Extended Stay America Select Suites - Denver - Aurora South — Hotel in Aurora

I chose the ESA Aurora on 13941 East Harvard Ave. for: 1) proximity to my son's apartment on E. Girard, 2) proxomity to Aurora Skate City, 3) budget price. I am a senior on fixed income, so extravagance isn't in my budget.

The room was a little run down, but clean for the most part. The sheets had a paw-print stain, which was sort of endearing, as I have 2 dogs of my own. The long, dark human hairs stuck to the fitted sheet with static cling, were not so endearing, but it was late at night when I arrived, so I picked them off and deposited in trash. A little gross, but it happens, especially if person making the bed is in a hurry, plus you get what you pay for. The rate for this facility is ~$20/night less than other nearby hotels, so I did save some money staying there. Depending on my limited budget in the future, I may or may not choose to spend a little more for better accommodation elsewhere.

I should have checked that there was a coffee maker available, as there was NOT, but I was able to heat hot water for instant coffee in the decrepit, rusty little microwave. The full-size refrigerator worked well and I was able to make ice-cubes in the freezer with provided trays. The unit had significant paint overspray, and the caulk in kitchen and bath areas was bubbling and peeling up. The medicine cabinet in bathroom was equally rusty as microwave, which surprised me for a place that lacks humidity. The weather stripping on the door was insufficient, but the room heater was able to compensate, although wasting energy. I'm no contractor, but even I did a better job with caulk and paint in renovating my home. A coat of Rustoleum would be great for the medicine cabinet, but probably not the microwave. :-) I was careful to stay far from the microwave when in use!

There was no shampoo/conditioner provided, so I was glad I packed some. The one bar of soap that was provided smelled like rancid oil, but since I had a minimal amount of shampoo, I used it for hand washing despite the off-putting odor. Most modern hotels now have wall-mounted refillable dispensers of body wash, shampoo, and conditioner in the shower to reduce single-use plastic waste from travel size products that are typically provided. ESA could look into this to up their game.

After a long travel day, and late arriving flight, I checked in at 9:45pm, and was assigned a good-sized end-unit, #371. At check-in, I asked the clerk about late check-out option, as my return flight wasn't until 7:00pm on departure day, and was instructed to inquire the morning I was scheduled to check-out, and that it shouldn't be a problem if the facility wasn't full, and the room needed for next guest. On check-out day, I was told by a dismissive person on the phone that I could have and additional 30 MINUTES, or I would be charged for another night. I was dismayed that I wasn't even offered an option for a few more hours, for nominal fee. I didn't have a rental car, and my son tends to get up late, so I used the whopping 30 minutes, and waited in the office for him to arrive. Since I didn't check in until super-late, I feel like I should have been granted a super-late check-out if the room wasn't needed.

Depending on my resources, I may or may not stay here again for future visits. If I do, I will be sure to pack my own toiletries and definitely a microwavable container for the world's smallest, rusty-crusty microwave. It would be nice if a coffee maker and blow-dryer were available at the front desk to borrow. I understand that these are pricey and frequently stolen items, so maybe they could loan them with a deposit that is returned, when the items are returned? Kindly, Michele...

It probably is not an exaggeration to say that there is no one more qualified than me to write a review of Extended Stay America - Aurora South. The reason for this is that I have lived here (juxtaposed to simply staying here temporarily as a guest) for nearly 9.5 years.

To be clear, it never ever was my intent to stay longer than a few nights when I first walked into lobby on June 25, 2013. All I was wanting on that day was a place to stay until I got resettled here in Colorado upon returning from a long 9-month roadtrip back East, then to Montana.

Before beginning though, it seems important enough to mention that I am a 67-year-old single woman, who has been for over 40 years a Registered Nurse. Prior to living here, I owned a condo in Aurora, after which I bought (back when homes were affordable) an 1,800-square-foot house with a huge backyard.

Admittedly, downsizing to a single room from latter was not initially easy. However, thinking now about how so many friends and nurse colleagues my age are just beginning to contemplate selling their homes and moving into something smaller, I am now feeling as though I am ahead of them with regard to letting go of things in order to live a much simpler life with fewer bills and worries.

More than anything, that which has been most appealing to me is how I have consistently felt as though this is a very safe place for me, as well as for my dog while I am at work. While it is true that - on occasion - I have had a next door neighbor who has interfered with my serenity, it is also true that whomever has been Manager has almost immediately remedied any annoying situation.

