Viktoria Solden: Unveiling Austria's Hidden Gem!
Viktoria Solden: Unveiling Austria's Hidden Gem! (Or…Is It?) - A Raw & Real Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups. This isn't your typical polished hotel review. This is real life, unfiltered, and sprinkled with a healthy dose of Austrian angst. We’re diving headfirst into Viktoria Solden, that place that promised a mountain paradise… or maybe just a very steep disappointment. Let’s see, shall we?
**(SEO & Metadata Snippet: *Viktoria Solden Review, Austria Hotel, Solden, Ski Resort, Spa Hotel, Accessible Hotel, Family Friendly, Luxury Hotel, Restaurant, Breakfast, Wi-Fi, Fitness Center, Swimming Pool, Sauna, COVID Safety, Wheelchair Accessible, Room Review, Best Hotel, Austrian Alps*)
The Grand Entrance & That 'Accessibility' Thing… (Or Lack Thereof!)
First impressions? Viktoria Solden makes a statement. It’s… imposing. Like, the kind of place that makes you feel simultaneously impressed and utterly terrified of the bill. Finding the actual entrance felt like a scavenger hunt, though. And the accessibility… well, let's just say they try. The elevators were present, thank the heavens, but maneuvering a wheelchair everywhere would be a workout in itself. The website promised "easy access," but honestly? I felt a bit bamboozled. (Accessibility, Wheelchair accessible) The journey to some areas involved rather… creative routes. It made me appreciate the efforts, but also realize these are definitely not the most accessible spot for a wheelchair user.
Accessibility Score: 6/10 (lots of potential, but needs work!)
(This is where the meandering begins. Bear with me…)
Internet, Oh Internet… Where Art Thou?
Okay, so, the Internet. (Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Wi-Fi in public areas, Available in all rooms) A lifeline for those of us who need to… you know… work. They boasted about free Wi-Fi everywhere. The reality? The Wi-Fi in my room was about as reliable as my ex's promises. It kept dropping out, leaving me ranting at my laptop (which, by the way, is an excellent way to annoy the other guests). Eventually, I gave in and tried using the LAN connection. That… was a disaster. It was like trying to connect to the internet using a tin can and a piece of string. Seriously, 2024, people! Get your Wi-Fi game together!
Internet Rant Score: -3/10 (Seriously, it was THAT bad!)
The Hotel's Luxurious Niceties (and the occasional hiccup)
Rooms, Glorious Rooms! (Mostly)
(Available in all rooms: Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.)
Alright, the rooms were the saving grace, mostly. I splurged (or, more accurately, my travel budget splurged) on a room with a view. And, WOW. The view? Breathtaking! Think jagged mountain peaks kissing crisp, blue skies. Pure, unadulterated beauty. The bed was huge and comfy. Blackout curtains? Necessary for someone recovering from a night with far too many schnapps. The bathroom? Marble, baby! (Private bathroom, Separate shower/bathtub, Bathtub) Though the in-room phone seemed straight out of the 90s. (Bathroom phone) And yes, there was even a scale, which I studiously avoided. Okay, maybe I didn't entirely avoid it… The mini-bar was stocked, but the prices… let's just say I stuck to the free bottled water. (Free bottled water, Mini bar)
Room Rating: 8/10 (View made up for a lot!)
Food Glorious Food! (With some Austrian quirks)
(Dining, drinking, and snacking: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant)
Breakfast. Ah, breakfast! The buffet promised everything. Reality? Slightly less fabulous. The scrambled eggs were, let's say, firm. The pastries? A tad… stale. But the coffee? Strong, black, and perfect for fueling a day on the slopes (or… writing this review). The staff, bless their hearts, were working hard. The a la carte menu in the evening offered a wonderful selection. And I was so glad for the option to sit at bar with a bottle of water (Bottle of water).
The (Vegetarian restaurant) was a pleasant surprise. I'm not vegetarian, but even I was impressed with the innovative dishes. And the (Salad in restaurant) was always fresh. One night, I ordered the traditional Wiener Schnitzel (Western cuisine in restaurant), and it was quite good, but I would have preferred if I had a better view of the restaurant, I wasn't used to eating alone, so it was hard for me to feel comfortable.
Food Rating: 7/10 (Breakfast could use a boost, but the other options were great)
Relaxation & Rejuvenation: The Spa Experience (with a touch of the unexpected!)
