Same in Morocco, where they may beat you with twigs as well. But then they put you to bed on a comfy cot and give you mint tea and bakhlava.

I have never been scrubbed any place in Budapest.

I am willing to be beaten for baklava...

BigR
The OP asked specifically about the baths. I've tried to advise. Budapest has many fine things as does Milan (I love the cemetery) but Hungarian culture has a special place for baths, hence...

Budapest has one of my favorite cemeteries in the world... (I am a cemetery person).

Thanks for the thoughtful, edifying (and emotional) responses. I think it is clearer now from a cultural and historical perspective.