the crowds? I’m picturing a mosh pit on the slopes. Tell me it’s not as bad as I think.
Okay, let's be real. There *are* crowds. It's Soelden! It's popular. But it's not a complete free-for-all. The pandemic seems to have, surprisingly, thinned them out *slightly*. The biggest bottlenecks are usually at the gondolas first thing in the morning – expect a queue. I vividly remember one morning, almost missed my first lift because of a rogue toddler who decided the queue was a personal climbing frame. Luckily, the parent was apologetic, and the whole queue laughed. Mostly. If you're smart, you'll aim to be on the first lift, or take the early morning gondola. Mid-week is generally better than weekends. And honestly, once you're up on the mountain, it spreads out. You'll still have room to breathe and, crucially, turn without running over someone. (Mostly).
Okay, so the skiing. Is it actually... good? (I need specifics!)
The skiing? Oh, *that's* the good bit. Seriously, the skiing is phenomenal. The sheer vertical drop is mind-boggling! The terrain is incredibly varied, covering everything from gentle blues for the beginners to challenging blacks that'll make your quads scream. I'm talking about the kind of skiing where you can feel the burn in your legs all the way down. The glacier skiing is epic, offering guaranteed snow even when other resorts are struggling. I’m a fairly decent skier and spent a glorious afternoon chasing powder stashes off piste (with a guide, of course! Safety first, folks!) It was the kind of day that makes you want to throw your skis in the air and yell with joy (which I may or may not have done). I also had a truly humbling experience when a 8-year-old showed me up on a particularly steep run. Humbling, I tell you! Plan your route, and be prepared to adapt to changing conditions. But yes, the skiing is definitely, 100%, *good*. Excellent, in fact.
And the food? Because after a day on the slopes, I NEED sustenance. Tell me it's not all schnitzel and potatoes.
Alright, food is a serious business. Schnitzel and potatoes *are* present, in abundance. And they're actually pretty darn good when you're starving. But Soelden has upped its game. You can find everything from traditional Austrian fare to surprisingly good pizza (though I still wouldn't trust the pineapple). I remember one day, I stumbled into a small, unassuming mountain hut. It looked a bit like a converted shed, to be honest. Honestly, the menu looked good. The food? Oh my god. I had a goulash that was so rich, so flavorful, I closed my eyes and just… *inhaled* it. It felt like a warm hug. The views were incredible. I actually went back the next day. The quality does vary, from truly exceptional to a bit… well, functional. But explore! Don't just stick to the main gondola restaurant. Do your research. And for god's sake, try the Apfelstrudel. You won't regret it. Just… be prepared to loosen your belt a notch or two. Maybe three.
The accommodation… Is it going to be a cramped, overpriced, ski-in-ski-out nightmare? (Budget is a thing, sadly.)
Accommodation is… a mixed bag, as with most ski resorts. Budget is definitely a factor. You can find everything from charming guesthouses (Pensionen) to swanky hotels with all the bells and whistles. The key is to book *way* in advance, especially if you're trying to snag a good deal. The closer you are to the lifts, the pricier it gets, obviously. I stayed in a lovely little family-run place. It wasn’t fancy, the decor was a little… rustic. But the breakfast was amazing, the owners were incredibly friendly and helpful, and it was a short walk to the gondola (and the all-important après-ski). It was perfect. Do your research, read reviews, and be realistic about your budget. It's possible to find something decent without breaking the bank – just don't leave it to the last minute.
What about Après-Ski? I heard it can be legendary. Is it back?
Alright. This is where things get… complicated. The pre-pandemic Soelden was famous for its *wild* apres-ski. Think dancing on tables, liters of beer, and generally a whole lot of enthusiastic revelry. Now? It's… different. Things are *definitely* more subdued. Masks, restrictions, and general pandemic anxieties have taken their toll. But is it dead? No. Not entirely. You can still find some lively bars and clubs (check out the Philipp) and a decent party. You just need to know where to look. I’m getting older. I felt it was less of a priority. I was more interested in hot chocolate, a nice meal. But my friends were still up for it, and they’re a bit more…enthusiastic than me. They said it was still good. But, you know, don’t expect the absolute mayhem of the pre-Covid days. It's still there. But it’s… tamer. Embrace it for what it is and have a good time! Or, if you’re like me, embrace the quiet evenings!
The Hidden Gems. Spill the tea! What secret spots should I absolutely, positively NOT miss?
Okay, listen up, because I'm about to share some secrets. The *true* gems of Soelden are often tucked away, off the beaten path. Forget the mega-gondolas for a day. Take a bus to a smaller village up the road. Explore. Find a little mountain hut that isn't crammed with tourists. Seriously, it’s all about the off-piste experiences. I’Hotel Explorers
