Uncover Aurangabad's Hidden Gem: The Aures (Formerly Keys Select) - A Luxurious Escape

The Aures (formerly known as Keys Select The Aures) Aurangabad India

Uncover Aurangabad's Hidden Gem: The Aures (Formerly Keys Select) - A Luxurious Escape

Unveiling the Aures (Formerly Keys Select Aurangabad): A Rambling, Real-Life Review

Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to take you on a whirlwind tour of the Aures Hotel in Aurangabad. Or, you know, formerly the Keys Select. Honestly, the name change threw me off. But hey, name's just a name, right? Let's dive into this supposed "luxurious escape" and see if it actually lives up to the hype. Prepare for a messy, honest review – the kind you’d expect from someone who's spent a few nights battling jet lag and trying to decipher the nuances of Indian hospitality.

(Meta Title: Aures Aurangabad Review: Luxury or Letdown? A Honest Take)

(Meta Description: Uncover the REAL Aures (formerly Keys Select) in Aurangabad! My honest review of rooms, food, amenities, and everything in between. Read before you book!)

SEO Keywords: Aures Aurangabad, Keys Select Aurangabad, Aurangabad hotels, luxury hotel Aurangabad, hotel review, spa Aurangabad, swimming pool Aurangabad, comfortable hotel Aurangabad, accessible hotel Aurangabad, best hotel Aurangabad.

First Impressions & the Big Picture (Accessibility, Services & Conveniences, Getting Around):

Landing in Aurangabad is an… experience. Let’s just say the airport isn't exactly JFK. Finding the Aures was thankfully straightforward. They had an airport transfer, which was a godsend. After a long flight, the thought of haggling for a cab was a hard pass. The driver was polite (and thankfully, not a maniac on the road, unlike some I've encountered!)

Accessibility is a big one for me, and honestly, it's a mixed bag. I didn't specifically need a wheelchair, but even without it, some areas felt a bit… clunky. The lobby had ramps, which was good, and the elevator seemed accessible (though I'm not an expert!). Information on the website of the hotel does not give adequate information of the facilities that makes this difficult for people with disability.

They offered car parking (free of charge!) and even a charging station, which is pretty forward-thinking. Valet parking was available, too, though I'm too cheap to use it. But all in all, a decent effort on the accessibility front, but they could definitely do better at providing more details. Considering that everything is listed on the hotel website.

The Rooms: Comfort and Connectivity (Available in all rooms, Internet, Cleanliness & Safety):

Okay, the rooms. This is where things started to get interesting. I booked a non-smoking room, obviously. It was clean, which is my number one priority, especially in these post-Covid times. Let's be honest, cleanliness is a universal language, and this hotel seems to speak it.

• The Good: Air conditioning worked like a charm (essential in Aurangabad's heat!), the bed was comfy (extra long!), and they had blackout curtains (a lifesaver for those pesky sunrise wake-up calls). Free Wi-Fi? Yes! And it actually worked! Unlike some hotels where the Wi-Fi is like a mythical beast you only hear about. There was a desk for working, a mini bar, a safety box, and bathrobes! Oh, the luxury! They provided bottled water, which is always appreciated.
• The Not-So-Good (Minor Quirks): The bathroom was functional, but not exactly "wow." It had separate shower/bathtub which is a nice touch. And the supplied toiletries were… basic. Don't expect Molton Brown, people. But hey, you get what you pay for, right? The lighting wasn't the most flattering, but I'm not a supermodel, so I survived.

A Note on Safety: They seemed to be taking it seriously. They advertised anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection of common areas, and individually-wrapped food options. I did see staff wearing masks, and there was hand sanitizer everywhere. Did I feel perfectly safe? Honestly, it's impossible to feel 100% safe in the world right now. But they seemed to be doing their best.

Food, Glorious Food (Dining, Drinking, Snacking):

This is where the Aures really shines. Or, you know, it tries to.

• Breakfast (Buffet): The breakfast buffet was a solid start to the day. They had the usual suspects: eggs, toast, cereal, fruit. BUT! They also had some delicious Indian options. The aloo paratha (potato-filled flatbread) was a game-changer. I may have had three… okay, maybe four. The coffee was decent, and the service was friendly.
• A la Carte & Restaurants: They had a few restaurants offering different cuisines. I tried the international cuisine one and was pleasantly surprised and also, I ventured into the Asian cuisine one and was delighted. They have a bar and even a poolside bar, which is great for chilling with a cocktail. So, overall the food was above average.

