Palatinus Strand Baths — Local services in Budapest

ok lets start with the positives, absolutely great day spent in the pools and relaxing. we went with the family including a couple of oldies ( me and the wife!) my son and wife and their children (our grandkids) when we arrived early they had only just opened so no waiting to get in, we paid our money and thought thats not expensive considering what you pay in the uk for an hour session. we then recieved our wrist bands which get you a locker to use which you can return to for your bits and bobs during the day. We got changed in a little cubicle, you could book a chalet for the whole family but thats a little bit more costings. then out into the fresh Budapest air and rain, not too cold but still raining, mad dogs and english go swimming in the cold rain comes to mind! It was a very pleasant suprise when we dipped our toes in, now that was a shock very warm water in an outside pool is not what we are used to. we tried all the pools and decided to stay in the very hot pool, i think it was around 35-37c yes really, i know what a lobster feels like now. the other pools were a little cooler relatively speaking but still warm yes ALL 9 pools. 1 of the pools you have to wear a swim cap and that the pool for the lane keen swimmers but anywhere else you dont need to also you can swim in shorts yes NO speedos, bonus!! we had lunch which was one of the Langose with cheese and ham, tasty but a little greasy for us, however we did eat 3 between us 6. the coffee was not hot only luke warm and i drank mine in one gulp so it also shows not very large either. the cost was very good again compared to an eatery in the UK. we stayed best part of the day from 0900 to about 1500 so an excellent value day which we will surley come back to at a later date. The pools capacities range from 40 in the childrens pirate ship pool to around 150 in the middle pools to around 200 in the larger pools but when we were there there was only around 20 people in each of the pools so loads of room. well done to the organisers you have it right from entry to departure great day.

thats the positives now for a couple of smaller points for the pool company to organise quickly in my mind. I teach health and safety so maybe its just me and the way my mind works. MY biggest problem was the lifeguards, they are in a little hut beside the pools some had 2 or 3 in each hut BUT everyone of them was on their phones or listening to music from the phones and NOT paying any attention to the swimmers or areas arounf the pools. my second small complaint from my grandkids was the wave machine not working still. if you look at some of the comments below there are quite a few complaining of this but no signage to say it is not working, lots of youngsters and some of us olddies were swimming in the pool expecting the wave machine to, well, wave but it didnt, there was even a lifeguard on the top, on his phone!! and when someone eventually asked if it was working he shrugged his shoulders and grunted NO and went back to his phone again!!! as a last request please please please get a better coffee machine that give desent hot coffee.

overall these small points apart we had a great day...

I would not recommend Palatinus for winter spa sessions. It is probably nice in the summer when the outdoor pools and park areas are all utilized but in the winter, the indoors can be rather crowded and a bit depressing. There is one big pool inside, the main thermal, max capacity is 40 bathers. This is far from enough. The toilets downstairs are closely located to the main pool. By the afternoon a penetrating stench of urine fills the air, so being in the main pool can be a stomach turning experience. Perhaps more frequent cleaning would help this issue. The toilet paper also ran out in the ladies room by around 3pm.

Spa services: There are two steam rooms. I didn't find either hot enough but this can be subjective. The one Finn sauna room is tiny but decently heated. Good points: hot (40-42 degrees) bath pool - it is nice and hot but max 5 people can fit here. Cold plunge pool - good water quality. One overhead ice cold shower is also available and there is an ice machine too.

Outdoor: The outdoor thermal is okay to try once but is very shallow plus not hot enough. The sheltered path leading there stinks real bad (due to dampness).

The outdoor swimming pool is nice, 42 meters long with clear water (25-27 degrees warm) - suitable for long distance swimming.

Other areas: The changing area is a bit frustrating. Lockers are very small, changing cabins are few. Good points: free hairdryers and free weight measuring available. Overall design of the premises: old school retro, do not expect very nice features. Straight, minimalist lines, a few coloured lights underwater in the pools, long white corridors, kids' pool looks nice and has a couple of slides. Relax beds and chairs can be used for free in limited numbers. There are only two hangers in the main hall, there should be more.

Park outside: Bit eclectic with statues, fountains, buffets, outdoor (free) gym machines, several other pools including adventure pool, green grassy sections, paths, large trees. I think it is beautiful in the summer.

It's a no-cash place. To buy things, you can top up credit on a bracelet. This is a safe method. Overall price: inexpensive for entry. Run and swim tickets...

The Palatinus Spa, nestled on the scenic Margaret Island, is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a full day of aquatic fun. Unlike some of the other more traditional and ornate Budapest baths, this one feels very much like a modern lido, with a distinct focus on family entertainment and outdoor enjoyment.

The first thing you'll notice is that the entire experience is an expansive outdoor oasis. This is a great perk, as it allows you to truly soak in the summer sun and the fresh island air. The grounds are sprawling and beautifully maintained, with large grassy areas where you can lay out your towels, picnic, or simply relax between dips in the water. It’s the perfect place to unwind and escape the concrete jungle of the city. The atmosphere is vibrant and laid-back, full of families and friends enjoying the day.

The variety of pools at Palatinus is impressive. For those seeking relaxation, there are several thermal pools, and while kids are welcome on the grounds, it's worth noting that these hot pools are typically reserved for visitors over 14 years old. This provides a great opportunity for adults to unwind in the soothing mineral-rich waters. The rest of the park is a playground for all ages. There's a massive wave pool that’s a blast for everyone, as well as a large swimming pool and several pools specifically designed for young children, making it a truly family-friendly destination.

For the more adventurous visitors, the slides are a major highlight. The towering slide complex offers a variety of thrilling rides, from enclosed tunnel slides that twist and turn in the dark to open, high-speed chutes. While the height requirement for the biggest slides is 150cm, they provide an adrenaline rush that older kids and adults will absolutely love. It's easy to spend an hour just trying out each one, climbing the stairs for another go.

Overall, Palatinus is the perfect choice for a family or anyone looking for a full-day, outdoor spa experience. It offers a wonderful balance of laid-back relaxation in the thermal pools and high-energy fun on the slides, making it a fantastic and memorable escape...