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	<title>Thermal Bath Spa Guide&#187; Thermal Bath Reviews</title>
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	<description>The independent guide to Thermal Spa Baths</description>
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		<title>Sarvar Furdo Review, Hungary</title>
		<link>http://www.thermalbathguide.com/sarvar-furdo/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thermalbathguide.com/sarvar-furdo/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2009 12:22:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Spa Baths</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Hungary Thermal Bath Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thermal Bath Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[termalfurdo]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thermalbathguide.com/?p=991</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Sarvar is one of Hungary's most recently developed thermal spa towns. The main thermal bath complex has been steadily developed since it opened in 1968.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Sarvar is one of Hungary&#8217;s most recently developed thermal spa towns. The main bath complex has been steadily developed since it opened in 1968 and has grown into a very substantial modern spa complex.<span id="more-991"></span> It is located on the quiet outskirts of town with views of the attractive woodlands and the neighbouring  campsite, which is much better value than the official 4-star campsite and has a great restaurant in the guesthouse.  Entry to the Bath&#8217;s cost just over 2000Ft and lets you stay for the full day, which is great in the summer when all of the outdoor pool are open.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone" title="Sarvar Thermal Bath" src="http://www.thermalbathguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/sarvar_thermal_bath.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="480" /></p>
<p>The main thermal spa area is open all year round and consists of two large warm pools that are half indoors, half outdoors.  One of these is a fun pool with the range of bubble jets and fountains, a lazy river and a rather curious shaded massage area in the outdoor section.  You enter by passing through a wall of water that only just works, and inside you will find a series of pods where you can stand and be massaged from all sides.  To be honest, it&#8217;s not a particularly brilliant massage and project keep spraying water in your face, but try it for fun rather than for its health benefits and it&#8217;s a bit of a laugh.  The main bath is free of jets and is purely for relaxation, with plenty of seating and underwater sun loungers, as well as a chess table in the centre of the indoor area, though you will have two play with pebbles as they don&#8217;t provide any chess pieces.  Both of these baths are extremely clean and well maintained, which contrasts somewhat with the hottest indoor pool which has dirt floating around in it and feels quite unpleasant, even if it is supposed to be the natural mineral bath.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p>If you go in peak season then there are a number of other pools open outside, including a wave pool, swimming pool, water slide and kids pool.  It&#8217;s a shame that these aren&#8217;t open in the spring as this part of Hungary has got a really good weather from April onwards, but there is still plenty to satisfy you.  Within the grounds there is volleyball pitch, a five side football pitch, sunbathing areas and several different restaurants and food stalls.  The quality of food in most restaurants isn&#8217;t anything to get excited about, but at least you won&#8217;t go hungry.  The main buildings are more stylish from a distance than up close, but they do have a large glass facade that makes the indoor pools very light and gives you views of the outdoor pools and woodland beyond.</p>
<p>There are good changing facilities and your electronic wristband will open and close your designated locker.  The showers and toilets are really the only part of the baths that look like they got missed in most recent renovations.  Most of the showers have the temperature control plumbed in back to front, so if you think there&#8217;s no hot water try setting it on cold.</p>
<p><strong> Best Thing</strong><br />
Lots of outdoor space in and out of the thermal baths, all in an attractive setting.</p>
<p><strong> Worst Thing</strong><br />
The cleanliness and maintenance of the toilets and showers lets the thermal baths down.</p>
<p><strong>Top Tip</strong><br />
If you go in the evening it becomes a lot cheaper.</p>
<p><strong>Summary</strong><br />
An all-round good thermal baths complex in attractive surroundings.  In fact, that really does sum it up because there is not much wrong with the Sarvar thermal baths but there isn&#8217;t really anything remarkable about them either.</p>
<p>If you want something really remarkable then there is the <a title="Spirit hotel thermal spa" href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/hu/spirit-rogner-thermal-spa.html?aid=329392" target="_blank">5-star Spirit Hotel Thermal Spa</a> just a short walk away, but it does cost 40Euro for entry so you get what you pay for.</p>
<address>Setting: 4/5</address>
<address>Architecture: 3/5</address>
<address>Ambience: 5/5</address>
<address>Facilities: 3/5</address>
<address>Value: 4/5<br />
</address>
<address><strong>TOTAL: 19/25 (3 stars)</strong></address>
<address><a href="http://www.thermalbathguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/star3.gif" rel="lightbox[991]"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-572" title="3 star thermal bath" src="http://www.thermalbathguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/star3.gif" alt="" width="351" height="140" /></a></address>
<address> </address>
<h3>Where to Stay</h3>
<h4 style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Luxury</strong> &#8211; <a title="Spirit hotel thermal spa" href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/hu/spirit-rogner-thermal-spa.html?aid=329392" target="_blank">Spirit Hotel Thermal Spa</a> *****</h4>
<h4 style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Midrange </strong>- <a title="Danubius sarvar hotel" href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/hu/sarvar.html?aid=329392" target="_blank">Danubius Health Spa Resort Sarvar</a> ****</h4>
<h4 style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Budget </strong>- <a title="Wolf hotel" href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/hu/wolf.html?aid=329392" target="_blank">Wolf Hotel</a> ***</h4>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><a title="Sarvar Hotels" href="http://www.booking.com/city/hu/sarvar.html?aid=329392" target="_blank">More accomodation in Sarvar<br />
</a></p>
<p>
<h3>More Information</h3>
<p>For more information visit: <a title="Sarvar Furdo" href="http://www.sarvarfurdo.hu/?lng=2" target="_blank">www.sarvarfurdo.hu</a><br />
<a title="Current time in Hungary" href="http://www.thetimenow.com/hungary" target="_blank" rel="follow">Current time in Hungary</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Gellert Thermal Bath Review, Budapest, Hungary</title>
		<link>http://www.thermalbathguide.com/gellert-thermal-bath/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thermalbathguide.com/gellert-thermal-bath/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2009 10:51:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Hungary Thermal Bath Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thermal Bath Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[termalfurdo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thermal Bath]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thermalbathguide.com/?p=1039</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Gellert Baths in Budapest and one of the city's most popular and best preserved historic bath's, adjoining the Art Nouveau Gellert hotel.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Gellert Baths in Budapest and one of the city&#8217;s most popular and best preserved historic bath&#8217;s, adjoining the art nouveau <a title="Danubius Gellert Thermal" href="http://www.hotelscombined.com/Hotel/Danubius_Hotel_Gellert_Budapest.htm?a_aid=25539" target="_blank">Danubius Hotel Gellert</a>.  The building is so grand in fact you can pay as a tourist to enter the viewing area even if you don&#8217;t want to try the hot baths.</p>
