Budapest - DANUBIUS THERMAL HOTEL HELIA - in the fall of '99, I had an opportunity to take a fam cruise with Cable Car Productions from Passau to Budapest on the Danube. I extended my stay so I could visit one of the largest spa cities in the world. Since I am very interested in medicinal spa therapy, I chose the Danubius Thermal Hotel Helia because of its location and amenities. It is a very modern property and a member of the SRS-WORLDHOTELS group located on the banks of the Danube.

The city sits upon a huge mineral water cavern and thanks to the proven medical effects of the 123 springs, this city became one of the earliest inhabited areas of Europe. Danubius Thermal Hotel Helia also makes full use of this natural healing energy supplied from the famous spring on Margaret Island, located directly across from the hotel and the Danube. The water at 158 degrees only loses a few degrees during transportation through a specially isolated pipe. It is finally cooled to the required therapeutic temperature of 93-100 degrees.

The Olympic Fitness Club includes 3 luxurious swimming pools of which two are thermal baths. A 15-20 minute stay is advised daily for the spa guest. Also available is a jacuzzi, original Finnish saunas, steam baths, fitness room, tennis courts, sun terrace and solarium with a view of the Danube. Spa treatments include hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, massage, inhalation, oxygen therapy, parafango and cream packs. The hotel is under the supervision of the Ministry of Health and all services are under the supervision of multilingual and highly qualified physicians in its well equipped medical department.
The hotel is completely air-conditioned, soundproof and computerized. It is a favorite for businessmen because of the various conference rooms overlooking the Danube. Rooms have TV and radios, minibar, and my room had a balcony where I watched the river cruiseships pass by.

Hungarian and international cuisine in buffet style, is offered in the Jupiter Restaurant. (Buffet breakfast is included in the price of the room). Lighter snacks can be purchased at the Neptunas Café. Live music in the evenings is also offered. There is also a gift and antique shop.

The highlight of my stay was having the opportunity to watch the Budapest Marathon. The main streets were closed for the day and we walked the whole length of Margaret Island along with thousands of friendly Hungarians who cheered the runners on.

On your next visit to Budapest or when booking clients to this city, I would highly recommend this property. For reservations, contact SRS-WORLDHOTELS at (800) 223-5652.

Website: www.srs-worldhotels.com.

Anne