This has been especially true for the current manager - Raj - who is one of the most adept and likable managers ever to assume that position. Always kind, Raj has truly been a blessing who - in the most civil ways - has firmly resolved in very professional ways any issues pertaining to guests and residents. Raj is also in no small way to thank for the upkeep of the property with regard to keeping the laundry room clean and grounds free of litter.

Perhaps unbeknownst to many, probably close to half the people staying here actually live here as I do. While this has not always been true, it has become increasingly so the past 5 or so years. Prior to this, rooms were rented out mostly to temporary transient guests and tourists visiting Colorado to ski, hike, or whatever. Now however, many of my neighbors actually live here too, which I suspect makes this feel more like a community rather than motel.

While I - a single woman who lives alone with her Shi Tzu - have been fine calling home a single room, there are other options which include another bed, as well as more closet space. A full-size refrigerator, along with 2 stovetop burners and a microwave, have been fine with me though.

Having only one bill each month that covers cost of cooling or heating, along with water and WiFi and trash, actually makes this living situation quite affordable juxtaposed to a small apartment where I would have to pay individually for things.

That doors to all rooms lead outside to a balcony and that location of my room gives me a 180-degree view of mountains are other features which make this site appealing.

Outdoors, there are many trails for dog walking which weave around Iliff Light Rail Station, in addition to lots of eateries, including: Texas Roadhouse, Boston Market, Applebee's, Rosie's Diner, and both Subway and Outback Steakhouse only a mile or so away.

In short, Extended Stay - Aurora South is an ideal place to hang out for a night or two or three or for 9.5...

My stay here started on January 29th, 2021 and will last until March 1st, 2021. Therefore this will be an effort document until that date. There are so many things to say about this establishment that I have to break it into chunks. Please, bare with me.

My stay has been less than pleasant. Everyday, when I leave my room, I am locked out. My stay started on January 29, 2021 and I have had 3 rooms with major issues. I have moved twice in less than 2 weeks and have not had compensation. I was promised a free week, since I'm here until March 1, 2021, with no proof of receipt.

Room 105 -My first room was beautiful. It was completely remodeled, had a big today screen TV, 2 side tables and a much more comfortable lounge chair. The bathroom was updated, had a great big countertop and just smelled new. I had 2 garbage cans and all the accoutrements one expects to have in their room upon arrival.

I was pleased, until I tried to use the bathroom sink and noticed the floor was soaked. The waste pipe for the sink was missing. I then had to move everything out and into another room.

Room 304 - This room was not remodeled and appeared to be in a state of decay. The floors were peeling, it smelled of smoke (this property is non-smoking) and my upstairs and next door neighbors were terribly loud. Although everything was in the room, the place was filthy and I used every washcloth and towel I could find to get it clean.

What made me livid was, being that it's winter things do freeze, I could not get into my room because the door lock mechanism was frozen on the inside. I had to call the front desk to open my door. The young man poured boiling water on the lock to melt the card slot from the inside, which caused more condensation to build.

This continued for 2 more nights until the 3rd night when nothing seemed to work. The manager herself came to assist and even she couldn't crack the door she called maintenance. The maintenance man had to unscrew my handle and break into the room forcibly. On to room number 3. Ok Room 356 - This room is more of the same and I know I will be moving again shortly. From the first day, problems ensued and my patience is running very thin. I'm currently stuck outside of my room at 8:27am. The door lock is frozen and I'm REALLY done asking for assistance. I should have been moved to a better, newer room by now. Although the manager is great, for someone that paid $1,529.00 upfront this is utter insanity.

Room 117 - This room, which is an accessible room, is much nicer. It's more spacious, was clean upon check-in and looks slightly updated (new dresser, bedside table, lounge chair, kitchen floors). The management has made marvelous efforts to improve my impression of the facilities.

Unfortunately, my door lock still freezes. I understand, delays happens when it's Corona Season. They've changed my perspective of the situation. Service is great when everyone cooperates and we're in this for the long haul.

I'm grateful for the accommodations. The beds feels very comfortable and I dig the storage option. It's functional and looks nice. My closet is roomy enough.

Update, Feb 28, 2022:

Thank you for a much more pleasant stay than the one I had in January, 2021. The room was clean and stocked) with the exception of a shower curtain missing in the bathroom). Everything worked, the evening staff and housekeeping were great (daytime staff, not so great).

Overall, we enjoyed our stay. The service from the check-in and evening crews were stellar, which is why I keep...