Heat Your Way: Free Sauna & Steam Bath vs. Paid Solarium Sessions
Choosing the right wellness option can make the difference between a pleasant hotel stay and a truly restorative one. At Golden Tulip Ampt van Nijkerk, guests can enjoy complimentary access to the sauna and Turkish steam bath, while solarium sessions are available for an additional fee. If you are wondering which option best suits your mood, comfort preferences, and budget, this guide will help you decide.
Whether you want deep warmth, a gentler humid heat, or a short session in the solarium, each experience offers something different. Below, you will find a clear comparison of the free sauna and steam bath vs. paid solarium sessions, along with practical tips for making the most of your time.
What is available at Golden Tulip Ampt van Nijkerk?
Golden Tulip Ampt van Nijkerk offers several spa facilities for hotel guests. Guests can make free use of the indoor pool, Finnish sauna, and Turkish steam bath, while the solarium is available at an extra charge.
Here is the quick overview:
| Facility | Access for hotel guests | Key details |
|---|---|---|
| Finnish sauna | Free | Located on the 2nd floor, next to the indoor pool |
| Turkish steam bath | Free | In the same area as the sauna |
| Solarium | Paid | Two sunbed rooms; tokens available at reception |
The spa facilities are open daily from 07:00 to 23:00 for hotel guests. The sauna and Turkish steam bath are available on request at reception, because both spaces need time to reach the proper temperature.
Free sauna and Turkish steam bath: what is included?
One of the strongest advantages of staying at Golden Tulip Ampt van Nijkerk is that the sauna and Turkish steam bath are included for hotel guests. That makes them an easy choice for anyone seeking relaxation without extra cost.
Finnish sauna
The Finnish sauna is located on the 2nd floor and can be reached via the entrance to the swimming pool area. The hotel describes it as a place to relax both physically and mentally. Comfortable seating and loungers are available nearby, making it easy to slow down before or after your session.
The Finnish sauna offers a classic dry-heat experience. In general, this kind of environment is often chosen by guests who want an intense warming session followed by cooling down and rest.
Turkish steam bath
The Turkish steam bath is in the same space as the sauna. The temperature in the steam cabin is around 50 degrees Celsius, while the Finnish sauna is around 85 degrees. That difference matters.
A steam bath usually feels softer because of the humidity, even though it still warms the body effectively. Guests who prefer moist heat over the sharper feel of a dry sauna often find a steam bath more comfortable.
Shared practical details
Both the sauna and Turkish steam bath:
- Are free for hotel guests
- Require a request at reception before use
- Need about one hour to come up to temperature
- Are part of the hotel's spa facilities
It is also important to know the dress code:
- Swimwear is mandatory in the pool
- Swimwear is not permitted in the sauna and Turkish steam bath
After either experience, cooling down and resting is recommended.
Paid solarium sessions: what to expect
The solarium offers a different type of warming experience. Instead of sitting in a sauna or steam environment, guests use a sunbed in one of the hotel’s two solarium rooms, located next to the sauna and Turkish steam bath.
To use the solarium, guests need to buy tokens at reception. The price is:
- € 9,00 per token
This separate pricing makes the solarium a more selective option. It may appeal to guests who specifically want a solarium session rather than a heat-based wellness ritual like sauna or steam.
How solarium access works
Using the solarium is straightforward:
- Go to reception.
- Purchase a solarium token.
- Use one of the two solarium rooms.
Because the solarium is a paid facility, it works well for guests who want to add a specific extra wellness moment to their stay.
Free sauna and steam bath vs. paid solarium sessions: the key differences
If you are comparing free sauna and steam bath vs. paid solarium sessions, the best choice depends on what kind of relaxation you want.
1. Cost
The most obvious difference is price.
- Sauna: free for hotel guests
- Turkish steam bath: free for hotel guests
- Solarium: € 9,00 per token
If your goal is to enjoy the spa without increasing your spending, the sauna and steam bath offer strong value.
2. Heat experience
The second difference is the type of warmth.
- Finnish sauna: dry heat, around 85 degrees
- Turkish steam bath: humid heat, around 50 degrees
- Solarium: a sunbed-based session rather than a sauna or steam environment
This means your decision should depend on personal comfort. Some guests enjoy the intensity of a traditional sauna, while others prefer the softer feeling of steam.
