Ensana Thermal Aqua — Hotel in Keszthelyi járás

Let me start out by saying we had a lovely stay.

I can't give this place 5 stars because that would be the BEST place ever, and it's not that.

The all-inclusive is OK. The thermal pools are OK The massages are OK Etc..

It's an older resort in need of some sprucing up across the board. However, it's crowded, so they are doing a good job.

It's close to everything, as long as you are ok with a hill or stairs.

Parking was a nightmare upon arrival and somewhat confusing without clear signage. Luckily they have overflow parking, they will explain at check-in.

Coming from the USA and having traveled the world, we drove here from near the train station in Budapest.

Navigating Budapest was a bit difficult, with a lot of traffic, but once we found our way over the bridge, it was smooth sailing. We were told that the roads were going to be pretty rough, but everything was amazing as far as the drive. Google Maps got us there, no problem. (But keep in mind there is another spa up the street that is named Ensana, so you need to make sure you're going to the right place.)

They provide robes, but they're kind of scratchy.

The entire place from when you walk in the door until you go up the elevators smells like (rotten eggs) sulfur. Luckily the rooms don't smell like sulfur, at least ours did not.

Cleaning service comes at 9:00 a.m., so we decided not to have our room cleaned because we wanted to sleep in.

The sulfur baths are mostly indoor, so the smell is a LOT. It's somewhat dimly lit, so it's cozy, but that along with the cloudiness of the water makes it feel dirty somehow, even though it's not. The temperatures of the pools are warm, but not hot.

After bathing for 20 to 30 minutes we went up to our rooms and napped all day. We did this for 4 days straight. Wake up, have breakfast, go to the pool, nap, wake up, have lunch, go in the pool, nap. Wake up have dinner go to bed. They're definitely must be something about those minerals. It was so good to sleep after 2 weeks of walking around Central Europe nonstop.

The strangest thing was the massage. It's done in a doctor's office, with the lights turned on brightly. My massage was pretty great, my husband's was good, not great. But it was really hard to relax in a really bright room like that. The table was like an exam table, very firm, with paper over the top where they punch a hole in the paper so your head can go into the flat hole of the table. They only cover you with a hand towel. Neither my husband or I felt comfortable enough to go completely in the buff once we saw the room. Perhaps this is normal and Hungary, we didn't ask.

The food was probably the biggest letdown of the place. There just wasn't enough variety from day to day and meal to meal. The flavors were good on most things, perhaps a little less flavorful than some of the nearby restaurants.

The town of Heviz is absolutely charming. The park promenade was beautiful. The restaurants were delicious, and one chocolate, wine, cheese shop was amazingly cute.

We did not take many photos because we were too busy napping. Lol.

Last thing, this is a very kid friendly hotel. They have a game room and other games as well as a couple of kids pools and areas, plus it's...

Extremely Disappointing Experience – False Advertising of Kids’ Program

I am beyond disappointed with my stay at this hotel. One of the main reasons we chose this place was the advertised kids’ program, which seemed like the perfect way to keep our children entertained and spend some fun together. However, upon arrival, it became glaringly obvious that the program was a complete farce.

ONLY 3 activities out of 10 planned were taking place (NOT THE OTHER WAY ROUND).

First off, there were no scheduled activities, no organized entertainment as was promised on the website. The hotel gave us vague excuses about “staff shortages” and “technical difficulties,” but it felt like nothing more than a bait-and-switch tactic to lure families in.

To be specific: the bubble disco – although it was scheduled to take place every day – did not happen, as the animators had no idea about it (nor did the service desk). Other guests also confirmed that it wasn’t happening, and there was no notice of cancellation.

In the morning, there were scheduled activities such as ‘morning workout’, ‘taking care of the herbal garden’, and ‘kneading’. However, only the kneading activity took place — and even that consisted of the animators placing the materials on the table and then permanently checking their phones.

In the afternoon, activities such as ‘beading’, ‘bubble water programme’, and ‘let’s play in the garden’ were planned. Out of these, only the beading activity actually took place. In the evening, the scheduled bubble disco was once again cancelled without any notice.

The few activities that were available were poorly organized and totally unprofessional. They were neither age-appropriate nor engaging for kids. My children were bored out of their minds and extremely upset about the false promises made by the hotel.

To make matters worse, the hotel management was completely unhelpful and uninterested in resolving the issue. Despite bringing this to their attention multiple times, no effort was made to improve the situation or offer any alternative solutions.

This was not only a waste of time but a complete letdown for my family. If you’re planning a trip with children and were hoping for the kids’ program as advertised, do yourself a favor and look elsewhere. This hotel has shown a blatant disregard for its commitments and is clearly not family-friendly.

I will never return, and I highly recommend avoiding this hotel at all costs if you are...

Live in Budapest, this is written more for tourists to Hévíz and the Ensana Thermal Aqua.

Easy to access by public transport direct by Volan Bus from Budapest, or train from the Budapest Déli or south station in Buda, to Keszthely, then frequent buses to Hévíz (10 minutes).

On foot from the bus station Ensana Thermal Aqua was easy to find, about 20 minute walk, use the central lake as your destination and landmark, walk past with lake entrance on left, another 2-300m to main road, turn right continue about 200m, you will see Ensana Aqua.

Check in 2 minutes, room all good inc bed, bathroom, can open window, smart tv with screen share and room service (unclear what menu was).

Guests were a mix from young couples with young children, many middle aged and older retiree Hungarians, plus many Germans too; German, French or English is available and it’s ‘old school’ all guests and personnel are polite and smile.

One did the all inclusive offer for three nights and access to hotel’s hot pools inside/out, and larger pool outside if you wish to swim laps; gowns and towels provided (in room), bring your own beach slippers or flip flops.

Food was good, dining area large, garden view (terrace too), comfortable seating and self serve starting breakfast inc hot foods 7-10, and 10-11 continental only light breakfast breakfast. Lunch 12-14, afternoon tea 15.00 then dinner 18-21; with all inclusive free soft drinks, beer & wine most of the pm after 15.00 inc. lobby bar (see time table picture)

Good choices, changing daily and fresh variety of food, for vegetarians too: salads, soups, breads, pasta, vegetables, rice/potato, then 3-4 meat dishes inc a chicken, beef, pork or fish; many dessert choices too (think gluten &/or sugar free too).

One’s advice is to first have a look around at all the food choices, plan your attack, small portions and take your time…. you are not going...