<p>The changing rooms are separate men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s and it easy to get yourself lost in the maze of corridors as the signs are all written in Hungarian, but the staff are used to it and when all this try to send you back in the right direction.  The focal point of the baths is its grand central swimming pool, with its glass or supported by intricate marble columns.  The perfect place to view this is from the small semicircular hotpot at the end of the pool made them so up the heat and marvel at the architectural details of the building.  The main thermal baths can be accessed from the far end of the swimming pool with separate sections for men and women, so it&#8217;s not the ideal place to visit if you are a couple unless of course you need a break from each other.  The water is kept at a scorching 44°C so it is really a genuine hot bath.  The interiors of the main thermal baths are a truly surreal experience with ornate tiling and murals lining the walls.  There are no windows in the storms so you are completely shut off from the outside world, and with many of the local bathing naked, the only reminder that you are in the 21st century are the other apprehensive looking tourists.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone" title="Gellert Thermal Bath" src="http://www.thermalbathguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/gellert-thermal_bath.jpg" alt="" width="565" height="368" /></p>
<p>There are also some outdoor fun pool including a wave pool that are open in summer and make the Gellert baths more of an enjoyable family experience, but the main attraction for most is the impressive architecture of the indoor thermal baths.</p>
<p><strong>Other Facilities</strong><br />
A range of massage treatments are available at Gellert baths and it also has a small canteen area selling a variety of fried foods.</p>
<p><strong> Best Thing</strong><br />
The well preserved art nouveau architecture makes you feel like you have stepped back in time.</p>
<p><strong> Worst Thing</strong><br />
Separate men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s thermal baths mean that it is not ideal for couples or families.</p>
<p><strong> Top Tip</strong><br />
If you just want to see the coloumed swimming pool, then save yourself the money and go in the viewing gallery, but you if you are really interested then it is worth entering the main thermal baths and immersing yourself in the experience.</p>
<p><strong>Summary</strong><br />
The Gellert baths in Budapest on one of the clandestine historic Bath in Hungary and if you are interested in architecture then it&#8217;s the perfect place to go and take a step back in time.  It is however a somewhat intense experience and if you&#8217;re not used to this style of Bath and many visitors may find themselves at home in the city’s <a href="http://www.thermalbathguide.com/szechenyi-baths/">Szechenyi Baths</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Rating:</strong></p>
<address>Setting: 4/5</address>
<address>Architecture: 5/5</address>
<address>Ambience: 3/5</address>
<address>Facilities: 2/5</address>
<address>Value: 3/5<br />
</address>
<address><strong>TOTAL: 17/25 (3 stars)</strong></address>
<address><a href="http://www.thermalbathguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/star3.gif" rel="lightbox[1039]"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-572" title="3 star thermal bath" src="http://www.thermalbathguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/star3.gif" alt="" width="351" height="140" /></a></address>
<address></address>
<h3>Where to Stay</h3>
<h4 style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Luxury</strong> &#8211; <a title="Danubius Gellert Thermal" href="http://www.hotelscombined.com/Hotel/Danubius_Hotel_Gellert_Budapest.htm?a_aid=25539" target="_blank">Danubius Hotel Gellert</a> *****</h4>
<h4 style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Midrange </strong>- <a title="Town Hall Apartments" href="http://www.hotelscombined.com/Hotel/Town_Hall_Apartments_Budapest.htm?a_aid=25539" target="_blank">Town Hall Apartments</a> ****</h4>
<h4 style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Budget </strong>- <a title="Grand Hostel" href="http://www.hotelscombined.com/Hotel/Grand_Hostel_Budapest.htm?a_aid=25539" target="_blank">Grand Hostel</a></h4>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><a title="Budapest Hotels" href="http://www.hotelscombined.com/City/Budapest.htm?a_aid=25539" target="_blank">More accomodation in Budapest</a></p>
<p>
<h3>More Information</h3>
<p><a title="Current time in Budapest, Hungary" href="http://www.thetimenow.com/hungary/budapest" target="_blank" rel="follow">Current time in Budapest</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bad Zalakaros Review, Hungary</title>
		<link>http://www.thermalbathguide.com/zalakaros-furdo/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thermalbathguide.com/zalakaros-furdo/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2009 10:37:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Hungary Thermal Bath Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thermal Bath Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[termalfurdo]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thermalbathguide.com/?p=939</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Zalakaros furdo is really a case of quantity over quality.  There is an excellent range of pools and facilities to enjoy, especially in peak season when all of the outdoor pools are open, but it is very poorly designed and needs a lot of modernisation.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As you drive into the thermal town of Zalakaros in western Hungary you can smell the faint whiff of sulphur in the air.  It&#8217;s a small town whose economy is almost entirely dependent on the warm waters that rise from beneath it, with numerous hotels and the Zalakaros furdo at its centre.</p>
<p>Despite its small size, the town and the baths can be quite confusing experience if you have never been there before and if you&#8217;re not careful you might come out more stressed than you went in.  Unless you are staying in a hotel in Zalakaros itself, you&#8217;ll need to use the pay and display parking in front of the <a title="MenDan Hotel Zalakaros" href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/hu/mendan-thermal-aqualand.html?aid=329392" target="_blank">Men Dan Hotel</a> and the tourist information centre.  The main entrance to the Zalakaros furdo is just behind the car park, but this is sometimes closed and you will instead have to walk about 200m down the main road to find the entrance through an insignificant looking door behind some bushes at the end of the complex.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" title="zalakaros" src="http://www.thermalbathguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/zalakaros.jpg" alt="" width="550" height="366" /></p>
<p>There are numerous ticket options but if you don&#8217;t speak Hungarian then they&#8217;ll sell you a day ticket to all areas of the complex for about 2550Ft.  When you get into the changing rooms you will also need 1000Ft as a deposit for a locker and they will give you rather a awkward plastic tube with the key to hang around your neck.  Don&#8217;t put any money in this as it is not watertight!</p>
<p>The complex indoors feels a bit like a cross between a local authority swimming pool and a hospital, so it&#8217;s not the best place for a luxury spa break.  It is a patchwork of facilities that have developed with no coherent style or layout, so if you want to make the most of the complex than you will need to have your explorer&#8217;s hat on.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p>The main thermal pool area is housed inside a wooden dome that seems somewhat like the inside of a hobbit house, though nothing like as cosy.  There are three pools at 33°C, 36°C and 38°C.  The atmosphere is very subdued however and some visitors appear to be going a bit stale in the murky green waters.  There is also an outdoor thermal bath surrounded by sun terraces and a bar area.  The pool can become very crowded, as is the case with most of the pools at Zalakaros and the lifeguards are more there to wag their fingers if you&#8217;re being naughty than to actually save your life.</p>
<p>Far on the other side of the complex is a more conventional indoor thermal pool, indoor and outdoor warm fun pools with a lazy river and bubble jets and a large indoor swimming pool, all of which are reasonably well maintained.  If you go in peak season then you will also have access to the large park behind the complex which contains a range of additional outdoor fun pools and swimming pools, which really makes this a very substantial complex.  Sadly, if you go at any other time of the year though, these pools are closed and the park is fenced off.</p>
