Sovata’s fame grew with its healing waters, especially after building the first public baths (Géra Baths) in the 1840s. Aristocrats built summer villas such as Villa Sara and Villa Lola. After WWI, the Romanian Royal House visited for rest and treatment. At that time, Sovata had two hotels with 32 and 18 rooms, 74 villas with 417 rooms, two restaurants, a café, and a reading room. The resort operated from June 1 to September 30.