Testimonials Hungarian spas

In 1976 I underwent surgery on my knee. Since then I have been regularly visiting the spas in Budapest. When I went for the first time my family doctor did not recommend it since the American and Canadian Medical Associations do not recognize spa therapies. They only believe in drugs and surgery. Before and right after my surgery I received extensive physiotherapy. Since it was ineffective, my specialists prescribed strong doses of anti-inflammatory medication, which as many medications, had side effects.
After seeing the good results of the Hungarian spa treatments, my doctor finally acknowledged their benefits. Now he is the one who tells me “It is time for you to go for a treatment”
Nowadays my doctor does not give me any instructions to take with me, saying “IN HUNGARY THE SPAS’ MEDICAL STAFF AND THERAPISTS ARE MORE ADVANCED IN TREATING RHEUMATISM THAN HERE”. In the Hungarian spas I learned to relax which is also very important for me. At home, being a woman, I have duties to attend the house and look after my family, therefore I have no time for the essential rest after treatments. As a result of my regular visits to the Budapest spas I do not have to rely on anti-inflammatory medications. IF YOU CONSIDER THE COST OF THERAPY AND THE COST OF MEDICATIONS I’d rather choose the therapy in any one of the spas in Hungary. MY SON IS A RHEUMATOLOGIST and he can attest to this statement.
Amy Ecker, Montreal, PQ

I have been living with the pain of Arthritis since I was a young child. No doctor I ever went to could help me. Determined to find some way to ease the pain, I have traveled to Paris and the Orient and elsewhere in search of relief. In the last year my Arthritis deteriorated to such an extent that I could no longer walk without a cane.
THIS SUMMER I TRIED THE SPA IN BUDAPEST. IT CHANGED MY LIFE. The spa doctor was extremely thorough in his examination, making sure he didn’t miss anything. I received mud packs, galvanic and thermal baths as well as regular massages. The combination of the therapy, the wonderful international cuisine and the relaxing atmosphere of the spa made my vacation a renewal of life without pain. My health was improved so much that I no longer need a cane.

I am a 42 year old woman suffering from Chronic Pain Syndrome as a result of a car accident five years ago. I visited a Spa in Budapest to find a different medical approach to my annoying condition. Prior to that I had been seeing numerous specialists, chiropractors, massage therapists and acupuncturists. Nothing helped. At the Spa Hotel in Budapest I underwent the customary medical examination and the treatments started on the same day. Within days I felt much better and by the end of the 3rd week I was a changed person. My joint symptoms were largely gone and my mood was great. I felt happy and energetic just like I used to be prior to the accident.

The Spa experience at the Grand Hotel Margaret island in Budapest was marvelous. Thank you for your part in making the trip as one of the best experiences. The staff at the hotel was most kind and helpful. The gypsy music during our evening meals by candlelight was superb. The spa treatments and the warm thermal waters rejuvenated my body and soul.

Judith Kratzer, Geneseo, KS

I am back from my trip to Hungary and the spa experience at the Grand Hotel Margitziget. It was fabulous. Thank you so much for the arrangements that you made. Please keep me posted of other trips you may have in the future.

Gloria Kielbaso
Okemos, MI

Since 1998 I have been returning to a wonderful three weeks stay at either the Grand or Thermal Hotels on Margaret island in Budapest to enjoy the City and the spa.
Both hotels are great. The Grand has old world charm, while the Thermal is larger and newer. The two hotels are well maintained, with well appointed rooms and lobbies. The dinning rooms and meals are wonderful, with many choices that leave nothing to be desired. The staff in many cases are multilingual, they are all friendly and knowledgeable.
The Spa personnel are trained to perform the designated treatments which are therapeutic and relaxing. These treatments are given with concern and care. The fully equipped fitness room, swimming pool, thermal pools, sauna and steam rooms are available for quests and are very well maintained and clean.
The city itself, both the Buda or Pest side, has much to offer, with numerous museums, galleries and attractions. There is a spectacular Opera House as well as theatres, concert halls etc., where everyday a memorable performance can be enjoyed.
Public transportation form the hotels is very convenient and efficient and taxis are also readily available. Many of my friends have come with me to the Spa and enjoyed it, and have returned again and again. The travel arrangements were made through Allegro Holidays, where staff is well versed in their profession and have completed my travel plans quickly and efficiently.
Do yourself a favor and experience the joys of a stay on Margaret Island and the Spa.
Gena Simpson, Guelph, ON

My hostelling days being over, I discovered- in 2000 - a wonderful alternative. on Margaret (margit) Island on the Danube river which divides Pest and Buda (merged in 1872 to become Budapest) are two hotels in a beautiful park, but only a bus ride away from either side. The Thermal hotel, recently renovated, seems to cater now to younger people: attractive rooms, some overlooking the river. the grand hotel next door is one of Budapest's jewels, beautifully restored, softly lit dining room with excellent musicians adding to the old world ambience.
The hotels' spa is the main attraction: Budapest is blessed with unlimited underground healing water. Europeans know the healing powers of several luxurious pools of different temperatures. After a doctor's consultation on arrival, I was directed to appropriate treatments such as massage, physio therapy, ultra-sound, mud packs etc. All equipment is state-of-the art. pools, saunas, treatment rooms are under the thermal hotel; there is a convenient tunnel (lined with arresting photos of old Budapest) between the two hotels. Terry robes are provided; take your
own filp--flops. Leave jeans and running shoes at home. Dinner dress is fairly formal (I take two long skirts), and if you enjoy ballet and opera, you will enjoy not only the performances, but the electric atmosphere of the opera house and its beautifully dressed patrons. Budapest is a glorious city; often in january/february the weather complements the beautiful buildings with warm sun. trans, buses and metro are easily negotiated. the castle area is fascinating, the galleries and museums not to be missed. The Budapest experience is a grand antidote to winter

In the last two years I have stayed at the Thermal Hotel Margaret Island. I enjoyed staying at the hotel so much, that in both years I have extended my stay with an extra week.
I was able to relax, go for massages and swim in the thermal water every day. I also liked the long walks on the beautiful traffic free Margaret Island.
I am 70 years old and like many of us at my age I have problems with my knee and my back. After the mudpack treatments on my knee and on my back the pain was gone and the underwater massages were helping too.
All the staff at the hotel are very polite and helpful and the food is very good, you can choose from lots of different kind. I enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere with piano and harp music every night. I also really liked that the hotel is in a convenient location, with the bus stop near which takes you right into the city center with lots of shopping opportunities.
Julianna Czuper
Toronto,On

My wife and I have stayed in Budapest at the Thermal and Grand Hotels at Margitsziget, Budapest, for three weeks each spring from 2004 to 2006 for the wonderful treatments available at the spa shared by the two hotels. The spa has a highly trained professional staff of excellent masseurs, physiotherapists who help guests through unique fitness training methods, and attendants who operate a variety of electrotherapy and other devices. We also received mud packs and aromatic packs The natural hot spring water is piped into three pools at varied temperatures, we tried water aerobics and underwater stretching exercises as well. The entire program is supervised by the spa's physician, who examines every guest upon arrival at the spa and prescribes appropriate treatments. The spa has spacious change rooms, plenty of towels, and the ambiance is modern and relaxing. We have truly enjoyed and benefited from the spa facilities and feel rejuvenated upon our return home.

By now we are familiar with most of the friendly staff in the spa and the hotel dining rooms. We are looking forward to our next visit in April 2007.

Ada and Fred Hirschler
Syracuse, NY