Amanresorts Thread 2013 (Started by Amanjunkie)
Jun 11, 2013, 4:40 pm
#79
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: 1A
Programs: UA GS, NH Diamond, Hyatt Lifetime Globalist (formerly Courtesy Card sadly), Amanjunkie, CLEAR
Posts: 3,713
Jun 11, 2013, 8:01 pm
#80
Join Date: Sep 2010
Programs: Miles & More, Hyatt Gold Passport
Posts: 75
Aman Cavtat - Rendering from local media
Edit:
Seems that i'm too stupid to post the picture here; please check on following link:
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showth...28184&page=182
Jun 11, 2013, 8:04 pm
#81
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
just reposted tokyo again in new aman thread
ill be posting some on venice (info from aman) in my thread, instead of this thread
http://www.cntraveler.com/food/2013/...acific-islands
print had chef table thing including amandari, but not online?
opened on a whim in a waiting area today instead of reading departures i brought.
qasr al sarab on cover caught my attention, great pic, matched Groombridge's
ill be posting some on venice (info from aman) in my thread, instead of this thread
http://www.cntraveler.com/food/2013/...acific-islands
12. Amandari
Bali
Food score: 96.3
Restaurants: 1
Rooms: 30
Signature dish: The Balinese Feast ($108).
Don't miss: The complimentary coconut sorbet served poolside.
(Entrées from $17)
27. Amanyara
Turks and Caicos
Food score: 92.6
Restaurants: 2
Rooms: 58
Signature dish: Lobster and cherry tomatoes in yellow curry ($67).
Don't miss: Breakfast and dinner are included if you book a pavilion or villa for four nights—a significant savings.
(Entrées from $41)
Bali
Food score: 96.3
Restaurants: 1
Rooms: 30
Signature dish: The Balinese Feast ($108).
Don't miss: The complimentary coconut sorbet served poolside.
(Entrées from $17)
27. Amanyara
Turks and Caicos
Food score: 92.6
Restaurants: 2
Rooms: 58
Signature dish: Lobster and cherry tomatoes in yellow curry ($67).
Don't miss: Breakfast and dinner are included if you book a pavilion or villa for four nights—a significant savings.
(Entrées from $41)
opened on a whim in a waiting area today instead of reading departures i brought.
qasr al sarab on cover caught my attention, great pic, matched Groombridge's
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Jun 11, 2013 at 11:12 pm
Jun 12, 2013, 1:58 am
#82
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 324
Just toured the Amantaka in Luong Prabong about a week ago. The property is nice although it sits across the street from essentially a slum. The rooms are nice, the pool is nice, and the spa is especially nice. But how they can charge 4x more than a similar property is beyond me. When we toured the place was dead. Maybe 30% full. Maybe. Overall, it's overrated. I would not have felt like i got value at the price paid vs. competition in LP. Ill visit the Aman property in Siem Reap tomorrow.
Jun 12, 2013, 3:47 am
#83
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: VCE
Posts: 14,165
Just toured the Amantaka in Luong Prabong about a week ago. The property is nice although it sits across the street from essentially a slum. The rooms are nice, the pool is nice, and the spa is especially nice. But how they can charge 4x more than a similar property is beyond me. When we toured the place was dead. Maybe 30% full. Maybe. Overall, it's overrated. I would not have felt like i got value at the price paid vs. competition in LP. Ill visit the Aman property in Siem Reap tomorrow.
I guess everyone has their own opinions- one of the things that make Flyertalk and visiting new places so interesting.
Jun 12, 2013, 4:29 am
#84
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 324
It's hard to describe the area directly across from the hotel but suffice it to say like all of LP, its riddled with houses that resemble what Americans would call "shanty towns" from the Great Depression. Like all of LP, its hard to wrap your mind around a hotel whose nightly rate is likely greater than the annual income of its LP neighbors. And I'm a luxe travel lover. I just thought that its over priced. Similar service and luxe can be had for $250 per night vs. $1,000. That's all I'm saying.
Jun 12, 2013, 4:42 am
#85
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 246
I respectfully disagree about your comments on Amantaka. We stayed 5 nights there in Feb and thought the price was well justified considering the ambience, service and cultural experiences it offered. I agree, situated on the main thoroughfare in Luang Prabang, its location may not be perfect (a riverside spot may offer better view and atmosphere). However I would hardly classify its immediate area as a slum! The houses immediately opposite to Amantaka are actually hotels/guestshouses I believe...
The property was beautifully restored from a former French hospital, hence its central location, and maintained much of its colonial charm. We believe the main draw of the resort was the range of bespoke cultural experiences on offer. I doubt many hotels in LP can arrange a traditional Baci ceremony performed by a former prince, a private boat tour down the Mekong to meet a photographer renowned for Laotian Buddhist portraitures in his residence, far flung hill tribe villages untainted by mass tourism....