<p><strong>Other Facilities</strong><br />
There are a number of saunas and steam rooms that you can use, as well as a few bars and restaurants, though exactly what will be open would depend on the time of the year.</p>
<p><strong>Best Thing</strong><br />
Zalakaros furdo is a very large complex when it is all open and has plenty to keep you busy for hours.</p>
<p><strong>Worst Thing</strong><br />
The complex is extremely badly designed, making it difficult to find your way around and physically challenging for those with mobility problems.</p>
<p><strong>Top Tip</strong><br />
Take plenty of change with you.  You will need it for the car park and your locker deposits.  Men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s changing rooms are separate so you might need more than one locker.</p>
<p><strong>Summary</strong><br />
The Zalakaros furdo is really a case of quantity over quality.  There is an excellent range of pools and facilities to enjoy, especially in peak season when all of the outdoor pools are open, but it is very poorly designed and needs a lot of modernisation.</p>
<p><strong>Rating</strong></p>
<address>Setting: 3/5</address>
<address>Architecture: 1/5</address>
<address>Ambience: 2/5</address>
<address>Facilities: 3/5</address>
<address>Value: 3/5</address>
<address><strong>TOTAL: 12/25 (one star)</strong></address>
<address><a href="http://www.thermalbathguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/star1.gif" rel="lightbox[939]"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-945" title="1 Star Thermal Bath" src="http://www.thermalbathguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/star1.gif" alt="" width="351" height="140" /></a></address>
<address></address>
<h3>Where to Stay</h3>
<h4 style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Luxury</strong> &#8211; <a title="MenDan thermal  Hotel Zalakaros" href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/hu/mendan-thermal-aqualand.html?aid=329392" target="_blank">MenDan Thermal Hotel and Aqualand</a> ****</h4>
<h4 style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Midrange </strong>- <a title="Zalakaros thermal Hotel" href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/hu/belenus-thermalhotel-superior.html?aid=329392" target="_blank">The Belenus Thermalhotel </a>***</h4>
<h4 style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Budget </strong>- <a title="Zalakaros hotels" href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/hu/amurato-apartment-house.html?aid=329392" target="_blank">Amurato Apartment House </a>***</h4>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><a title="Zalakaros Hotels" href="http://www.booking.com/city/hu/zalakaros.html?aid=329392" target="_blank">More accomodation in Zalakaros</a></p>
<p>
<h3>More Information</h3>
<p>For more information please visit <a title="Zalakaros thermal bath" href="http://www.bad-zalakaros.hu/en" target="_blank">www.bad-zalakaros.hu</a><br />
<a title="Current time in Hungary" href="http://www.thetimenow.com/hungary" target="_blank" rel="follow">Current time in Hungary</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Kehida Termal Review, Hungary</title>
		<link>http://www.thermalbathguide.com/kehida-termal/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thermalbathguide.com/kehida-termal/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2009 15:41:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Hungary Thermal Bath Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thermal Bath Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[termal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[termalfurdo]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thermalbathguide.com/?p=890</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Kehida Thermal in western Hungary is a huge contrast to the Heviz thermal Lake, just a few miles down the road.  The purpose-built bath complex prides itself on being family friendly and it's good fun for all ages.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Kehida Thermal in western Hungary is a huge contrast to the Heviz thermal Lake, just a few miles down the road.  The purpose-built bath complex prides itself on being family friendly and it&#8217;s good fun for all ages.</p>
<p>When you buy your ticket you will have a choice of fun pools, fun pools and thermal pools, or fun pools and thermal pool and sauna. It is a little misleading as all of the pools at Kehida thermal a thermal, but the thermal bath ticket only costs an extra hundred ft and lets you into the two hottest pools which are  32 to 36°C.  A 2 hour adults ticket costs just 1600ft (about £5), which considering the size and quality of the Bath is truly outstanding. When you pass through the entry turn style turn left down the stairs to the changing rooms.  The signs are only in Hungarian and German so if you can&#8217;t read either it can be a little confusing.  At the bottom of the stairs you&#8217;ll find a touch by on the wall, where you can touch your wristband to be allocated on a locker number.  Once you have changed, you must pass through the shower rooms and go up the stairs on the other side to reach the pool complex.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone" title="kehida_furdo" src="http://www.thermalbathguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/kehida_furdo.jpg" alt="" width="565" height="215" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p>The polls are clean and recently well presented, and contrary to what you might expect the main fun pool isn&#8217;t full of rowdy children, but full of people of all ages having a good time.  It&#8217;s not huge but there&#8217;s plenty of space, with excellent bubble and massage jets, a separate Jacuzzi and a very powerful  lazy river.</p>
<p>There is also a large water slide with a little surprise halfway down. The outdoor pools are a little cooler but pleasant though best enjoyed in the summer months when all other pools are open and the outdoor poolside areas can be enjoyed.  The hottest baths are separated from main fun pool by a turn stile and are hot enough that once you might want will ever get out.  A short massage jets they aren&#8217;t particularly powerful they seem to hardly ever switched them on. The best jets are actually in a smaller pool tucked away behind the wall at the back, where you will also find and row of 2 metre deep wells at the edge to submerge your full body in the thermal waters.</p>
<p><strong>Best Thing</strong></p>
<p>The family friendly atmosphere makes the fun time for all.</p>
<p><strong>The Worst Thing</strong></p>
<p>The jets in the thermal pool aren&#8217;t well maintained and are far too infrequent.</p>
<p><strong>Top Tip</strong></p>
<p>Go in the summer months to make the most of the outdoor thermal baths, which effectively double the size of the complex and no extra cost.</p>
<p><strong>Rating:</strong></p>
<address>Setting: 2/5</address>
<address>Architecture: 2/5</address>
<address>Ambience: 4/5</address>
<address>Facilities: 3/5</address>
<address>Value: 5/5<br />
</address>
<address><strong>TOTAL: 16/25 (4 stars)</strong></address>
<address><a href="http://www.thermalbathguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/star2.gif" rel="lightbox[890]"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-576" title="2 star thermal bath" src="http://www.thermalbathguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/star2.gif" alt="" width="351" height="140" /></a></address>
<address></address>
<address></address>
<h3>Where to Stay</h3>
<h4 style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Luxury</strong> &#8211; <a title="Rogner Lotus Therme" href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/hu/lotustherme.html?aid=329392" target="_blank">Rogner Hotel &amp; Spa Lotus Therme</a> *****</h4>
<h4 style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Midrange </strong>- <a title="Hotel Napsugar" href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/hu/hotelnapsugar.html?aid=329392" target="_blank">Hotel Napsugar</a> ***</h4>
<h4 style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Budget </strong>- <a title="Hotel Sante" href=http://www.booking.com/hotel/hu/sante.en.html?aid=329392" target="_blank">Hotel Sante</a> ***</h4>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><a title="Heviz Hotels" href="http://www.booking.com/city/hu/heviz.html?aid=329392" target="_blank">More accomodation in Heviz</a></p>
<p>
<h3>More Information</h3>
<p><a title="Current time in Hungary" href="http://www.thetimenow.com/hungary" target="_blank" rel="follow">Current time in Hungary</a></p>