(Things to do, ways to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor])
Okay, so the spa. This is where things got… interesting. I was dying for a massage (Massage). I booked a deep tissue massage, envisioning myself melting into a puddle of bliss. The masseuse was lovely, but the music? Let's just say it was… unconventional. Think elevator music meets whale song. Surreal. Afterwards I went to the (Pool with view), which lived up to its promise. And the (Spa/sauna)! Steaming, hot, and exactly what I needed. The steamroom was a personal favorite. (Steamroom) The fitness center, while present, was pretty standard. But hey, at least they had one. (Fitness center, Gym/fitness) Oh, and the outdoor pool? I'm not usually a cold weather swimmer, but this was a different experience.
Spa Score: 8.5/10 (Music aside, it delivered!)
**(Let's get back to the emotional reactions, shall we?) **
Cleanliness, Safety, and COVID-19 Precautions: (Good, but not flawless)
(Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment)
In these crazy times, safety is everything, right? Viktoria Solden took COVID-19 seriously. There were hand sanitizers everywhere. (Hand sanitizer) The staff wore masks (though some slacked a bit, I didn't really appreciate that). They had daily disinfection in common areas. (Daily disinfection in common areas) The food was mostly served individually-wrapped. (Individually-wrapped food options) Physical distancing was encouraged… sort of. Let's just say, Austria is not always as strict as some places. And, yes, staff members were trained in safety protocol. (Staff trained in safety protocol)
COVID Score: 7/10 (They tried!)
Service & Amenities: (Mostly on point, but with a few glitches)
**(Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Iron
Escape to Paradise: Hua Yue Hotel, Taoyuan's Hidden Gem
Alright, here we go. Viktoria Solden, Austria. Let's see if I can turn myself into a travel blogger… without, you know, being a good travel blogger. This is gonna be gloriously messy, guaranteed. Buckle up.
Day 1: Arrival (and Existential Dread – The Usual)
- Morning (Approx. 7:00 AM, But Who’s Counting?): Landed in Innsbruck. Flight was delayed. Of course, it was. The airline lost my bag (probably a blessing in disguise, I'm already looking at lugging around that stupid, overpacked suitcase). The airport guy in Innsbruck was utterly useless. Managed to get to Solden but the taxi ride was an hour and a half. It was a beautiful hour and a half though, the mountains were just….wow. The car smelled like pine and my stomach lurched because I should have eaten something but the airport pretzels were just…bleh.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Found Viktoria Solden. It's… actually quite nice! Check-in was a breeze (thank God, I needed a win). The room? Okay, it's a solid 7/10. Balcony, which is HUGE. The air is crisp and clean, and I’m breathing deeply, trying to stave off the jet lag headache that's already brewing and the immediate urge to crawl into bed and never get up again.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Wandered around Solden. The town is really cute. Lots of shops selling lederhosen and, well, anything and everything skiing-related. Seriously, it's ski-obsessed here. Saw some incredibly tan, ridiculously attractive people. I immediately felt profoundly out of shape and underdressed. Chugged a litre of water, and a glass of wine. Felt slightly better.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Found a restaurant. The first one was packed. The second one… let's just say the schnitzel was a bit too crispy and the waiter looked like he wanted to be anywhere but there. I'm going for a walk, I need fresh air, and I can't even find the courage to complain. This is going to be an interesting trip.
Day 2: Skiing (Or the Art of Looking Ridiculous on a Mountain)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Woke up! Actually felt pretty good. Maybe the altitude is helping. Maybe the schnitzel-induced food coma helped. Had a hearty breakfast (scrambled eggs, sausages, the works) at the hotel. The hotel breakfast is amazing.
- Morning (9:30 AM - 12:00 PM): Ski school. Oh, dear God. I'm a beginner. A complete beginner. The instructor, a very patient man named Hans, tried to teach me the basics. I spent most of the time falling over, flailing around, and narrowly avoiding collisions with small children. The kids were probably better than me. I'm pretty sure a small child looked at me with pity.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM): Lunch at a mountain hut. The views… WOW. I almost forgot about my skiing humiliation. Had a delicious goulash (comfort food is essential). The hut was cozy, and the sun was shining, and for a brief, shining moment, I felt… happy. But the other skiers were so good. I can't even describe how good they are.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Back to skiing. I did manage to stay upright for a whole run! (A very, very short one). I felt a surge of triumph. Followed by a profound sense of exhaustion. My legs are screaming.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Ordered a massage. Needed it. The massage therapist, a woman named Ingrid, was a miracle worker. Now I feel human again.
