The Hostelz.com Review - Genuine, independent review you can trust.
Aura Thematic Hostel is refreshingly different from most hostels you would find in Asian capitals. Their rooms are cosy with few beds inside and each of them has a specific theme that makes it feel more personal. The rooftop bar on the top floor is a nice place to chill as well.
The Location
The hostel could not be in a better strategic position for discovering everything Phnom Penh has to offer. It's located just outside the walls of the National Palace, and walking to its entrance will not take you more than five minutes. The National Museum and Silver Pagoda are all in walking distance as well and if you fancy a stroll along the Mekong River, it is totally doable from here as well. The hostel has its own mini supermarket next door and serves food at the rooftop bar, but if you prefer something different, there is an abundance of street-food stalls as well as slightly bigger supermarkets around.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The hostel offers private and dorm-type accommodation alike, and there are female-only rooms available as well. The rooms are air conditioned all through the day and the temperature is controlled centrally. They are not too spacious but the beds are big and the mattresses are really comfy. Upon check-in you are required to leave a deposit, for which you get a room key so that your belongings are quite safe even if no lockers are provided. The rooms are en suite and the bathrooms are nice even if they are small and do not drain fast, which means that if you enter within the next hour after somebody has showered, you will be walking on a wet surface.
Common Spaces
As you enter the hostel, there is a lobby area right in front of the reception. They are quite strict about check-in times, so if you need to wait for your room to be ready you can sit here. There is a water dispenser here but you have to pay to refill your bottle. There is a roof terrace on the top floor of the hostel as well. Strictly speaking, this is a bar of a different name, but they will let you chill here even if you don't consume anything.
Summary
Aura Thematic Hostel is definitely good value for the money you are paying for it! It is centrally located, clean, and of a high standard in general.
Photos taken by the Hostelz.com reviewer — Genuine photos you can trust.
+4
JudyM
Hostelz.com Staff Reviewer
Published on Jun 27, 2019
Location and Contact
Location
• We're located on Street 19, directly behind the Royal Palace. The cross street is Samdach Pan Ave (Street 214). • To get here from the airport, take Russian Boulevard (Confederation de la Russie) east for about 9km until you get to Street 19. Make a right, and continue south on Street 19 for 10 blocks. Aura Hostel will be on your right - #205A. • To get here from the bus depot at Central Market, take Street 130 east for 4 blocks. Turn right at Street 19, and continue south for 8 blocks. Aura Hostel will be on your right - #205A.