The historic spa town of Gyula throws its biggest food and drink celebration every spring, and 2026 is no different. The Gyula Pálinka Festival (Gyulai Pálinkafesztivál) runs May 22–24, with accommodation options available across the long weekend from Friday, May 22 to Monday, May 25. If pálinka tastings, street food, live music, and thermal baths sound like your long-weekend vibe, this is your cue to lock in a room early—Gyula fills fast for festival dates.
Where to Stay: Wellness, Family-Friendly, City Center
Wellness Hotel Gyula sets the tone for a festival stay that’s more than just a bed. In a romantic, historic setting, it balances downtime for parents, fun for kids, and relaxation for seniors. As a family-friendly wellness hotel, it’s built for all generations, and it’s not just a summer pick—it’s a year-round escape. The standout deal: every package includes full board at the price of half board throughout the year, holidays included. If you’re traveling with children or a mixed-age group, this is a strong base for festival hopping and spa time.
Steps from the Castle and Baths
Want to be right by the action? Abbázia Apartman and Stúdió place you in Gyula’s city center, just about 50 yards from the Castle (Gyulai Vár) and the Várfürdő thermal bath complex. It’s a low-stress choice if you plan to bounce between tastings, concerts, and evening spa sessions without long walks back to your room.
Quiet Corners Near the Várfürdő
Prefer calm after the crowds? Angelhaus Vendégház sits near the Várfürdő in a peaceful setting and welcomes guests all year. It’s ideal for travelers who want festival energy by day and a restful sleep by night.
One-Minute Walks and Lake Strolls
Some apartments put you within 50 yards of the Gyula Castle Spa (Gyulai Várfürdő) and a one-minute walk to the Castle and the Boating Lake. These places are arranged to cover all your needs—smart if you’re planning longer stays or traveling with friends who want space and self-catering flexibility during the festival rush.
On the Canal, Close to Everything
Look for apartment houses along the Élővíz Canal (Élővíz-csatorna) in Gyula’s downtown. One option sits just 100 yards from the summer entrance to the baths and a 10-minute stroll from the Castle and the pedestrian street. With six separate, tastefully furnished apartments and a total capacity of 20, it’s perfect for larger families or groups of friends who want to stay together but still enjoy private entrances and independent living spaces.
Suite Comfort for Families
Aqua Hotel Gyula Superior is tailored for families with small children and anyone coming for the spa experience. Superior rooms with separate living rooms and bedrooms make longer stays feel easy, giving parents space while keeping everyone under one roof. If you’re planning to blend pálinka nights with slow mornings and bath time, this setup is a win.
Tranquil Guesthouses
For true downtime in one of the Southern Great Plain’s prettiest towns, Bányai Vendégház invites guests seeking quiet and greenery. It’s a softer, slower stay for festival-goers who want Gyula’s charm without the bustle at bedtime.
Right in the Heart of Gyula
Central Apartman lives up to its name. In the middle of the city, you’re 250–500 yards from the main square, the pedestrian street, the world clock, fountains, the famed Hundred-Year-Old Confectionery (Százéves cukrászda), the birthplace of Ferenc Erkel (Erkel Ferenc), museums, the Ladics House, Petőfi Square, several churches, and the bus station. The train station is about 900 yards away. The complex ranges from a compact 18-square-foot studio to a roomy 1,184-square-foot apartment, so you can match your space to your group size and plans.
Boutique Style on the Promenade
Corso Boutique Hotel Gyula lands you in the lively downtown business and shopping quarter, minutes from Gyula Castle (Gyulai Vár), the Várfürdő, museums, shops, restaurants, cafés, and nightlife. The rear entrance opens onto the city’s promenade, so you step straight into flower-filled parks, fountain-dotted squares, and a buzzing pedestrian scene. The wellness zone is designed for head-to-toe refresh: five types of saunas anchor a space made for resetting between tastings and shows.
Wellness Apartments and Family Comfort
Corvin Hotel Gyula & Wellness Apartments (Corvin Hotel Gyula & Wellness Apartmanok) serves couples looking for a romantic break and families wanting convenience near the baths. Choose from superior open-plan rooms or family rooms with separate living and sleeping spaces, ideal for longer stays when you want hotel services with apartment-style breathing room.
Plan Ahead: Festival Dates and Demand
– Festival weekend: May 22–24, 2026
– Accommodation window commonly runs May 22–25
– Expect high demand across central Gyula, especially near the Castle and Várfürdő
– Family-friendly wellness hotels and multi-unit apartments are popular with groups—book early
Why Gyula for Pálinka?
Because the city nails the balance: pálinka distillers showcasing fruit spirits, food stalls serving local flavors, and a thermal bath culture that turns a tasting trip into a mini-retreat. With historic backdrops, walkable distances, and plenty of lodging that prioritizes comfort and recovery, Gyula’s Pálinka Festival (Gyulai Pálinkafesztivál) is built for long weekends done right.
How to Choose Your Base
– For families: Wellness Hotel Gyula or Aqua Hotel Gyula Superior for space and facilities
– For groups: Canal-side apartment houses with multiple separate units, up to 20 guests
– For nightlife and convenience: Corso Boutique Hotel in the downtown core
– For peace and quiet: Angelhaus Vendégház or Bányai Vendégház
– For easy access to everything: Abbázia Apartman and central apartments near the Castle and baths
Book now, thank yourself later. When the pálinka pours and the bands hit the stage, you’ll want your key in hand and your plan set—spa, sip, sleep, repeat in Gyula.
