You might consider Bad Homburg as an alternative to Baden-Baden. It is a short train ride from Frankfurt and has a faded charm. Many hotels have special packages built around the spas.

My wife (is this too much information?) is very shy and conservative, but soon dropped her inhabitions (as well as her swim suit) after spending some time at one of the clothing optional spas. It was a very liberating experience.

This thread is making me feel very modest. I could not imagine bearing it all in front of my co-workers. In fact I would probably never sleep again if I had to look at them nude!

I'm an American who has lived in Europe over twenty years and I still can't drop my towel in front of my colleagues. (In fact, as the years pass on, I want to cover more and more).

Sometimes you really can't teach an old dog new tricks.

as the years go on , i have more and more to cover!!!!

Well I am glad I read this post! I am planning on going to Baden-Baden...but with my 3 teenagers. Are there any age limits on the use of the spas? I seriously doubt my 16 year old daughter would want to be naked around her brothers or even her father. I want us to be able to enjoy the spas so I'm glad to hear there are some that allow swimsuits!

So far as I know, there are no age limitations with either spa in B-B, except that younger folks are not allowed into the Caracalla saunas, as they are strictly 'Textilfrei' (nude) fixtures.

Under the circumstances, love2sing, I'd advise Caracalla for you and your family.

Do check the Baden-Baden website, though (www.baden-baden.de), as it provides links to each of the spa's websites, with further details there.

Fritzrl

We were back in Baden-Baden for a few days in December. It was very pleasant BUT...Caracalla was not as enjoyable this time and I put the blame on the Ryanair influence bringing in British families looking for cheap holidays. Unfortunately, *some* of them were very loud and obnoxious, even in the spa rooms that were supposed to be "silent." (Nobody really expects them to be completely silent, but that doesn't mean kids should feel free to shout and argue at high volume while their parents looked on and did nothing to keep them quiet.) A few of these kids also started having splash fights/contests in the larger pools. Again, no parental intervention. So after that Caracalla experience, we decided to stick with the hotel spa at the Dorint. Much more relaxing.

loves2sing - hope this reply isn't too late - but if you and your children wish to avoid each other at the second level of the Caracella spa - all you need to do is arrange to be upstairs at different times. Dad for 30 minutes, then boys, then girls. Some of you may chicken out - but that's ok. Do bear in mind that once upstairs you will be privy to all ages, all sizes and both sexes. I am sure you will all be very comfortable on the main level. Access to the upstairs is via a circular staircase. Do hope you enjoy.