urmiek

Has anyone been to a thermal bath in Budapest recently. I can only find postings from 2008. We'll be in Budapest just for 1 night and 2 days on this trip. Thanks in advance for your help!

suec1

We went to the one in the big park - Schzengy? something like that - really enjoyed it - seemed to be mostly locals. I think one of the other main ones, Gellert? has recently been redone - we could see a bit of it as we were walking in the area - looked gorgeous, more decortative than the one we went to, but of course it is located in one of the upscale hotels. But even tho your time is short, I'd suggest you go to one - definately more of an unusual tourist experience as opposed to another church or even their elaborate Parliment building - just my opinion.

jamikins

We just went to Budapest for Easter this year and the Széchenyi Bath was the highlight. It is a bit out of centre in a park, but easy to get to on the Metro. We spend about 3-4 hours there! The highlight being the outdoor pools.

http://www.spasbudapest.com/tartalom.php

Gellert is the main one in the centre of town and very easy to get to, so that may be a better option given your time there.

http://www.gellertbath.com/

Ingo

I was in Budapest in March this year. Had a very good spa in my hotel (Corinthia Grand Royal) so only went to one other thermal bath - the Gellert. I didn't get the impression it was recently renovated or so.

You can go to the large pool area only or to the sauna/hot thermal pools also, which is a little more expensive, and separated for men and women. The latter is semi-nude, LOL. Some guys wore their swimsuit, others opted for the loincloth, available from the staff. Don't know about the women's area ... ;-)

I found the cloakrooms/locker area to be confusing (directions). It is true that the Gellert is very beautifully decorated (Art Nouveau/Secession), but I thought it has seen better times. Also, the staff was a bit unfriendly.

I saw the Szechenyi only from outside and had a quick look from the entrance area to the large outdoor pools. Looked very appealing, although crowded. Seems to be very popular with locals, especially families with kids.

If I was you I would definitely want to have a look at the Gellert (you can walk into the large, beautiful entrance hall without paying and get a look at the large pool area through the glass windows). Decide if you go in after you saw it. Next time I will try one of the baths that go back to the Turkish area - like the Kiraly.

jmct714

I went to the Széchenyi baths last November. It was definitely one of the highlights of our trip. It was relaxing and made for some great people watching. Honestly I was intimidated to go after reading about how confusing the entry procedures were, but didn't find it nearly as difficult as I anticipated... the people that worked there were very helpful in pointing us in the right direction. It was great fun trying the different baths and pools, but my fave was definitely the outside pool.

Mathieu

I was at the Gellert spa last October/November as I was staying at the hotel. I have been to it before several times and also to the Szechenyi. Both are very nice, yet different exeriences. In the Spring and Summer, Gellert has their outdoor area and wave pool open. If it was my previous posts from 2008 that you were reading (as I have posted about them before), nothing has changed.
Gellert was not renovated by rather restored, so it now looks a little less worn than it used to, but it's still quite beautiful. The old or aged ambience was maintained. Many of the internal workings (pipes, electricals, etc.) were upgraded as well, which you obviously won't see or know about.

Definitely go to either or both. It is a very relaxing and unique experience.

M

crisblue

Hello!
I have been there a few months ago and was absolutely perfect!

I am not sure about the name (I suppose it is called The Széchenyi Spa).
The one I've went is close to the zoo!

urmiek

Thanks to all the replies, HUGE help! I am reading in the Fodors book I got that a cap is required? Can't seem to find out what type, like a shower cap or a true swimmers cap?
Thanks and after all the posting,I think we are leaning toward the Schecheny.

jamikins

I didnt see anyone with a cap...maybe it depends on the one you go to?

urmiek

Yes, apparently many of them require them now, but of course any photos I find no one is wearing one. Fodors and Frommers say take your own so you don't rent one of theirs, but don't know what to buy.

jamikins

Well as I said, we were at Schecheny in April and no one wore one hahaha...I honestly dont think you need one!

Mathieu

Most of the spas have 2 types of water pools : Pools for bathing/soaking (sitting and relaxing in hot water) and pools for swimming (doing laps and rounds). At both Gellert and Szechenyi I observed that caps were required in the communal swimming pools (men and women) but not in the seperated bathing/soaking pools on the men's side. Don't know about the women's side. You do have to take your own cap, but sometimes they provide blue plastic elasticated caps if you need one.

trvl_ing

How is security at the spas? A lock was quoted in the price. Since we're supposed to carry our passport at all times, I'm not feeling great about going now and this was to be one of the highlights of our days here.

Swim caps? Do they have department or small stores in the area that sell them? Cheap I hope. Are swim caps even available in Canada/US?

trvl_ing

Did some more reading and saw that swim caps are just required in the swimming pools at Gellert.

Also in Széchenyi I see it says lockers, not locks. Also lists cabins which are a little bit more HUF. Does anyone know what lockers and cabins mean?

Mathieu

A locker is just that - a small 'cupboard' type space like you would have in a gym, to store a small bag, your clothes, toiletries, etc.

A cabin is a small cubicle which has either a curtain or a door for privacy. Very much like a department store change room for trying on clothes, with hooks etc. The cabin sometimes has a bench, and possibly even a small cot for lying down for a rest after your bath.

Resting on a cot or a bed wrapped in towels following your bath or massage is very traditional, and can be in a room full of cots or privately in your cabin. Some even offer tea during this time.

Bobandco

http://vasvarirentals.com/pest/theguide.pdf
Look on page 13
Hope it helps

KL467

Hubby and I rented a cabin in June. We had plenty of room to change clothes and our belongings were secure. In case you are interested, the foot massage is very nice. We reserved it upon arrival at the baths. Very nice evening in Budapest!