Day 3: The Giggijochbahn & The View (Or That Time I Lost My Mind… Briefly)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Okay, let's be honest. I am terrified of heights and I have a problem I'm not proud of. Took the Giggijochbahn up. It's a cable car, a very big cable car. The ascent was… intense. It's breathtaking, the views, the vistas, the snow-capped mountains… and the little screaming voice in my head. The screams were so loud that it took a while to get my balance. I'll describe this experience the moment I get grounded.
- Morning (9:30 AM - 11:00 AM): At the top. Found my friend, who's a brilliant skier. She glided effortlessly around the slopes and looked at me with an amused, oh-so-knowing smile. I made another attempt to ski, but I quickly gave up. My legs were screaming. I just wanted to sit on the bench and stare at the view. This is what I did.
- Afternoon (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Lunch at a restaurant at the summit. The food was good. The atmosphere was good. Everything was good. But the views… they were insane. I spent most of the time looking out, drinking in the beauty. If the world ended right now, it would be a great view to end with.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Went back down on the Giggijochbahn. This time it was better… mostly. I still tensed up a bit, but managed to breathe and not panic. Saw some more incredibly good skiers. They made it look effortless. Then, I had an awesome idea.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Decided to go for a very simple hike. I thought, hey, I'll get some fresh air and get some exercise. I'm not an expert on hiking and I got slightly lost. It was not a pleasant experience. The wind started to pick up, and I wasn't dressed appropriately. I considered camping out on the mountain. It was getting dark. Eventually, I found my way back to the hotel. Slightly traumatised.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Ate dinner. I felt absolutely empty. I just didn't know what to do. The food didn't seem to satisfy me.
Day 4: Relaxation and Reflection (Or Maybe Just More Food)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Slept in. Bliss. Ordered room service. Bacon, eggs, coffee, the works. Feeling slightly better.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM): Spent some time at the hotel spa. Steamed, sauna-ed, and swam in the pool. Pure, unadulterated relaxation. It was perfect. No mountains. No skis. Just peace.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Found a little cafe. Had apfelstrudel and coffee. It was delicious. The sun was shining. It was a small moment of absolute joy.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Walked around town. Bought some souvenirs (mostly for other people, naturally). Stopped at a chocolate shop. My sweet tooth went into overdrive. It was a very dangerous place. The chocolate was… amazing.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Trying a new restaurant tonight. The food is really good. The service is perfect. Feeling positive.
Day 5: Departure (And the Big Question)
- Morning (7:00 AM): Packing. Sigh. I hate packing. Especially when I have to stuff everything into that now-unlost but still-overstuffed suitcase.
- Morning (8:00 AM): Breakfast. One last hearty meal. Feeling sad about leaving.
- Morning (9:00 AM): Walk around town one last time. Tried to see the view one last time.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM): Taxi to Innsbruck. Airport. More delays. More pretzel-related misery.
- Departure… eventually…
Final Thoughts (The Rambling Epilogue):
So, Viktoria Solden. Messy. Exhausting. Humiliating (thanks, skiing). But also… beautiful. Seriously, the views were worth the price of admission. And the food, for the most part, was excellent. Austria, you're a contradiction. You're gorgeous, but the mountains have the power to make you question everything. And the schnitzel, okay, sometimes it's a bit dry, but it's really fun to try to eat. It's a place that makes you tired, makes you laugh. I went. I failed. I almost cried. And I learned a lot. Actually, I learned a lot about my capabilities, my fears. The mountains make you wonder. I'd go back. But next time, I'm definitely taking ski lessons before I go. Oh, and maybe bring two suitcases: one for the clothes and the other for the snacks.
Unbelievable Riverwalk Views! Book Hotel Gibbs Downtown San Antonio Now!
Viktoria Solden: My Rambling, Honest, and Mostly-Unfiltered Guide
So, like, what *is* Viktoria Solden anyway? (Get Ready for a Monologue...)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because trying to *define* Viktoria Solden is like trying to catch a cloud. It’s… a vibe. Technically, it's a family-run guesthouse in Solden, Austria. But that's the *bare* bones. It's more than that. It's the smell of warm Apfelstrudel wafting from the kitchen at 7 am (seriously, they bake it *fresh*). It's the friendly chaos of the family, all talking over each other in rapid-fire German, mostly about skiing, it seems. It’s the feeling of being utterly, delightfully *away* from it all. Think cozy fire, gorgeous mountain views, and the constant, nagging feeling you should probably ski, even if you're terrible at it. (Spoiler alert: *I* am terrible.)
