Aura Hotel Brooklyn

The internet never worked, which was the worst part for me because I had to work. Even the staff WiFi code the receptionist gave me didn’t work. My key card repeatedly failed too, until I was eventually given a regular key. Technology seems to be a real problem here. The rooms were adequate but threadbare and well worn, and the kitchen had nothing in it, so it was useless. The air conditioner started making a terrible noise halfway through our stay and had gradually stopped cooling by the time we left five days later. The property is shabby and poorly staffed, though each receptionist did their best with what they had. There’s little to do in the area apart from a Jewish market next door. There was also a lot of confusion around new ownership, and nobody told us the property had a new name. It’s badly run and needs major improvements, which I doubt will happen under the new ownership. Regrettably, I agree with the negative reviews. My advice is to stay away.

Our room was ready when we checked in, and the staff kindly kept our luggage after checkout because our flight home was later. I stayed for just one night in mid-December and had a pretty good experience. The room was on the small side, though that’s to be expected this close to NYC.

It’s a safe neighborhood, and the staff do their jobs well enough. We had to move rooms: the first one had broken, slanted beds and damaged, cracked seals in the shower. From the higher floor, the second room had a proper balcony view and better beds, but the shower still needed new caulking.

The rooms were clean when we arrived, but that was about all this place had going for it. Our balcony looked onto another brick building and a back alley with loading docks. If I’d known, I wouldn’t have booked a balcony room. Front desk hospitality varied. Sometimes we got a friendly, polite greeting, and other times nobody acknowledged us as we came and went. Room service also didn’t clean and tidy the rooms daily. Most upsetting, staff entered my room without notice or consent. They quickly realized they’d made a mistake when they saw I was undressed, then promptly left. I called the front desk, but they treated it as no big deal and said they’d been there to “fix the TVs,” even though ours was working. Nobody called ahead or knocked before entering. I raised it with the manager, who offered a 20% off coupon and late checkout. My privacy is worth more than that, especially for a place I wouldn’t feel comfortable returning to. This was disappointing, and the hotel falls far short of four stars. I’d look around the area before booking. The room being clean on arrival is the only real plus.