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		<title>Hévíz Thermal Lake Review, Hungary</title>
		<link>http://www.thermalbathguide.com/heviz-thermal-lake/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thermalbathguide.com/heviz-thermal-lake/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:21:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Hungary Thermal Bath Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thermal Bath Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hungary]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[termalfurdo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thermal Lake]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thermalbathguide.com/?p=552</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Hévíz Thermal Lake is quite unlike any thermal bath on mainland Europe, because it is in fact a lake, and the largest thermal lake in Europe. In Hungary the lake is renowned for its medicinal properties derived from its composition including sulphur and radon. The radon inevitably though does make the lake mildly radioactive [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The <a title="Hévíz" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%A9v%C3%ADz">Hévíz</a> Thermal Lake is quite unlike any thermal bath on mainland Europe, because it is in fact a lake, and the largest thermal lake in Europe. In Hungary the lake is renowned for its medicinal properties derived from its composition including sulphur and radon. The radon inevitably though does make the lake mildly radioactive so you would be forgiven for being a little weary. If you&#8217;re open to try it though, it is quite an experience. The main buildings of the spa complex are built on stilts and protrude out into the centre of the lake. Visually the spa complex hasn&#8217;t changed much for over a hundred years but it is undergoing a major renovation that has brought the buildings and grounds up to the standard that you would expect from a modern spa, with modern interior design and clean facilities throughout.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone" title="Heviz Thermal Lake" src="http://www.thermalbathguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/medicinal_bath_heviz.jpg" alt="" width="563" height="408" /></p>
<p>Most bathing takes place from bath house in the centre of the lake, where you get the slightly odd choice to swim indoors or outdoors. The indoor pools are a few degrees warmer, but are actually just covered parts of the lake with some railings for you to hang on to.</p>
<p>If you have visited other thermal baths then you may be surprised that it is not particularly warm, but you must remember that it is a natural lake, which all year round is kept at a temperature comfortable enough to swim in. This obviously means that it&#8217;s a lot warmer in peak summer than in winter, but summer also means that the lake can become overgrown with lotus plants, so April or May are good months to visit.</p>
<p>Honestly speaking the indoor pools are quite dingy as they are below the main floor level between the supporting concrete pillars. It feels a bit like swimming in a multi storey car park that has been flooded with warm water. That said, Hévíz is really about the lake outside, which has abundant space to swim or float around, and apart from the lilies and some bits of peat floating about, the water is extremely clean. It is a nice experience to drift around in the open air, with so much space that you don&#8217;t feel crowded like in some other thermal baths.</p>
<p>The nature of the lake means that it is deep throughout so there are no shallow areas near the edges if you&#8217;re hoping to come along for a paddle. They have installed a few railings and benches in the lake so that you have something to hold on to but there aren&#8217;t many and even very tall people are unlikely to be able to touch the bottom, so unless you are very strong swimmer you should bring a float or inflatable ring, otherwise you could end up just clinging to the edge and not really enjoying it. There are plenty of shops in Hévíz town selling various types of floats and you can rent inflatable rings from inside the spa itself. Equipped with one though you can lie back and enjoy, with the lake surrounded by lush trees and the newly renovated wooden buildings sitting beautifully in and around the lake.</p>
<p>A few things to note when planning your trip are that children under 12 are not allowed for safety reasons, and similarly the lake closes at 6pm, so make sure you get there in time. A standard 3hour ticket costs around 2000ft. If you have children then you should check out the nearby Kehida Termal.</p>
<p><strong>Other Facilities</strong></p>
<p>The Hévíz lake has a cafe in the central bath house with a range of cooked meals and some rather tempting cakes. There is also a decent cafe on land by the side of the lake next to an attractive lawn for sunbathing.</p>
<p><strong>Best Thing</strong></p>
<p>The experience of swimming outdoors in a natural lake without feeling cold.</p>
<p><strong>Worst Thing</strong></p>
<p>The indoor pools aren&#8217;t well contained, and you can easily end up swimming through concrete columns and scaffolding under the building which seems both unpleasant and somewhat dangerous.</p>
<p><strong>Top Tip</strong></p>
<p>Take a float with you or hire one there because it is very deep and there isn&#8217;t much to hold on to.</p>
<p><strong>Summary</strong></p>
<p>Beautiful warm natural lake with plenty of space to swim around and nicely renovated historic buildings. Just remember that it is a lake, and you will need to be open to everything that goes with that.</p>
<p><strong>Rating</strong></p>
<address>Setting: 4/5</address>
<address>Architecture: 3/5</address>
<address>Ambience: 5/5</address>
<address>Facilities: 3/5</address>
<address>Value: 4/5</address>
<address><strong>TOTAL: 19/25 (four stars)</strong></address>
<address><a href="http://www.thermalbathguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/star4.gif" rel="lightbox[552]"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-564" title="4 star thermal bath" src="http://www.thermalbathguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/star4.gif" alt="" width="351" height="140" /></a></address>
<h3>Where to Stay</h3>
<h4 style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Luxury</strong> &#8211; <a title="Rogner Lotus Therme" href="http://www.hotelscombined.com/Hotel/Rogner_Hotel_Heviz.htm?a_aid=25539" target="_blank">Rogner Hotel &amp; Spa Lotus Therme</a> *****</h4>
<h4 style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Midrange </strong>- <a title="Hotel Napsugar" href="http://www.hotelscombined.com/Hotel/Hotel_Napsugar_Heviz.htm?a_aid=25539" target="_blank">Hotel Napsugar</a> ***</h4>
<h4 style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Budget </strong>- <a style="padding-left: 30px;" title="Heviz Hotels" href="http://www.hotelscombined.com/City/Heviz.htm?a_aid=25539" target="_blank">More accomodation in Heviz</a></h4>
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		<title>Széchenyi Baths Review, Hungary</title>
		<link>http://www.thermalbathguide.com/szechenyi-baths/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thermalbathguide.com/szechenyi-baths/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:39:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Hungary Thermal Bath Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thermal Bath Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hungary]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[termalfurdo]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thermalbathguide.com/?p=433</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Széchenyi Baths (Széchenyi Furdo) in Budapest, Hungary are one of the world's oldest and most famous thermal bath complexes.  The baths sit in the city's attractive Széchenyi Park and can be easily reached by Metro, itself the oldest underground line in mainland Europe.  The baths make a grand impression from the outside with their recently restored palatial architecture that is quite unlike any modern thermal bath complex.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Széchenyi Baths (Széchenyi Furdo) in Budapest, Hungary are one of the world&#8217;s oldest and most famous thermal bath complexes. The baths sit in the city&#8217;s attractive Széchenyi Park and can be easily reached by Metro, itself the oldest underground line in mainland Europe. The baths make a grand impression from the outside with their recently restored palatial architecture that is quite unlike any modern thermal bath complex.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone" title="Sachayni Baths" src="http://www.thermalbathguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/szechenyi_gyogyfurdo_thermal_spa_in_budapest.jpg" alt="" width="564" height="479" /></p>