The whole place is a bit… lived-in. Which is a good thing! It's not some sterile hotel chain. You’ll trip over a stray ski boot (or five), maybe hear the distant clang of a cowbell (seriously, those cows are *loud*). Don't expect perfection. Expect character. Expect the kind of Austrian hospitality that makes you want to stay forever. Which, honestly, I almost did. Twice.
Is it REALLY that good? Like, Instagram-worthy good?
Ugh, the Instagram filter fantasy... Look, Viktoria Solden is *authentically* good. Is it picture-perfect? Sometimes. Particularly when you're sipping Glühwein on the balcony and the sun is setting over the Alps. But sometimes? You'll get a photo of yours truly looking utterly mortified after faceplanting in the snow. (That happened. A lot.) My point is, it's not about curated perfection. It's about *experiencing* something real. Think less filters, more genuine joy (and maybe a few scraped knees from skiing).
I remember one morning, I’d just woken up, bleary eyed, and stumbled down for breakfast. And there on the table was a freshly baked loaf of bread, still warm, and a plate piled high with local cheeses and meats. And sunlight streaming in through the window… That’s the kind of good I’m talking about. Not necessarily Insta-worthy, but definitely soul-worthy.
Okay, okay, enough gushing. What's the food REALLY like? I'm a picky eater...
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks: the food. It's… amazing. Seriously. Even for a picky eater like *me* (and trust me, I *am* picky). I swear, they could put anything in front of me and I'd eat it, just because I loved the atmosphere so much. There's a hearty breakfast buffet every morning, things like fresh bread and coffee and, of course, my beloved Apfelstrudel.
Dinners are usually a multi-course affair, with traditional Austrian dishes. They're not *always* going to be your cup of tea if you're a super fussy eater. (Think: schnitzel, dumplings, hearty soups.) But even if you're not a huge fan of everything on the menu, the quality is consistently high, ingredients are fresh, and the portions are HUGE. You will NOT go hungry. And if you have food allergies? Speak up! The Viktoria family will go out of their way to accommodate you. (My friend has a nut allergy, and they were super careful.) My recommendation? *Try* everything. You might surprise yourself. I know I did.
Tell me about the rooms! Are they modern and fancy?
Okay, let's be honest about the rooms. They're not the Ritz. They’re not minimalist chic. They're… cozy. Comfortingly so. Think wooden furniture, comfortable beds, and maybe a balcony with a breathtaking mountain view (seriously, those views!). They’re clean, well-maintained, and have everything you need. They're not flashy. But they're inviting and scream "relax and unwind".
I remember one time, I was stuck in my room because of a blizzard. And honestly? I didn’t mind. I had a book, a cup of hot chocolate, and that incredible mountain view. It was pure bliss. Maybe not the most modern place but it's totally perfect for what it is.
One word of warning: Some rooms might be a little smaller than you're used to. But hey, you're probably not going to spend much time *in* your room anyway. You'll be too busy skiing, hiking, eating delicious food, or just generally soaking up the atmosphere. And that to me its perfect.
What's the best way to get there?
Getting to Solden is… a bit of an adventure. The closest airport is Innsbruck (INN). From there, you can rent a car (recommended if you’re planning to explore the surrounding area) or take a bus/taxi. The drive is absolutely *gorgeous*! Winding roads, dramatic scenery… just breath taking. Be warned however, if its winter be mindful of the roads and the snow.
Alternatively, you can fly into Munich (MUC) and take a train/bus. The train is generally a beautiful journey, but it can take a while (and you'll probably have to change trains a few times). The bus can be another option but it's often less scenic. Overall, flying into Innsbruck and renting a car gives you the most flexibility.
Is it good for beginners at skiing?
Okay, so this one is a BIT tricky. Let's be honest, Solden is *known* for its challenging slopes. It's a mecca for experienced skiers and snowboarders. However, that doesn’t mean beginners are completely out of luck!
There are some excellent beginner areas, particularly at the Giggijoch. You have dedicated lesson areas, gentle slopes, and (crucially) patient instructors. I took lessons there! I am not a natural, to put it mildly. I spent a lot of time on my backside. But the instructors were great, and I still had a blast. The key is managing your expectations and knowing that you *will* fall. A lot. But the breathtaking scenery and the cozy atmosphere of Solden make it all worthwhile. There's something about that air, that's perfect. And it gives you a little taste of invincibility after your first run down the mountain.
So, yes, it's good for beginners, but maybe not *ideal*. Be prepared to work for it. And maybe, just maybe, invest in some good padding. You'll thank me later.
