Hotel Aurora

This is not a review for the hotel but their beach hogging. You cannot use the beach with your towel because it's full of hotel sunbeds, you also cannot rent a sunbed cause they are reserved for someone who doesn't rock up to the beach before noon... hotel does not own the beach and this is unacceptable!!! I wanted to rent the sunbed but 8 sunbeds were free but reserved... disgusting!!!!

The only positive aspect of this property is its location, which, however, can easily be reached by bike from many other hotels in the area (the cycle path takes you directly into the city center in just a few minutes). Everything else was utterly disappointing. Despite having paid an extra €50 for early check-in, we were told upon arrival that the room was not ready. We were invited to have lunch instead, spending another €65 while waiting — and yet, at check-out, they still charged us for the early check-in that never actually happened. The room itself was never truly cleaned, not on the first day nor on the following ones. It was dirty from the start, and housekeeping merely folded the used towels and placed them on top of our clothes left on the armchair, without providing fresh linens or proper cleaning. The overall hygiene was appalling: a crusty remote control, human secretions in the shower, dust, dirt and trash under the bed, and even cockroaches. The property resembles a rundown barracks: filthy, with extremely poor-quality food. Every meal felt like a struggle — you had to chase the waiters to get refills, all while fending off other guests crowding around the buffet. Waiters would even remove your plate while you were still eating. To make matters worse, the place was infested with wasps. As someone allergic, it was extremely stressful to avoid a serious reaction, since they were present all over the dining room and terrace. Clearly, there is a nest nearby, but management does nothing about it. The reception staff were rude and unhelpful, especially the short-haired blonde manager and the night guard, who mocked us when we asked for a bottle of water in the evening — telling us they could not sell us one and that we should drink from the tap instead (with no minibar available in the room). All in all, this was without a doubt one of the worst hotel experiences we have ever had. The location itself is beautiful, but you can enjoy it just as easily from countless other hotels in the area, which actually provide proper service and cleanliness — unlike this filthy, poorly managed establishment

Sadly very disappointed, buffet dinner was sparse with very little left although we did arrive 20 minutes before they close, couldn’t get water to drink as they turned machines off prior to 9pm. Same happened at breakfast with no fruit juices available and everything cleared before 10am. No friendly welcome from staff or assistance. Hotel now looking very tired and although our bedroom was clean a few issues as in we were unable to shut the metal blinds, bathroom soap dispenser not working. We left after one night although were due to stay 3 nights.

Great location overlooking a bay and the sea; however, not all rooms (in fact, only a small minority) has views onto it. There is parking right in front of the building, at a charge; there is further parking on the premises for a slightly lower charge. No advance reservation – you have to ask at check-in. You will be greeted by a well-staffed, friendly, multilingual, efficient and helpful reception. Rooms are reached via elevators; there are not enough of them, so many guests use the opens stairs instead. The rooms come in different sizes; my “superior” room had a good size, with a desk, a small seating area, and still enough space to move around. There is also a proper wardrobe and a cabinet – you should find enough space to store your clothing… The interior design has light timber imitations and muted colours, giving a fresh, mediterranean feel. The “superior” rooms are on the top floor and could in principle have a sea view; however, only those close to the central building do have them – for the rest, trees are blocking the view (but it feels like you are in a tree house, overlooking a sea of trees…). The balcony was spacious. A little tip for the views: If your room does not have one, try the landings of the stairs; there are seating areas there, which provide the desired view. The beds are good, if a bit hard; there is only one pillow type (but you have two for each person). Free beach towels are provided; sunbeds at the (public) beach come at a charge. My bathroom had a good size, and enough space for toiletries. Mine had a bathtub that can be used as a shower; due to the frame it was quite awkward to get in – I wonder how older people would manage… The free WiFi was working well. Note that the air-conditioning switches off when balcony door is open (energy- and carbon-saving measure). Windows are equipped with roller shutters; they keep the light out completely, but also any fresh air, so best to keep on at least a crack open. It is quiet at night (well, you hear the sea and the seagulls…), so in principle good sleeping conditions. In the morning (7.30 h to 10 h), you have access to a large breakfast buffet; a lot of the food is average quality, but there are ‘little gems’ of better quality – they are there somewhere, you just have to find them... You can also have a buffet dinner, either as part of your booking, or bought individually at the reception; as an alternative, you can also get a 10% discount at the restaurants of the chain, for example the beach restaurant next door, if you reserve through the reception. Other restaurants exist, but are a distance away (eg ½ h walk), with difficult car access (-> no parking; pedestrianised zones).

This was our fifth year in Aurora. Location is great, on the beach, walking trail along the sea to Čikat or all the way to Mali Lošinj. You can also take a little train to Mali Lošinj or use the walking trail through the woods, about 3 km one way. Yes, some renovating would not hurt, but all that you forget, because peple who are working there compensate for any remark, objection you might have. Restaurant, beach, cleaning staff- all the employees are amazing, at your service. And of course, the variety of food for dinner... We really feel good at Aurora, hope to see you again!