<p>The entry process is somewhat confusing if you don&#8217;t speak Hungarian but you&#8217;ll surely not be alone with plenty of other bamboozled tourists always comparing notes in the ticket halls. If you enter from the main entrance on the side of the Metro station then you&#8217;ll see the inside of the main ticket hall to have been beautifully renovated with spectacular mosaics lining the main dome above. It would be easy to miss if you didn&#8217;t know that they were there.</p>
<p>The ticket options are really the biggest hurdle for most visitors, and depending on which entrance you are at the options are different. In the main entrance, they offer tickets to the steam baths, and in the rear entrance they offer tickets to the swimming baths. The prices are actually the same (2800 forints), and you&#8217;ll end up in the same place, but we would recommend entry to the less spectacular rear entrance (opposite the circus), because they give you an option of a private changing cabin for 400 forints, which you can share if you&#8217;re a couple. If you do enter this way, then once inside you&#8217;ll need to wait for a lady dressed in white to come and allocate you your cabin. You don&#8217;t get a key, but a tag with a number on which you must show her each time you want to lock or unlock your cabin. It&#8217;s therefore a good idea to save time and confusion by thinking carefully about what you leave in the cabin. It&#8217;s quite normal for people to carry bags into the bath areas with them, so you may want to carry in items like suncream, shampoo, drinks and towels so that you don&#8217;t have to keep popping back to the changing rooms. Remember you are in a city though, so don&#8217;t leave any valuables lying around.</p>
<p>The Széchenyi Baths claim to be one of the largest medicinal baths in Europe, and it is very easy to believe with more thermal pools than you can count on your fingers and numerous steam rooms and saunas. The highlight for many are the two thermal outdoor pools, enclosed in a courtyard by the 18th century Turkish bathhouse, which shuts out the bustling city creating an oasis of calm. There is a warm pool at 30° C (34° C in winter), with a Jacuzzi and lazy river in the centre, and a steaming 38° C pool, where you&#8217;ll always find local men playing chess on the edges, clearly not bothered by the advised 20 minute maximum duration advised in this pool, with their backs burning red in the sun. This bath as well as some of the other very hot baths have a green tinge to them, and there is a certain amount of pond life floating around in places, which can be disconcerting but is nothing to worry about.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thermalbathguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/budapest_szechenyi_furdo.png" rel="lightbox[433]"><img class="size-full wp-image-437 aligncenter" title="budapest szechenyi furdo" src="http://www.thermalbathguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/budapest_szechenyi_furdo.png" alt="" width="500" height="375" /></a></p>
<p>If you did enter through the swimming baths entrance, you could be forgiven for thinking that the three outdoor pools are all there is, but go up one of the two staircases into the Turkish bathhouse, and you&#8217;ll find a labyrinth of indoor pools and saunas. The pools vary in size and range in temperature from a scorching 40° C down to what feels like an icy 20° C.<br />
Other Facilities</p>
<p>There are numerous steam rooms and saunas, with temperatures in some going as high as 70° C. There is a canteen selling drinks and some typically Hungarian fried buffet foods, as well as a pleasant raised gallery for relaxing outdoors looking over the pools. A range of small private baths and treatments are also available for additional fees.<br />
<strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Best Thing</strong></p>
<p>The sheer number of different pools is unrivalled and will keep you busy for hours.<br />
<strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Worst Thing</strong></p>
<p>The level of cleanliness is a bit mixed. Most of it is pretty clean, but there are some parts that feel a little manky.<br />
<strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Top Tip</strong></p>
<p>No matter how much you love the warmth of the thermal pools, it&#8217;s worth plucking up the courage to try dipping in one of the cold pools after you have soaked up enough heat. Do it once, just for the experience.<br />
<strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Summary</strong></p>
<p>The Széchenyi Baths in Budapest are grand in both scale and aesthetics, but not at all ostentatious, with a very laid-back, jovial atmosphere making it the perfect place to come and relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city.<br />
<strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Rating:</strong></p>
<address>Setting: 4/5</address>
<address>Architecture: 4/5</address>
<address>Ambience: 5/5</address>
<address>Facilities: 4/5</address>
<address>Value: 5/5</address>
<address><strong>TOTAL: 22/25 (4 stars)</strong></address>
<address><a href="http://www.thermalbathguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/star4.gif" rel="lightbox[433]"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-564" title="4 star thermal bath" src="http://www.thermalbathguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/star4.gif" alt="" width="351" height="140" /></a></address>
<h3>Where to Stay</h3>
<h4 style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Luxury</strong> &#8211; <a title="Corinthia Grand Hotel" href="http://www.hotelscombined.com/Hotel/Corinthia_Grand_Hotel_Royal_Budapest.htm?a_aid=25539" target="_blank">Corinthia Grand Hotel Royal</a> *****</h4>
<h4 style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Midrange </strong>- <a title="Town Hall Apartments" href="http://www.hotelscombined.com/Hotel/Town_Hall_Apartments_Budapest.htm?a_aid=25539" target="_blank">Town Hall Apartments</a> ****</h4>
<h4 style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Budget </strong>- <a title="Grand Hostel" href="http://www.hotelscombined.com/Hotel/Grand_Hostel_Budapest.htm?a_aid=25539" target="_blank">Grand Hostel</a></h4>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><a title="Budapest Hotels" href="http://www.booking.com/city/hu/budapest.html?aid=329392" target="_blank">More accomodation in Budapest</a></p>
<h3>More Information</h3>
<p><a title="Current time in Hungary" href="http://www.thetimenow.com/hungary" rel="follow" target="_blank">Current time in Hungary </a></p>
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		<title>The Brine Baths Review, UK</title>
		<link>http://www.thermalbathguide.com/brine-baths-review-uk/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thermalbathguide.com/brine-baths-review-uk/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:19:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Spa Baths</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Thermal Bath Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UK Thermal Bath Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brine Bath]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thermal Bath]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thermalbathguide.com/?p=430</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Brine Baths in Droitwich Spa, England are fed by the historic towns natural salt water spring. The waters are not naturally thermal but heated for an enjoyable and relaxing bathing experience. The waters are said to have beneficial health properties, and are in fact owned by the adjoining private hospital. On the surface, the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Brine Baths in Droitwich Spa, England are fed by the historic towns natural salt water spring.  The waters are not naturally thermal but heated for an enjoyable and relaxing bathing experience.  The waters are said to have beneficial health properties, and are in fact owned by the adjoining private hospital.  On the surface, the brine baths appear like a fairly mediocre local swimming pool with very basic changing rooms and showers.  You have to book in advance and will have two wait at the poolside in the providing robe until your session begins.  When you do enter the pool you&#8217;ll be offered a protective gel to cover any wounds that you may have.  It&#8217;s a good thing because even with it the salt can cause a strong sting.  Despite this, the salt really use the highlight here at the Brine Baths.  Its concentrations are so high that you float effortlessly and find it virtually impossible to stand upright.  It is a strange but enjoyable experience that certainly makes a trip to the brine baths one to remember.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone" title="Brine Baths Droitwich Spa" src="http://www.thermalbathguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/pool.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="231" /></p>
