Safmar Aurora Luxe Hotel (former Marriott Royal Aurora)

Pros

• Location. The hotel is centrally located, within walking distance to major attractions like the Bolshoi Theatre, Red Square, and various restaurants.
• Friendly Staff. Many reviews highlight the attentive and polite nature of the hotel staff, contributing to a positive experience.
• Good Breakfast. Guests enjoyed the breakfast offerings, describing them as diverse and tasty.
• Comfortable Rooms. Many reviewers mentioned comfortable beds and spacious rooms, although some noted the need for updates.
• Cleanliness. The hotel maintains a clean environment, with regular housekeeping.
• Spa Facilities. The hotel offers spa services, including a pool and treatments, which guests found enjoyable.
• Amenities. Features like a lobby bar, fitness center, and free water in the bathroom (despite some complaints about bottled water pricing) were appreciated.

Cons

• Aging Rooms. Several reviews pointed out that the rooms and bathrooms are outdated and in need of renovation.
• High Prices for Amenities. Guests criticized the high prices for items in the minibar and room service, particularly for bottled water.
• Service Issues. Some reviews indicated that the service at the lobby bar could be unprofessional and inconsistent, with one guest reporting an unpleasant encounter with staff.
• Parking Fees. The cost of parking at the hotel was noted as being quite high.
• Inconsistent Housekeeping. There were mentions of issues with the cleanliness of the rooms and inadequate supplies like towels and toiletries.
• Breakfast Availability. Some guests felt that the breakfast options were limited at times, particularly during busy hours, and that replenishment could be improved.

Overall Summary

The hotel offers a strong central location and friendly service, making it a good choice for visitors wishing to explore Moscow. While the breakfasts are well-received and the rooms are generally comfortable, many guests noted that the rooms are showing signs of age and could benefit from updates. Additionally, the pricing for amenities and some service inconsistencies at the lobby bar detracted from the overall experience for some guests. Despite these drawbacks, the positive aspects, particularly the staff's attentiveness and the hotel's cleanliness, contribute to a generally favorable impression.