Solden's Hidden Gem: Enzian Apart Garni - Unbelievable Austria Views!
Enzian Apart Garni: Views That Stole My Breath (and Almost My Wallet!) - A Messy, Honest Review
Alrighty, folks, buckle up. This isn't your cookie-cutter review. This is the raw, unfiltered truth about Enzian Apart Garni in Sölden, Austria – the "Hidden Gem" that promised unbelievable views. Did it deliver? Well, let's just say my camera roll is currently weeping with joy, and my bank account is… less enthusiastic.
SEO & Metadata (Yeah, I gotta play the game!):
Keywords: Enzian Apart Garni, Sölden, Austria, Hotel Review, Ski Hotel, Mountain Views, Spa, Sauna, Swimming Pool, Accessibility, Family-Friendly, Wi-Fi, Restaurant, Breakfast, Cleanliness, COVID-19 Safety, Unbelievable Views, European travel, Luxury travel, best view hotel
Meta Description: My chaotic, utterly honest review of Enzian Apart Garni in Sölden. Find out if the views REALLY are unbelievable, if the spa is worth it, and whether this "Hidden Gem" is a place you'd actually want to stay. Plus… is it truly accessible? Get ready for a rant (and some serious photos!).
First Impressions (and a Near-Death Experience with Luggage):
Okay, so "Hidden Gem" is a slightly misleading term. It's more like a glittering emerald perched precariously on a mountainside. Getting there was the first adventure. The road winds, folks. It winds. My GPS started having a nervous breakdown. And the final incline leading up to Enzian… let's just say my little rental car whimpered. Valet parking? Nope. Free car park? Yep! – a small comfort after almost sliding off the mountain.
Access: Can You Actually GET There?
This is where things get interesting. The website says it has facilities for disabled guests… but let's be honest, Austria and "accessible" aren't always best friends. Elevator? Yes! (Thank the heavens for that). But navigating the hallways… a bit tight, and the terrain outside… forget about it. Very mountainous. So, while there are features, it's not a fully smooth experience, and those serious about accessibility should clarify with the site directly. This is a definite "check carefully before booking" situation if you need full wheelchair access.
Rooms: Views to Die For (Almost. After the Price, Maybe)
The Good: HOLY. MOTHER. OF. VIEWS. Seriously. My room - a "non-smoking" room - had a balcony that wrapped around, offering panoramic vistas of the Alps. It was the kind of view that makes you silently weep with joy and immediately post to Instagram (guilty). The "extra long bed" was comfy. The "bathrobes" and "slippers" were a nice touch. The "free Wi-Fi" worked! Yay! I could practically see the wifi from my balcony!
The Slightly Less Good: The room was cozy (read: a little cramped). The "mini-bar" was more of a "mini-fridge" - great for my own beer, but don't expect fancy selections. And the cost… well, let's just say my wallet is still in therapy.
The Really Not Good (But Funny): I swear, the "window that opens" only opened a crack. I wanted to breathe in that mountain air, feel the crispness… no dice. I felt like a prisoner in a gilded cage. (Okay, I'm exaggerating. Slightly.)
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized to Within an Inch of its Life?
Enzian takes COVID-19 precautions seriously. Like, really seriously. They were wiping down the air with some kind of magic mist! (Probably a professional-grade sanitizing chemical, I'm guessing). Staff trained in safety protocols? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Double check. Individually wrapped food options? Yep. Hand sanitizer everywhere? You betcha. Honestly, I felt safer here than in my own home. Perhaps too safe? I kind of missed those slightly-less-sanitized-but-charming European restaurants that I love.
- Room Sanitization Opt-Out Available? I think so. But honestly, after seeing the level of cleanliness, I didn't dare opt out!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Disappointment)
Breakfast, the most important meal of the day. The infamous Breakfast Buffet - honestly, it was pretty great. Although it was weird finding that, given the extra precautions, it was still buffet-style. A nice range. They even had an "Asian breakfast" option, which I didn't try because I'm generally a bacon and eggs kinda gal.
- The Restaurant: The A la carte in restaurant was decent, with both International cuisine in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant , but nothing mind-blowing. There's the Poolside bar, and a Snack bar as well.
- The Coffee Shop: I got my morning coffee and the occasional dessert there.
- Alternative Meal Arrangement: I believe this was flexible.
- Room service [24-hour]: Not that I saw, but I didn't stay up all night.
- Desserts in restaurant: Meh. Desserts were fine. Nothing particularly memorable.
- Happy hour: There was one!
- Bottle of water: Free.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Standard.
- Salad in restaurant: Salad was good.
- Soup in restaurant: Didn't have any soup.