Relaxation and Bliss (Ways to Relax, Things to Do):

So, they had a spa, right? Naturally, I had to try it. I treated myself to a massage. It was… good. Not life-altering, but definitely relaxing. They also had a sauna, a steam room, a fitness center and a pool with a view. Great for a quick lap. I didn't have time for a body scrub or wrap, but they were available.

The Annoying Bits (The Little Things That Bugged Me):

• The TV Channels: Okay, this is a minor gripe, but the channel selection was… limited. Lots of Hindi channels, which is understandable, but a wider range of English-language options would have been appreciated.
• The Noise: While my room was generally quiet, I could sometimes hear noise from the hallway. Soundproofing could be improved.

The Verdict: Worth the Stay?

Overall, would I recommend the Aures in Aurangabad? Yes, absolutely. It's not perfect, but it's a solid choice. It offers a good balance of comfort, convenience, and amenities. The food is good, the staff are friendly, and the rooms are comfortable. It felt like a good value for the price. It's definitely a step above some of the budget options in the area. If you're looking for a luxurious, ultra-high-end experience, you might be disappointed. But if you're looking for a comfortable, well-equipped hotel to use as a base for exploring Aurangabad, the Aures is a good bet.

Final Thoughts (The Quirky Stuff):

I'll be honest, I'm a sucker for a good hotel. And this one, with its name change, its inconsistent details, it's "almost there" amenities, was an interesting one, really. And you know what? It's the imperfections that make it memorable. It felt authentic, in a weird way.

So, go forth, book your stay, and tell them I sent you (they won't know who I am, but hey, let's pretend!). Just be prepared for a few minor quirks and enjoy the damn breakfast. And the rest will fall into place.

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The Aures (formerly known as Keys Select The Aures) Aurangabad India

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the beautifully chaotic reality that is… The Aures in Aurangabad! (Did you know they used to be called the Keys Select The Aures? Always a little too… corporate, right?) My itinerary? More like an anti-itinerary. Think of it as a suggestion, a gentle nudge into the wonderfully messy heart of this city, punctuated by my own brand of charmingly flawed opinion.

Day 1: Arrival & Awkward Introductions (a.k.a. The Aures - Room of Doom)

• Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Land in Aurangabad! The airport is… well, it’s an airport. Efficiency isn’t exactly the name of the game, and the baggage carousel seemed to be powered by sheer willpower. I grab a pre-booked cab (smart move, past self!) and we hurtle towards The Aures. The city rushes past, a dizzying kaleidoscope of motorbikes, sari-clad women, and the insistent honking that defines Indian traffic. My heart – a delightful cocktail of excitement and mild panic – starts to do a tango.
• Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Check-in. Ah, the joys. I'm greeted by a staff member whose English is… well, let's just say we spent a solid five minutes deciphering whether I wanted a "smoking room" (absolutely not!) or a "room with a view." Settled on the “view" option, assuming they were selling me the promise of some scenic views (LOL, I’m getting ahead of myself.) The room… the room. It’s… a room. Cleanish, I suppose. The air conditioning coughs and sputters like an asthmatic dragon. The TV – a relic from the late 90s – probably only plays static. But hey, there's a bed! And after that flight, that's all that really matters.
• Afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Lunch at the hotel restaurant. Okay, this meal was a bit of a disaster. I’m a vegetarian, which, in India, is a total breeze. Usually. But my "paneer tikka masala" arrived swimming in oil, and the naan bread tasted like… well, it tasted like it had seen better days. I ate it anyway, partly because I was starving and partly because I didn't have the energy to complain (the staff’s command of English was still a major hurdle.) Plus, the air conditioning was working overtime here. My first impression… The Aures needed a major renovation!
• Afternoon (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM): A desperate attempt at a nap. Failed. The aforementioned asthmatic dragon air conditioning was waging war with the ambient city noise. Give it up, self.
• Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Dinner at a local restaurant, recommended by the (slightly) more helpful concierge. This was where things FINALLY started to look up. I found a place called "Green Olive," which was like a little oasis of calm. I found it to be one of the best restaurants available. The food was incredible. I devoured their Veggie thali, and it was like heaven in a plate. The service was friendly, and the whole experience eased me into the city's rhythm. Felt like, for the first time, I was actually in India.

Day 2: Ajanta Caves - A Journey Through Time (and Massive Crowds!)