<p>Unfortunately, that really is where the positives end.  The pool building is extremely basic and a bit dated, and showers didn&#8217;t work properly on our visit.  The worst thing though is the atmosphere, which feels more like a hospital ward than a spa, and has an uncomfortable tension in the air with the rather serious pool attendants watching over to make sure that nobody is having too much fun.</p>
<p><strong>Other Facilities</strong></p>
<p>The Brine Baths in Droitwich Spa also have a small sauna, and if you book in advance you can have a simple but tasty cold lunch, although slightly oddly you&#8217;ll have to eat it off plastic garden furniture at the poolside after your session.</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Best Thing</strong></p>
<p>Experience almost uncontrollable floating in the natural salt waters.</p>
<p><strong>Worst Thing</strong></p>
<p>The clinical atmosphere makes it hard to relax and have a good time.</p>
<p><strong>Top Tip</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p>Make sure that you don&#8217;t have any open wounds, as sting like crazy in the salt and could leave you with a scar, despite the protective gel provided.</p>
<p><strong>Summary</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p>The Brine Baths in Droitwich Spa provide an unusual and memorable experience.  But apart from the warm water and extremely high salt content, it&#8217;s really nothing special and is let down by a somewhat uncomfortable atmosphere.</p>
<p><strong>Rating:</strong></p>
<address>Setting: 1/5</address>
<address>Architecture: 1/5</address>
<address>Ambience: 0/5</address>
<address>Facilities: 1/5</address>
<address>Value: 0/5</address>
<address><strong>TOTAL: 3/25 (0 stars) </strong></address>
<address><a href="http://www.thermalbathguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/star0.gif" rel="lightbox[430]"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-567" title="0 star thermal bath" src="http://www.thermalbathguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/star0.gif" alt="" width="351" height="140" /></a></address>
<address><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
</address>
<p>For more information, visit: <a title="Droitwich Brine Baths" href="http://www.brinebath.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.brinebath.co.uk</a></p>
<p>Find out how we <a title="Thermal Bath Reviews" href="http://www.thermalbathguide.com/reviews/">rate thermal baths</a>.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;">The Droitwich Spa Brine Baths are currently closed. <a title="Brine Baths Closed" href="http://www.thermalbathguide.com/brine-baths-droitwich-spa-closed-due-to-health-hazard/" target="_self">See news for more information</a>.</span></p>
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		<title>Therme Geinberg Review, Austria</title>
		<link>http://www.thermalbathguide.com/therme-geinberg-review-austria/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thermalbathguide.com/therme-geinberg-review-austria/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:10:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Spa Baths</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Austria thermal bath reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thermal Bath Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Austria]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[therme]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thermalbathguide.com/?p=323</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Therme Geinberg is a real dark horse in the world of thermal baths, with an extremely well presented and substantial complex, delivering far more than you expect and much more than you feel you've paid for. If you want to get away from it all and relax both body and mind, then there can't be many better places than Therme Geinberg.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Therme Geinberg is a little way off the tourist track in the north of Austria, about an hour by car north of Salzburg.  A glance at the website or brochure and you might think that Geinberg is a very nice thermal spa but nothing spectacular.  However, when you get there, you find that it far exceeds it promises.<span id="more-323"></span> The spa bath are based in a modern complex, that while no architectural masterpiece does create an extremely calm and attractive environment which to relax.</p>
<p>All thermal pools are kept at a good temperature of upto 36degC.  When you enter you&#8217;ll find the indoor pool to be surprisingly large with no shortage of in pool massage seats facing out through the curved glass wall to the outer pool, which is directly linked via a channel through the wall.  It&#8217;s a similar story in the outside pool with a variety of different water jets and seating to help you relax and watch the clouds go by.  There is also a really good whirlpool inside by the main pool and a non-thermal tub to cool off in.  If no one told you otherwise you would think that although extremely well designed and maintained there was really thing more to Therme Geinberg.  Start exploring though and you&#8217;ll discover that it is actually very substantial complex.  There is a thermal salt-water lagoon with a poolside bar and artificial beach lagoon for lounging around in summer months.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone" title="Therme Geinberg" src="http://www.thermalbathguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/therme-geinberg.jpg" alt="" width="565" height="424" /></p>
<p>There is also outdoor sports pool for more energetic swimmers, but the highlight is the Thermen Kaskade, hidden away at the far end of the complex.  The beautifully crafted stainless steel infinity pool, split on two levels is quite simply stunning, with plenty of space to drift around and enjoy the views of the pleasant green surroundings.  For a really surreal experience, stop under the bridge in the channel entering the Thermen Kaskade at night, and look out into the darkness with the steam rising from the top of the deep blue glow of the infinity pool. It&#8217;s a truly memorable sight.</p>
<p><strong>Other facilities:</strong></p>
<p>Therme Geinberg has a restaurant within the bath complex, as well as one in the adjacent Vitalhotel that is open to the public.   There is also a sauna welt that you can enter for an extra fee and you can also get an enormous range of massages and treatments, within the centre, ranging from alpine therapies to Indian Ayurvedic massages.  All of this comes at an extra cost to the main thermal bath ticket, which literally lets you access the baths.  It is however very good value for money and if you go in the evening after 5pm (or again after 7pm) the tickets are reduced and allow you to stay until closing time.</p>
<p><strong>Summary:</strong></p>
<p>Therme Geinberg is a real dark horse in the world of thermal baths, with an extremely well presented and substantial complex, delivering far more than you expect and much more than you feel you&#8217;ve paid for.  If you want to get away from it all and relax both body and mind, then there can&#8217;t be many better places than Therme Geinberg.<strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Top Tip:</strong></p>
<p>Look at the map of the complex.  It will be easy to visit the two main pools and go away thinking you&#8217;ve seen everything when in fact you&#8217;ve missed some of the best bits like the lounge and Kaskade.  There are same maps dotted around in the corridors and it&#8217;s in the brochure that you get for free from the reception.</p>
<p><strong>Best thing:</strong></p>
<p>Without a doubt the Thermen Kaskade infinity pool is a masterpiece, and even more spectacular after sundown. <strong><br />
</strong></p>
<p><strong>Worst thing:</strong></p>
<p>There really isn&#8217;t anything bad about Therme Geinberg, but if we must find a glitch then the communal showers may be a little uncomfortable for anyone not used to the customary continental nudity.</p>
<p><strong>Rating:</strong></p>
<address>Setting: 4/5</address>
<address>Architecture: 4/5</address>
<address>Ambience: 5/5</address>
<address>Facilities: 5/5</address>
<address>Value: 4/5<br />
</address>
<address><strong>TOTAL: 23/25 (5stars)</strong></address>