- Vegetarian restaurant: I think, but didn't try.
Ways to Relax: Spa, Sauna, and the Pursuit of Bliss
Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view: The outdoor pool… oh, the outdoor pool. Imagine yourself, bobbing in warm water, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. That's the dream. The view from the pool alone is worth the price of admission… almost.
Spa/sauna, Sauna: The sauna… yeah, it's all there. It was good. But I'm not a huge sauna person. So, I didn't go often.
Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Foot bath, Massage: Yup all there.
Steamroom: Same as sauna.
Things to Do (Besides Staring at the Views):
This is Sölden – it's all about the mountains. Skiing in winter, hiking in summer. The hotel caters to both. There are meetings and all that serious stuff. All you need, they have it.
And for the kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (and Some That Don't)
- Essential condiments: Check!
- Daily housekeeping: Check!
- Luggage storage: Check!
- Elevator: Praise be!
- Doorman: Nope!
- Front desk [24-hour]: Yup!
- Currency exchange: Not that I saw.
- Cash withdrawal: Nope.
- Laundry service: Yes! (A lifesaver after my disastrous attempt at hiking.)
- Dry cleaning: Yes. (Expensive.)
- Food delivery: I didn't need, but think so!
- Gift/souvenir shop: Yes.
My "Moment": The Poolside Bar and the Sunset That Reduced Me to Tears
Okay, here it is. The moment that sold me on the whole Enzian experience. One evening, after a long day of hiking (which, let me tell you, my knees were NOT thrilled about), I settled myself at the poolside bar. I ordered a ridiculously expensive cocktail, and… the sunset. PEOPLE. The sunset over those mountains… I have no words. It was an explosion of oranges, pinks, purples. It was so breathtakingly beautiful that I actually started crying. Embarrassing? Maybe. But it was a truly unforgettable, soul-stirring moment. And that, my friends, is what Enzian Apart Garni can deliver.
The Verdict: Worth It? (The Rambling Conclusion)
Honestly? It depends. If you’re on a shoestring budget, probably not. If you demand absolute accessibility, double-check carefully. If you want a super-social atmosphere, maybe look elsewhere.
But if you want breathtaking views, a seriously clean and safe environment, and a (mostly) relaxing experience, then Enzian Apart Garni is worth considering. Just be prepared to shell out some serious cash, and maybe bring your own window-opening tool.
Would I go back? Maybe. But next time, I'm bringing a winning lottery ticket. And maybe a friend to help me navigate the car park! This gem has its flaws, but those views… those views… they’re worth the price of admission, the slightly-too-tight room, and the general feeling of being watched by a
Jeju Island Paradise: Uncover the Hidden Gem of Aewol's Hue Pension
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get the inside scoop on my trip to Apart Garni Enzian in Sölden, Austria. Forget those pristine, color-coordinated itineraries you see on Pinterest. This is the real deal, folks. Prepare for some rambling, a healthy dose of "oh-my-god-I-forgot-my-socks," and the unvarnished truth about how much chocolate actually gets consumed on a ski trip.
Day 1: Arrival & Avalanche of Awkward
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: The flight. Shudders. Okay, so I'm a nervous flyer. My knuckles were white-knuckling the armrest the entire time. The turbulence? Let's just say I spent a good portion of the flight whispering apologies to the poor soul in the window seat (who, thankfully, was asleep). Landed in Innsbruck feeling like I'd just wrestled a rogue mountain goat – exhausted.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: The Shuttle. Finding this thing felt like a scavenger hunt filmed by slapstick comedians. I’m pretty sure I looked like a lost puppy, wandering around the airport with my massive ski bag. Finally found it! And it was…a van. Packed tighter than a sausage casing. Cue the shared awkward glances with my fellow passengers. There was a guy sporting a neon green ski suit that I think was actually radiating a faint glow. Unforgettable.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Arrival at Apart Garni Enzian. First impression? Cozy. Like, "grandma's-cabin-meets-slightly-stuffy-hotel" cozy. The check-in lady was super efficient, but also gave off the vibe of a woman who had seen a lot of weary travelers. She definitely sized me up in a single go, I swear. My room? Small, but clean. The view? Mountains! Okay, breathe. I'm officially in Austria.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Unpacking. Or, more accurately, the chaotic free-for-all that is my unpacking. My suitcase exploded open, and suddenly, socks, mismatched underwear, and a suspiciously stained t-shirt were all over the place. Found my ski gloves (thank god!), but realized I'd left my favorite beanie at home. Facepalm.