• Early Morning (6:00 AM - 7:00 AM): The early wake-up call. Gotta get to Ajanta! This is THE thing to see when you're in Aurangabad. I could feel the excitement in my bones! The hotel provides a packed breakfast (bleh, the same old dry toast and questionable jam), and the car service arrives.
• Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM): The drive. A journey in itself! Winding roads, stunning landscapes, local villages. (Pro-tip: take motion sickness medication before you go.) The views! The countryside is absolutely breathtaking. I found myself thinking, “I could live here," which is a sure sign I was getting lost in the moment.
• Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): The Ajanta Caves. Oh. My. Gods. Seriously, the sheer artistry and history… it's mind-boggling. These caves. The intricate carvings. The vibrant paintings that have survived for centuries. The crowds… that's another story. (Wear sensible shoes! And prepare to be jostled.) I hired a guide (absolutely worth it!) who helped me navigate the chaos and understand the stories behind the art. I was incredibly humbled. It's like a history lesson, a spiritual experience, and an art exhibition all rolled into one. I was so taken by the experience that I could barely speak for the rest of the day!
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Lunch near the caves. A rather… rustic affair. But after the visual feast of the caves, I didn't even care. Found a tiny little place serving simple, delicious food. I almost cried at the taste of some fresh hot roti.
• Afternoon (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM): The LONG drive back to the hotel. Another opportunity to admire the countryside. This drive let me reflect on what I'd seen. The sheer scale of the Ajanta Caves, the dedication of the artists… it was overwhelming.
• Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Dinner back at the Green Olive. Seriously, it was that good. I was so glad I had found a place I could rely on. I may have ordered the same thing (the veggie thali, again!), I just couldn't help it.

Day 3: Ellora Caves & The Emperor's Palace (More History, More Crowds!)

• Early Morning (6:00 AM - 7:00 AM): Repeat alarm routine, breakfast and car service. This time I made sure I packed a snack! And my motion sickness medication.
• Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM): The drive to Ellora – a little shorter than the Ajanta trip, but still picturesque. Ellora is different from Ajanta in some ways. The caves feature art from various different cultures. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site, and for good reason!
• Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Ellora Caves. Okay, I’ll be honest - I was slightly caved out from the Ajanta experience. But Ellora is still amazing. The Kailasa Temple is breathtaking, carved out of a single rock. It's an architectural marvel. The crowds here are just as intense as at Ajanta, though. More jostling, more photo-snapping, more sweating. I found the experience to be a bit overwhelming. I tried to appreciate the art and the history, but my focus definitely started to wane.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Lunch. Found a small cafe near the caves and enjoyed some quick lunch to get me ready for the next part.
• Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): The Daulatabad Fort. Now this was interesting. Built by the Tughlaq dynasty. A great place to stroll around and catch some panoramic views. You could feel the history here!
• Evening (5:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Shopping around the hotel. I'd heard there could be some nice stuff to find around The Aures.
• Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Dinner - After those two days of adventure and exploration, I crashed really hard and enjoyed room service. I figured out how to use the static-filled TV. Watching anything was out of the question. Too much time in front of a screen. The AC made it feel like it was snowing. Just the way I like it!

Day 4: Chasing Down Perfection… (And Failing Beautifully)

• Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Another attempt at the Aures breakfast, slightly less disastrous this time, and made sure to bring my own small bottle of Nescafe. I am a creature of habit.
• Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): I had this brilliant idea to find a local tailor. I’d always wanted a traditional Indian outfit! This, my friends, is when the plan went spectacularly sideways. I found a place, and the tailor seemed promising. But the language barrier, the fabric choices (the glitter was intense), and my inability to articulate what I really wanted resulted in a dress that looked… well, let's just say it's not quite ready for the runway. It has potential! More of a testament to the human spirit than it is of fashion.
• **Afternoon (1:0

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The Aures (formerly known as Keys Select The Aures) Aurangabad India```html

Okay, spill the tea! Is The Aures (formerly Keys Select) really THAT luxurious? I’ve seen the pictures, but is it *real* life luxurious?

Real talk? It's a solid "yes, but..." I mean, the lobby? Swanky. Marble floors, that whole shebang. Makes you feel like you’re on your way to a Bond villain's gala (in a good way, hopefully!). But... and this is a BIG but... luxury is subjective, right? I saw some reviews that harped on tiny things - a slightly chipped teacup, a sluggish internet connection. Honestly? I didn't even notice those until I read the reviews *after* my trip. I was too busy feeling like a queen. The *rooms* though… those are genuinely lovely. Spacious, well-appointed, and the beds? Oh. My. God. Cloud-like. I actually wanted to *live* in that bed. I'm not the type to usually appreciate hotel rooms, but here I genuinely enjoyed them - and that says a lot.

The reviews mentioned the food… is it worth the calories? (Asking for a friend… or rather, myself.)