<address><a href="http://www.thermalbathguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/star5.gif" rel="lightbox[323]"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-569" title="5 star thermal bath" src="http://www.thermalbathguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/star5.gif" alt="" width="351" height="140" /></a></address>
<h3>Where to Stay</h3>
<h4 style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Luxury</strong> &#8211; <a title="Vitalhotel Geinberg" href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/at/vitalhotel-therme-geinberg.html?aid=329392" target="_blank">Vitalhotel Therme Geinberg</a> ****</h4>
<h4 style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Midrange </strong>- <a title="Hotel Bayerischer Hof" href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/de/bayerischer-hof-bad-fussing.html?aid=329392" target="_blank">Hotel Bayerischer Hof</a> ***</h4>
<h4 style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Budget </strong>- <a title="Geinberg Suites" href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/at/geinberg-suites.html?aid=329392" target="_blank">Geinberg Suites</a></h4>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><a title="Geinberg Hotels" href="http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?city=-1977867;aid=323849" target="_blank">More accomodation in Geinberg</a></p>
<h3>More Information</h3>
<p>For more information, visit: <a title="Therme Geinberg Austria" href="http://www.therme-geinberg.at" target="_blank">www.therme-geinberg.at</a></p>
<p>Find out how we <a title="Thermal Bath Reviews" href="http://www.thermalbathguide.com/reviews/">rate thermal baths</a>.</p>
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		<title>Therme Erding Review, Germany</title>
		<link>http://www.thermalbathguide.com/therme-erding-germany/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thermalbathguide.com/therme-erding-germany/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2009 15:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Germany Thermal Bath Reviews]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thermalbathguide.com/?p=316</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Therme Erding is an excellent thermal bath with plenty for everyone to enjoy.  It may not be the most relaxing or classy thermal bath, but it probably is one of the most fun and really stands out as different from other thermal spas with its wide range of pools and activities to keep the whole family entertained for hours.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Therme Erding is situated in southern Germany close to Munich airport in the attractive town of Erding. It claims to be European&#8217;s largest thermal spa complex, and on arrival its size certainly is impressive. The complex centres around the thermal baths but has three main attractions &#8211; Thermal Paradise, Sauna Paradise, and Galaxy. All three are interconnected but you&#8217;ll need an additional pass to be able to enter Sauna Paradise.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone" title="Erding Therme" src="http://www.thermalbathguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/erding_therme.jpg" alt="" width="565" height="401" /></p>
<p>The main spa area is housed inside a large glass dome, making it extremely light and the opening of roof takes the indoors out in good weather. There is a large indoor pool that is nice and warm and has a series of powerful jets hidden around the edges. If you are looking for a good time with friends then the indoor bar serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails is a nice touch, even if it is a bit overpriced. If you&#8217;d rather do something healthier, you can work off your cocktail at one of the regular aqua aerobics classes in the main pool.</p>
<p>The indoor pool leads directly through to a large out door pool, which keeps warm even in the very cold weather. While you&#8217;re outdoors you must check out the Schwefelquelle, a slight smelly and milky looking hot tub with water temperatures ranging from 0 &#8211; 45degC. You should only stay in a few minutes, but when you get out you&#8217;ll feel warm standing outside in your swimmers even when it&#8217;s snowing. It&#8217;s claimed that the heat and minerals have therapeutic qualities, particularly for conditions such as arthritis. Even though its relatively new complex, its architecturally nothing special and feels more like a theme park than a spa with its artificial rocks and palm trees, but it is very well maintained and has a very relaxed atmosphere. <span style="color: #000000;"><strong><br />
</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Other Facilities:</strong></span></p>
<p>There is a whole more to Therme Erding than just a couple of good pools. There are two thermal hot tubs hidden inside artificial caves, both with different mineral contents, aswell as a cave adjoining the main pool with powerful waterfalls that are perfect for head back and shoulder massages. There is also a 100% humidity steam room, a footbath with hot and cold water, and a couple of good whirlpools and a decent lazy river.</p>
<p>The baths can get extremely busy even on a mid week in low season, but if you want a quieter more relaxing spa experience you can pay a premium to enter the VitalOase with its own thermal pool and a range of treatments available. Just be aware that the VitalOase pool is designated for nude bathing after 6pm.<br />
The sauna paradise has a range of good sauna facilities as you&#8217;d expect for the extra entry fee, but the real unexpected highlight is the adjacent Galaxy water-park included in the main entry fee. Inside you&#8217;ll find what is probably one of the best water parks in Europe, with a huge range of waterslides to suit absolutely everyone. You can enjoy small gentle slides, try to set a speed record at over 65kph or get yourself an inflatable ring and ride a slide that actually goes uphill in places.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thermalbathguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/therme-vitaloase-innenansicht1.jpg" rel="lightbox[316]"><img class="size-full wp-image-329 aligncenter" title="Therme Vitaloase" src="http://www.thermalbathguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/therme-vitaloase-innenansicht1.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="252" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Summary: </strong></p>
<p>Therme Erding is an excellent thermal bath with plenty for everyone to enjoy. It may not be the most relaxing or classy thermal bath, but it probably is one of the most fun and really stands out as different from other thermal spas with its wide range of pools and activities to keep the whole family entertained for hours.</p>
<p><strong>Best Thing:</strong><br />
The outdoor Schwefelquelle at a roasting 40-45degC</p>
<p><strong>Worst Thing:</strong><br />
There&#8217;s no getting away from the fact that it is a bit tacky.</p>
<p><strong>Top Tip:</strong><br />
Check your timings before you go. At time of writing, the Galaxy water-park opens at 2pm, the VitalOase is nude after 6pm and the main thermal pool is reserved for ladies only on Tuesday afternoons, coupled with the fact that it can be a very busy even off-peak, some advanced planning can help you get the most out of your visit.</p>
<p><strong>Rating:</strong></p>
<address>Setting: 3/5</address>
<address>Architecture: 4/5</address>
<address>Ambience: 4/5</address>
<address>Facilities: 5/5</address>
<address>Value: 5/5</address>
<address><strong>TOTAL: 21/25 (4 stars)</strong></address>
<address><a href="http://www.thermalbathguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/star4.gif" rel="lightbox[316]"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-564" title="4 star thermal bath" src="http://www.thermalbathguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/star4.gif" alt="" width="351" height="140" /></a></address>
<h3>Where to Stay</h3>
<h4 style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Luxury</strong> &#8211; <a title="Hotel zum Erdinger Weissbräu" href="http://www.hotelscombined.com/Hotel/Hotel_zum_Erdinger_Weissbrau_Erding.htm?a_aid=25539" target="_blank">Hotel zum Erdinger Weissbräu</a> ****</h4>
<h4 style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Midrange </strong>- <a title="Hotel Nummerhof" href="http://www.hotelscombined.com/Hotel/Hotel_Nummerhof_Erding.htm?a_aid=25539" target="_blank"><span>Hotel Nummerhof</span></a> ***</h4>
