Pension Berggeist

Pension Berggeist is situated about 1km from the centre of Sölden but its quiet location is ideal for those who dont wish to partake in the party atmosphere of the town. It takes about 10 minutes to walk to the Gaislochkogl lift (not wearing ski boots) but there's a bus stop less than a minute from the front door, even if you're fully ready to hit the slopes, and for the return journey which is 15 minutes uphill if you're in ordinary shoes, there's a bus stop, Sölden Pitze, opposite the property. During winter season weekdays the ski buses run every 10 minutes until the lifts close and your ski pass gives you free journeys. There are also buses that travel the length of the valley, so making your way to the pension by public transport is cheap and easy: take a bus from Innsbruck airport to Innsbruck Hbf; take the train to Ötztal Hbf; then get the bus up to Sölden Pitze. The pension owners are very friendly but don't speak English. Please don't let that influence your decision - we got by perfectly well with rudimentary German. The rooms are clean and comfortable and are serviced every day with the towels changed midway through a one week stay. The bathroom is compact but spotlessly clean. The wifi works well but the satellite TV is restricted to Austrian and German channels. The breakfast selection is better than adequate with a range of cereals, fruit juices, fresh fruit, yoghurt, croissants and bread rolls, cold meat and cheese, and a daily egg. Like most cafés, restaurants (even the expensive ones) and bars in Austria, the coffee comes out of a push-button machine. If there's one thing that could improve Berggeist, it would be a proper espresso machine with good quality beans and some barista training! You should be aware that the owners only take cash payment but this is a minor inconvenience - I wasn't too happy carrying the price of one week's stay around with me but there are ATMs in the town. I'd be happy to stay here again