Okay, buckle up, because I have *opinions* on the food. Like, strong ones. The breakfast buffet? Amazing. Seriously, a feast. Dosas, idlis, eggs cooked every which way… You name it, they have it. I may or may not have eaten enough to feed a small army. My pants were definitely feeling the aftermath. Dinner? It's a bit of a mixed bag. Some nights were pure culinary bliss. I had this butter chicken that still haunts my dreams. On other nights, it was… adequate. Nothing spectacular, nothing terrible. Just… food. The service was consistently excellent, though. The staff are incredibly attentive and genuinely seem to want to make you happy. One waiter, bless his heart, saw me struggling with a particularly stubborn naan and actually *cut it for me* with a flourish. That's the kind of service you can't put a price on (though, you do pay for it anyway, let's be honest).

Let's talk location. Is it actually a good base for exploring Aurangabad? Or am I going to spend all my time stuck in traffic?

Right, location, location, location! The Aures is pretty well-situated. It's not, like, bang in the middle of all the crazy hustle and bustle of the city, which is a *very* good thing. It's far enough out that you can actually hear birds chirping in the morning. But it's also relatively close to the tourist sites, which is the whole point of going, right? Ajanta and Ellora caves are going to take some effort. But the hotel can help you with that, and it'll be worth it in the end. I'd recommend planning your days carefully to avoid peak traffic hours because, yes, Aurangabad traffic can be… let's just say character-building. I learned quickly that the saying "patience is a virtue" is a real thing.

The pool. Tell me about the pool! Is it Instagram-worthy? Is it crowded? Do people actually swim in it?

Okay, the pool. This is where things get a little… complicated. It’s Instagrammable, sure. The lighting is good, the water looks inviting. But… and there's always a "but," isn't there? …the first time I went there, it was packed. Like, seriously. Kids splashing, people chatting loudly… it's not exactly the tranquil oasis I'd envisioned. It felt more like a crowded water park than a relaxing hotel pool. Later in the week, though? Golden. I snuck down early one morning and had the whole place to myself. Pure bliss. Just me, the sun, and the gentle lapping of water. I even managed to get some decent photos *without* a hundred other people photobombing me. So, the takeaway? Go early, go often. Or just pray you get lucky.

Okay, let's get real. What's the worst thing about The Aures? Be honest!

Hmm… the worst thing? That's a tough one because honestly, there wasn't anything *terrible*. If I *had* to nitpick... the prices are a little on the higher side. But I guess you're paying for the luxury (and that ridiculously comfortable bed). Maybe the music playing in the lobby was a touch repetitive after a while. And... okay, I'm reaching here... the Wi-Fi could be a little flaky sometimes. But honestly, those are super minor things. It's a great hotel in the end.

What's something you REALLY enjoyed at The Aures? Like, what's a standout experience?

Oooh, okay. Standout experience. Alright, so, the massage at the spa. O-M-G. Seriously. I went thinking, "Yeah, yeah, a massage. Hotels always have them." But this? This was a whole other level. First, the spa itself is gorgeous - a sanctuary of calm after a day of dusty sightseeing. The masseuse, she was a miracle worker. She worked out knots I didn’t even know I had. I was so stressed when I went in, and when I left, I felt like a puddle of happy human. Best sleep I've had in ages! It was worth every single penny. I’d go back just for the massage. And I'm not exaggerating. That's the kind of thing that sticks with you long after you've checked out. It was pure, unadulterated bliss. Maybe I should get another… (Starts looking up flights to Aurangabad...)

Would you recommend The Aures to a friend?

Absolutely. Yes. 100%. With a few caveats. If you're on a super tight budget, maybe it's not the best choice. But if you're looking for a comfortable and luxurious base for exploring Aurangabad, with incredible service, fantastic food, and a bed you won't want to leave, then absolutely, yes. I would. I’d tell them to go, and to book that massage. Seriously, don’t skip the massage. And tell them to eat all the dosas. You won't regret it!

Any tips for someone visiting The Aures? Pro-tips, hacks, insider secrets?

Alright, listen up, because I've got some wisdom to share. First, haggle. Politely, of course. They're often willing to negotiate on prices, especially if you're staying for a few nights. Second, tip generously. Those staff members work HARD, and they deserve it. Third, book your spa treatments in advance. They get booked up fast, especially during peak season. Fourth, bring a good book and a swimsuit (if you want to enjoy the pool, that is). And finally, be prepared to be pampered. Because The Aures isn'Mountain Stay

The Aures (formerly known as Keys Select The Aures) Aurangabad India

The Aures (formerly known as Keys Select The Aures) Aurangabad India

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