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Wandering around Sölden… well, attempting to. The town is gorgeous, even though I felt that the air was thin and the elevation was a little intimidating. I wandered around like a lost child for 1 hour. Then realized they had a huge grocery store! I ended up stocking up on Apfelstrudel, cheese that smelled faintly of feet, and enough chocolate to fuel a small country. This got a little out of control, I'm not gonna lie.
5:00 PM - onwards: Dinner and the first taste test of Austrian beer. Dinner was at a local restaurant. I ordered something I thought was schnitzel. Turned out to be a fried slab of…something. I'm not sure what, but I ate it. The beer, however, was divine. Started chatting with a couple from Norway. They were way better skiers than me. I think I spent the rest of the evening trying not to embarrass myself by admitting how terrified I was of the slopes.
Day 2: The Mountain, The Mishaps, and The Melted Chocolate
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. The breakfast buffet at the hotel was decent, nothing spectacular. I went for the meats and cheeses. And a whole lot of coffee. Needed it. The anticipation of skiing was making my stomach do flip-flops.
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Ski Rental. The ski rental process was a comedy of errors. I ended up with boots that were too tight and skis that felt like they belonged to a professional racer. Spent a good 20 minutes awkwardly shuffling around the shop, praying I wouldn't fall over.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: The Slopes. This is where things get real… Took the gondola up to the top. The view! Absolutely breathtaking. But my feet were screaming in those boots. And the slopes? Steep. Terrifyingly steep. Let's just say my first run involved a lot of snowplowing, several near-death experiences, and a healthy dose of profanity under my breath. I fell. A lot. At one point, I face-planted directly into a snowdrift. I spent about fifteen minutes frantically trying to get back up. It was humiliating, but damn, it was also kind of hilarious. Eventually, I managed to link a few turns, and the sun was starting to set.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch break, at a ski lodge. Ordered goulash soup and a beer. The sun, the view, the beer… bliss. Met a local who gave me some tips on improving my technique. Good advice, but I honestly didn't understand half of what he was saying.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: The slopes, the sequel. After lunch, I got a little cocky feeling. I was starting to relax and I ventured onto a slightly more moderate slope. Disaster struck. It started to snow. The visibility decreased. I was terrified. I found myself going on a black run, that I wasn't ready for. I fell. And then I fell again. And then I sat in the snow, defeated and sobbing. I was so ready to abandon skiing forever.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: The Recovery. Back on the bus home, I was shaken. I was still sobbing. I called my bestie and went on a long rant about my inadequacy as a skier. Then, I looked in my bag. A bag of chocolate that I bought earlier in the trip. I ate the chocolate. I found a warm fireplace. And I realized, after all, that I had a roof over my head. That I was safe. That I could try again tomorrow.
Day 3, Onwards…
Look, I won't bore you with the minute details of the rest of the trip. But it involved more skiing (some good days, some not-so-good), more food, more beer, and definitely more chocolate. I got slightly better at skiing. I met some amazing people. And I, most importantly, had a proper laugh at myself.
Inclusions:
- Accommodation: Apart Garni Enzian, Sölden. (Clean, cozy, good location. A tad on the "dated" side, but hey, that's part of the charm, right?)
- Flights: (The less said about the flight, the better.)
- Ski Pass: (Expensive, but worth it, even if you spend half your time on your butt.)
- Transportation: (Shuttle, Gondolas, Ski Buses - all of them a little… challenging.)
Exclusions:
- My Dignity: (Already forfeited on day one.)
- A Sense of Direction: (Still working on that.)
- The ability to gracefully navigate a ski slope (it's a work in progress!)
Final Thoughts:
Sölden, Austria? Absolutely. Apart Garni Enzian? Yep, I'd go back. Would I become a professional skier? Highly unlikely. But did I have an adventure? Hell, yes. And that, my friends, is what traveling (and life) is all about. Go forth, embrace the mess, and eat all the chocolate. You won't regret it. Now, where's that Apfelstrudel?
Uncover the Hidden GEM of Fleurieu Peninsula: Perla del Mare Awaits!
Okay, So, Austria Views... Are We Talking Instagram Paradise or Just... Mountains?
Listen, I’m a cynical New Yorker. I've *seen* views. I’ve scoffed at sunsets. But the Enzian? Yeah, it's a bit much. Like, so much mountain. You walk out on the balcony, and it's just… *pow!* Massive, snow-capped everything. You could genuinely cry. I did. The first morning. Blame the altitude, maybe? Blame the sheer ridiculous beauty? Probably a combination. I swear, I saw a marmot wink at me. (Note: may have been the schnapps). It's Instagrammable AF, sure, but it's also the real deal. It’s like nature decided to flex and just... *did* this thing.