<h4 style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Budget </strong>- <a title="ama apartmenthotel" href="http://www.hotelscombined.com/Hotel/Ama_Apartmenthotel_Erding.htm?a_aid=25539" target="_blank">Ama Apartmenthotel</a></h4>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><a title="Erding Hotels" href="http://www.hotelscombined.com/City/Erding.htm?a_aid=25539" target="_blank">More accomodation in Erding</a></p>
<h3>More Information</h3>
<p>For more information, visit: <a title="Therme Erding Germany" href="http://www.therme-erding.de" target="_blank">www.therme-erding.de</a><br />
<a title="Current time in Germany" href="http://www.thetimenow.com/germany" rel="follow" target="_blank">Current time in Germany</a></p>
<p>Find out how we <a title="Thermal Bath Reviews" href="http://www.thermalbathguide.com/reviews/">rate thermal baths</a>.</p>
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		<title>Kaiser Therme Bad Ischl Review, Austria</title>
		<link>http://www.thermalbathguide.com/kaisertherme-bad-ischl-review/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thermalbathguide.com/kaisertherme-bad-ischl-review/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2009 08:21:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Spa Baths</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Austria thermal bath reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thermal Bath Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Austria]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brine Bath]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[therme]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thermalbathguide.com/?p=357</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The baths in the historic spa town of Bad Ischl, Austria have recently been refurbished and reopened as a the Kaisertherme thermal spa by the Eurothermen Resort Group. As you&#8217;d expect from a newly renovated spa, it is very well finished and presented in all areas with a warm, calm atmosphere. The interior designers have [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The baths in the historic spa town of Bad Ischl, Austria have recently been refurbished and reopened as a the Kaisertherme thermal spa by the Eurothermen Resort Group.  As you&#8217;d expect from a newly renovated spa, it is very well finished and presented in all areas with a warm, calm atmosphere.<span id="more-357"></span> The interior designers have attempted to root the spa in its setting with thin slices of local marble attractively backlit on the walls throughout the complex.  Sadly though, the interior designers could not overcome the fact that the spa complex makes  very poor use of its location.  The spas location in Bad Ischl has  spectacular views of the surrounding Salzkammergut mountains, yet from within the spa they are barely visible, obscured by the adjoining Royal hotel and the bath house itself.  It is an enormous missed opportunity that means that apart from the clean mountain air outside this bar could be almost anywhere.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone" title="Bad Ischl therme" src="http://www.thermalbathguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/bad_ischl_therme.jpg" alt="" width="420" height="195" /></p>
<p>The pools themselves are fairly straightforward, but nicely presented with a variety of blue dichromic mosaics throughout.  The main indoor pool is a saltwater pool with reclined seating in the water along one edge aswell as massage and bubble jets, but at only 32° C it is not particularly warm and with its standard rectangular design is a little underwhelming.  The adjacent saltwater whirlpool is much more pleasurable with a range of different bubble sequences including tingly fizzing effect.  It&#8217;s a little warmer at 34°, but this is the hottest pool in Bad Ischl, so it&#8217;s no surprise that it can get a little crowded.</p>
<p>There are two outdoor pools, accessed separately from the indoor pool.  The main outdoor pool is also  saltwater and kept at 33°C, which although not particularly hot is comfortable for an outdoor pool.  It&#8217;s a nice place to sit back and enjoy the mountain air, just watch out for the near invisible internal walls and steps hidden beneath the surface of the water, or you could end up with some nasty bruises.  The other outdoor pool is far more interesting though.  As the resort itself says, the lazy river is THE water attraction, and in this case it&#8217;s more of a rapids than a lazy river, with children and adults whizzing around the track.  There are a few pit stops along the way with calm areas to relax and enjoy some bubble therapy, including a very cosy salz grotto.  You can keep hopping between stations and when it&#8217;s time to go home, you will be sure to go for one more lap.</p>
<p>There are also small but nicely presented indoor and outdoor children&#8217;s pools for those with family.  The basic four hour ticket costs 13Euros at the time of writing, and you can get a 10% discount if you carry a Gastekarte from a hotel in Bad Ischl with you.</p>
<p><strong>Other Facilities</strong></p>
<p>The baths have a pleasant canteen style restaurant with decent quality and value food, and plenty of gallery areas with loungers if you want to take a break from the pool during your visit.  Any food or drink can be recorded on your digital wristband so you don&#8217;t need to carry money with you into the pool areas.  If you want saunas or spa treatments then you&#8217;ll need to purchase an additional ticket for the adjoining sauna welt, which would then allow you to move freely between the two areas.</p>
<p><strong>Summary</strong></p>
<p>The Eurothermen Resort in Bad Ischl is a very pleasant and well presented complex, where you can spend time relaxing and have some fun in the lazy river.  However, it fails to take advantage of its location with quite poorly conceived architecture that feels like an upmarket swimming pool complex, but not the world-class facility that it ought to be.  The water is not particularly warm either for a thermal spa, but if you go in with realistic expectations, you should have a good time.</p>
<p><strong>Best Thing</strong></p>
<p>The lazy river is the clear highlight, with a long track, powerful current, and three different relaxation areas along the way.</p>
<p><strong>Worst Thing</strong></p>
<p>It&#8217;s just not particularly warm.  Some may enjoy the slightly cooler pools but a thermal spa of this size, really should have at least one genuinely hot bath to avoid disappointing visitors.</p>
<p><strong>Top Tip</strong></p>
<p>Wherever you see a white nozzle on the side of the lazy river, put your hand over the jet directly below it underwater.  Hold it there for a couple of seconds for a fun surprise.</p>
<p><strong>Rating:</strong></p>
<address>Setting: 3/5</address>
<address>Architecture: 3/5</address>
<address>Ambience: 5/5</address>
<address>Facilities: 4/5</address>
<address>Value: 4/5<br />
</address>
<address><strong>TOTAL: 19/25 (3stars)</strong></address>
<address><a href="http://www.thermalbathguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/star3.gif" rel="lightbox[357]"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-572" title="3 star thermal bath" src="http://www.thermalbathguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/star3.gif" alt="" width="351" height="140" /></a></address>
<h3>Where to Stay</h3>
<h4 style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Luxury</strong> &#8211; <a title="Hotel Goldener Ochs" href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/at/goldener-ochs.html?aid=329392" target="_blank">Hotel Goldener Ochs</a> ****</h4>
<h4 style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Midrange </strong>- <a title="Alpengasthof Hotel Anlager" href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/at/alpengasthof-anlanger.html?aid=329392" target="_blank">Alpengasthof Hotel Anlager</a> ***</h4>
<h4 style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Budget </strong>- <a title="Haus Strutzenberger" href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/at/haus-strutzenberger.html?aid=329392" target="_blank">Haus Strutzenberger</a></h4>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><a title="Bad Ischl Hotels" href="http://www.booking.com/city/at/bad-ischl.html?aid=329392" target="_blank">More accomodation in Bad Ischl<br />
</a></p>
<h3>More Information</h3>
<p>For more information, visit: <a title="Eurothermen Resort Bad Ischl" href="http://www.eurothermen.at/de-bad-ischl-index.htm">www.eurothermen.at</a><a title="Aqua Dome Thermal Spa" href="http://www.aqua-dome.at/xxl/_lang/en/index.html" target="_blank"></a></p>
<p>Find out how we <a title="Thermal Bath Reviews" href="http://www.thermalbathguide.com/reviews/">rate thermal baths</a>.</p>
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