Hotel Ora

The room gave my Queen and me plenty of space to walk around without bumping into anything. It was spacious, with a sofa we used as a work corner, and the bathroom was large and clean. We could see part of the city from the balcony throughout the day. There’s a pool and gym too. I also loved the water and ice stations along the corridor, the cutest I’ve come across in all my hotel stays. On day three, housekeeping didn’t prioritize our room even though we’d given them a time window, so we had to be out walking for hours. They seemed focused on getting other guests checked in, which was disappointing. With the room unavailable and the lobby space downstairs unbearably hot, we went to the gym, where the air conditioning was best. The lobby is open for people to relax even if they aren’t staying at the hotel, but its air conditioning is miserable. I like Hotel Ora for its facilities and amenities, and even the name, which sounds like Aura or oyster (orh lua). When we arrived, we were greeted by a huge Hotel Ora sign.

This is one of the newer, cleaner hotels in the resort world, and it’s close to the main shopping area. The hotel itself was clean, and I loved the juice in the complimentary drinks fridge. The lobby feels cosy, almost like a cafe, with bread, cakes and coffee laid out. The cookie is really big, not too sweet, though I didn’t find it addictive. Free parking is available only with valet service.

The next time we came, we bought their food, but the cleaner still complained and wouldn’t let the kids eat on the sofa. Why have sofas, chairs and tables in the foyer, then police what people eat and how they eat in the hotel lobby? It was the first time in my life I’d been treated that way at a hotel. Don’t celebrate birthdays or bring your kids here if you want to bring outside food. The hotel won’t allow it. A self-service, open-concept space can’t work if the people running it aren’t open-minded. Replace it with a closed-door cafe if that reflects your attitude. Staff should be welcoming and helpful, not act like policemen and women. It’s ridiculously funny and extremely tragic. I’m happy to say I won’t be back.

The location made things easy, especially with Universal Studios so close by. The room was clean, the atmosphere relaxing, and the staff very friendly. In-room extras were appreciated too: large toothpaste, mouthwash and complimentary minibar drinks, including fresh juice and coconut water. At check-in they offered chocolates, and while we waited for breakfast they brought water, juice and small cakes. Breakfast took a bit longer than we’d hoped, but the thoughtful service made the stay pleasant. I’d gladly return next time.