The "Apart Garni" Thing – What Does That Even *Mean*? Am I Making My Own Strudel?
Okay, this is important. "Apart Garni" (and I'm sure I'm butchering the pronunciation) basically means you get an apartment (or a suite, if you're lucky) and a *basic* breakfast. Think continental, but with better cheese. And proper coffee. And, crucially, no pressure to be social first thing in the morning. I’m terrible at mornings. No, you're not expected to roll your own dough. Though, in my bleary-eyed state, I did try to toast a croissant directly on the stovetop. Don't do that. Just… don't.
The Rooms – Spacious? Tiny? Did You Find a Hidden Body?
Okay, let’s be honest. The “hidden body” thing crossed my mind. I'm a true crime podcast addict, and the mountains...well, you get the visual. *Thankfully*, no bodies. The rooms? They're… comfortable. Not minimalist chic, more… cozy Austrian. Lots of wood. Plenty of space to spread out, maybe even practice your yodeling (I didn’t, because, well… yodeling in public is a bridge too far, even for me). Clean, functional… a little dated, maybe, but that adds to the charm, dammit! I remember thinking the mattress wasn’t amazing, but you know, after a day of hiking, you’d practically sleep standing up.
Getting There – Is It a Hike, or Can a Normal Human Access This Heaven?
Sölden is…accessible. You can fly into Innsbruck and then do a transfer. The roads are winding, and the driver will probably look like he's seen it all (especially if you’re travelling in winter and everything's white). And, let me tell you, the drive up to the Enzian from the main town is a bit… hair-raising. Literally, I was clutching my pearls. But that's part of the adventure, right? The higher you get, the more the views slap you in the face. Trust me, it's worth the mild terror. Just don’t look down. Or at the drop. Or at the rapidly approaching rock face. Close your eyes and hum a jaunty tune.
Food, Glorious Food – What’s the Grub Situation Like? I Need My Wiener Schnitzel.
Okay, okay. Food. Sölden is a ski town, so it’s not exactly Michelin-starred. BUT! The Enzian breakfast had decent bread, and the cheese. Oh, the cheese. It was glorious. The Apfelstrudel? Divine, especially after a morning of carving down slopes of powder. Lunch? Hit up one of the mountain huts, but order the goulash soup. I can still taste it. It was the best I've ever had. Dinner is your own affair. Explore the town. Plenty of hearty options. (Pro Tip: Learn to say "kase spaetzle" before you go. You won't regret it.)
I Heard the Apres-Ski Scene Was… Lively. Is That a Concern?
Lively? Honey, Sölden is a *party*. After a day on the slopes, things get…ridiculous. The bars are packed. People are singing (badly). Drinks are flowing like the Danube. The Enzian is a bit removed from the madness, which is a *good* thing. You can retreat to your cozy haven, sip your schnapps (or not), and pretend you're a grizzled mountain hermit. Which, after a few days of that lifestyle, you might actually be. The noise doesn't travel up as far as you might think, and the peace and quiet are *priceless*.
Let’s Talk Skiing/Hiking – What's the Deal? I'm a Beginner (or a Grizzled Pro).
Sölden caters to everyone. Beginner? Plenty of gentle slopes. Pro? Challenge accepted. Hiking? Incredible trails. Seriously, my legs were jelly after the first hike, but the views…I’m telling you, the views. I’m not a ski-bunny myself (more of an accidental face-plant enthusiast), but even *I* was impressed. The lifts are modern, the slopes are well-maintained, and the instructors are patient (thank GOD). The hiking trails are clearly marked (mostly). Just…pack proper gear. And maybe a rescue whistle. And a sense of humor. You’ll need all three.
The *Worst* Thing About Enzian Apart Garni… Spill the Tea.
Okay, deep breath… The worst thing? This is gonna sound ridiculously petty but… the Wi-Fi. It's a bit patchy. Fine for checking emails, torture for streaming. And honestly? That's probably a *good* thing. Forces you to, you know, *look* at the mountains. Otherwise… I’m grasping for straws. The staff are lovely. The breakfast is solid. The views… well, I’ve ranted about the views. This place is basically paradise, with slightly spotty internet But now, I would probably choose it for the solitude, anyway.
Would You Go Back? And More Importantly, Would *I* Like It?
Would *I* go back? In a heartbeat. In fact, I’m already plotting my return. Would *you* like it? Hmm. Are you easily impressed by natural beauty? Do you enjoy fresh air and good food? Can you tolerate a bit of… well, a bit of everything? If so, then yes. You will LOVE it. Go. Just… go. And send me a postcard. Or a photo. Or, you know, just tell me you’re alive.Backpacker Hotel Find
