Ramada aquapark and hotel
Instead of a romantic hotel in the city center, we chose the Ramada Resort at the northern edge of Budapest. The decision was easy—this hotel is connected to Aquaworld, a water park with something for everyone in the family:
- Little Kids’ Corner: This area is surprisingly spacious for young kids, especially those between 3 and 6, who can happily play here for hours. Even toddlers have their own fun with a duck slide and a shallow pool that feels like an ocean to them!
- Family Fun Zone: The main area has larger slides, a wave pool, a small jumping platform, and whirlpools. There’s also a swimming pool for those who came to relax or get in some laps.
- Big Slides: The “kamikaze” slides are a hit with dads, big kids, and, of course, brave moms! There are six thrilling rides to try, with the UFO slide being my personal favorite.
Friendly Staff, Delicious Food
The hotel staff was incredibly friendly and accommodating. Unlike previous trips to Hungary, we didn’t face language barriers—most of the staff spoke good or excellent English. Plus, the buffet was full of delicious options. You might need some willpower here, as the meals are made with quality ingredients, and the choices are abundant!
Gluten- and Dairy-Free Options
One of the main reasons we chose this hotel was their impressive range of gluten- and milk-free options, which was a welcome surprise. Every dish in the buffet was clearly labeled (gluten-free, lactose-free, sugar-free), and the chef was very accommodating with special requests, although most needs were already met by the buffet’s variety.
Imagine starting your day with a specially prepared breakfast:
- Dedicated gluten-free bread options in a separate area
- Gluten-free options for sausage, pâté, and other breakfast staples, with most items dairy-free as well (except for the cheese, of course)
- Rice milk readily available (a refreshing change, as most hotels only offer soy milk, which few people actually enjoy)
- Special gluten-free cakes or even pancakes, if you like
Dinner was just as enjoyable:
- Flavorful soup to start (not just any bland hotel soup!)
- At least three gluten-free entrée options, with two of them usually dairy-free as well
- A special dessert directly from the kitchen each evening
The Ramada’s restaurant felt like a small heaven for those with gluten or dairy restrictions.
Watch Out for Cross-Contamination
One thing to note is the potential for cross-contamination. While the staff was very attentive and the chefs accommodating, there seemed to be some confusion about lactose versus milk versus casein-free foods. For example, they might label a sausage as “lactose-free,” even if it still contains other milk proteins.
Additionally, because most guests aren’t as concerned about cross-contamination, there were occasional issues with gluten-free food being near regular bread or utensils being mixed up.
Complete Guide
I’ve collected all the best family-friendly activities and tips into a guide, including a sweet recommendation: If you’re up for a treat, try what’s said to be the best chimney cake in Budapest! 😊
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