3. Preparation and timing
The sauna and steam bath need advance planning because they are prepared on request and require about one hour to heat properly. The solarium works through token purchase at reception.
If you want to use the sauna or steam bath, it is smart to plan ahead in your day. For example, you might request access before dinner or before returning from an outing around the Veluwe area.
4. Atmosphere and purpose
The sauna and steam bath are closely tied to the hotel’s wider spa experience. They sit alongside the indoor pool and relaxation area with seating and loungers, helping create a slower, more restorative rhythm.
The solarium is more of a focused individual add-on. It is less about alternating between heat, rest, and cooling down, and more about booking a dedicated session.
Which option should you choose?
Choose the sauna if you want:
- A classic wellness experience
- Dry heat and a stronger sense of intensity
- A free spa option during your stay
- Time to relax on nearby seating or loungers afterward
Choose the Turkish steam bath if you want:
- A moister, gentler heat experience
- A warming session at around 50 degrees Celsius
- A free alternative to the sauna
- A spa moment that still encourages cooling down and rest
Choose the solarium if you want:
- A paid extra session beyond the complimentary spa facilities
- Access to one of the hotel’s two solarium rooms
- A simple add-on that starts by purchasing a token at reception
Practical tips for guests
To get the best experience from the wellness facilities at Golden Tulip Ampt van Nijkerk, keep these tips in mind.
Before you go
- Request the sauna or Turkish steam bath in advance at reception, since both need time to warm up.
- Check your timing within the spa opening hours of 07:00 to 23:00.
- Bring your own bathrobe and slippers if you want them.
Bathrobes and slippers are also available at reception for:
- € 9,00 per set
What is provided
The hotel offers practical support for spa use:
- There is sufficient changing space, toilets, and showers.
- Towels are available in the hotel room.
- An extra towel is available at reception.
Accessibility note
The sauna, Turkish steam bath, and solarium are not accessible for guests with reduced mobility because of stairs. The sauna area is also described as not wheelchair accessible.
Dress code reminder
This is one of the most important points to remember:
- In the pool, swimwear is required.
- In the sauna and Turkish steam bath, swimwear is not allowed.
How to build a relaxing wellness moment during your stay
If you want to make the most of your stay, it helps to think of the spa as part of a complete relaxation routine. A simple approach could look like this:
- Spend time in the indoor pool.
- Move to the Finnish sauna or Turkish steam bath.
- Cool down properly afterward.
- Rest in the seating or lounging area.
- If desired, add a paid solarium session.
This kind of sequence can turn a short visit into a more rounded wellness experience.
Guests who are also planning their overnight stay may want to explore the hotel’s different room types, all of which include free WiFi and a flatscreen TV. For a more distinctive stay, the Bruidssuite is available from €174,- per room excluding breakfast and includes features such as a kingsize bed, terrace, minibar and room service, and a whirlpool with spa- and hydrofunction. Pairing a comfortable room with spa time can create a more complete break in the green surroundings near the Veluwe and Amersfoort.
Direct answers to common questions
Is the sauna free at Golden Tulip Ampt van Nijkerk?
Yes. Hotel guests can use the Finnish sauna free of charge.
Is the Turkish steam bath free?
Yes. The Turkish steam bath is also free for hotel guests.
Does the solarium cost extra?
Yes. The solarium requires a paid token from reception at € 9,00 per token.
Do I need to reserve the sauna or steam bath?
You need to request them at reception, and both require time to reach the proper temperature.
Are the spa facilities open all day?
The spa facilities are open daily from 07:00 to 23:00 for hotel guests.
Final thoughts: choose the warmth that fits your stay
The choice between free sauna and steam bath vs. paid solarium sessions comes down to preference. If you want included wellness value, the Finnish sauna and Turkish steam bath are excellent options for hotel guests. If you want an additional paid extra, the solarium offers a separate session through token purchase at reception.
Golden Tulip Ampt van Nijkerk combines hospitality, comfort, and spa access in a peaceful setting near the Veluwe and Amersfoort. To plan your stay, explore the hotel’s rooms, check the spa details, or contact the team directly at info@goldentulipamptvannijkerk.nl or +31 (0)33 2471616.