Thermal Facility venues

A thermal facility is a day-use venue where thermal spring water can be used without staying overnight, for an entry fee or with a day package. Visitors use the thermal pool, the hammam and the wet areas during the day and leave the same day. As the day-use version of the thermal spa type, the thermal facility is an option used especially by people who live in cities near thermal springs, at weekends or on a day off.

Areas you can use at a day-use thermal facility

The example in Kızılcahamam is a thermal resort inside Soğuksu National Park: it has a thermal pool, a jacuzzi, a sauna, a steam room and a Turkish bath, offers kese (exfoliating scrub) and foam wash, and also has family hammams. As the same facility also provides accommodation, you need to find out before you go which areas day use covers; at some places a day ticket covers only the pool, and the hammam, kese and massage are charged separately.

Who a day-use thermal facility suits

A day-use thermal facility suits those who want to spend a few hours in thermal water without staying overnight, those who live in cities close to thermal springs such as Ankara, and those who want to try thermal water before staying at a thermal hotel. As there is no accommodation charge, the price is set mainly by the type of entry, whether it is a weekday or the weekend, and any extra services.

Comparison with thermal hotels and hot springs

The main difference between a day-use thermal facility and a thermal hotel is that you do not have to stay overnight: at a thermal hotel the pool is usually a facility included in the room rate, whereas here it is a service sold on its own. A hot spring, by contrast, is built at the source and offers simpler, more traditional bathing. In practice these types overlap; the same place may operate both as a hotel and as a day-use facility.

Practical notes for a day's visit

• Ask on which days and at what times day entry is possible, and whether the time you can stay is limited.
• Take swimwear, slippers, a towel and, if required, a swimming cap; not every facility rents them out. For a detailed list, see the guide on what to take with you to a hammam.
• Find out in advance how the pools are arranged for women and men and whether family hammams need to be booked; pools can be crowded at weekends and on public holidays, so for a quieter visit you could consider going on a weekday.
• Do not stay in hot water for long periods without a break; if you have a cardiovascular condition or blood pressure problems, are pregnant or have a feverish illness, consult your doctor first.