We actually preferred to stay at Amans during shoulder season to take advantage of the relatively low occupancy rate and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. If we wanted a more crowded environs, it is easy to get down to the night marker for some shoulder-to-shoulder dining or morning alms offering with hoards of tourists.
Gary the Gm leads a fantastic team there which offers warm and attentive service, which may be difficult for you to experience during a quick property visit.
Amansara is similar to Amantaka in a way that its value lies in its unparalleled service and bespoke excursions (we hardly met any tourists at Angkor Wat and Bayon for example). The property itself was restored from a former King's residence where Jackie O stayed before the Khmer rouge's days. It is an intimate property and the rooms are relatively "small" for Aman standard. The rotunda dining/living room is beautiful though. Hope you'll enjoy your tour there!
The property was beautifully restored from a former French hospital, hence its central location, and maintained much of its colonial charm. We believe the main draw of the resort was the range of bespoke cultural experiences on offer. I doubt many hotels in LP can arrange a traditional Baci ceremony performed by a former prince, a private boat tour down the Mekong to meet a photographer renowned for Laotian Buddhist portraitures in his residence, far flung hill tribe villages untainted by mass tourism....
We actually preferred to stay at Amans during shoulder season to take advantage of the relatively low occupancy rate and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. If we wanted a more crowded environs, it is easy to get down to the night marker for some shoulder-to-shoulder dining or morning alms offering with hoards of tourists.
Gary the Gm leads a fantastic team there which offers warm and attentive service, which may be difficult for you to experience during a quick property visit.
Amansara is similar to Amantaka in a way that its value lies in its unparalleled service and bespoke excursions (we hardly met any tourists at Angkor Wat and Bayon for example). The property itself was restored from a former King's residence where Jackie O stayed before the Khmer rouge's days. It is an intimate property and the rooms are relatively "small" for Aman standard. The rotunda dining/living room is beautiful though. Hope you'll enjoy your tour there!
Jun 12, 2013, 6:08 am
#86
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Enroute to ? & likely flying in ' A ':)
Programs: TPPS, UA, EK ...; Marriott BONVOY , HH, GP, GC..
Posts: 4,217
Just toured the Amantaka in Luong Prabong about a week ago. The property is nice although it sits across the street from essentially a slum. The rooms are nice, the pool is nice, and the spa is especially nice. But how they can charge 4x more than a similar property is beyond me. When we toured the place was dead. Maybe 30% full. Maybe. Overall, it's overrated. I would not have felt like i got value at the price paid vs. competition in LP. Ill visit the Aman property in Siem Reap tomorrow.
It's hard to describe the area directly across from the hotel but suffice it to say like all of LP, its riddled with houses that resemble what Americans would call "shanty towns" from the Great Depression. Like all of LP, its hard to wrap your mind around a hotel whose nightly rate is likely greater than the annual income of its LP neighbors. And I'm a luxe travel lover. I just thought that its over priced. Similar service and luxe can be had for $250 per night vs. $1,000. That's all I'm saying.
I respectfully disagree about your comments on Amantaka. We stayed 5 nights there in Feb and thought the price was well justified considering the ambience, service and cultural experiences it offered. I agree, situated on the main thoroughfare in Luang Prabang, its location may not be perfect (a riverside spot may offer better view and atmosphere). However I would hardly classify its immediate area as a slum! The houses immediately opposite to Amantaka are actually hotels/guestshouses I believe...
The property was beautifully restored from a former French hospital, hence its central location, and maintained much of its colonial charm. We believe the main draw of the resort was the range of bespoke cultural experiences on offer. I doubt many hotels in LP can arrange a traditional Baci ceremony performed by a former prince, a private boat tour down the Mekong to meet a photographer renowned for Laotian Buddhist portraitures in his residence, far flung hill tribe villages untainted by mass tourism....
We actually preferred to stay at Amans during shoulder season to take advantage of the relatively low occupancy rate and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. If we wanted a more crowded environs, it is easy to get down to the night marker for some shoulder-to-shoulder dining or morning alms offering with hoards of tourists.
Gary the Gm leads a fantastic team there which offers warm and attentive service, which may be difficult for you to experience during a quick property visit.
Amansara is similar to Amantaka in a way that its value lies in its unparalleled service and bespoke excursions (we hardly met any tourists at Angkor Wat and Bayon for example). The property itself was restored from a former King's residence where Jackie O stayed before the Khmer rouge's days. It is an intimate property and the rooms are relatively "small" for Aman standard. The rotunda dining/living room is beautiful though. Hope you'll enjoy your tour there!
The property was beautifully restored from a former French hospital, hence its central location, and maintained much of its colonial charm. We believe the main draw of the resort was the range of bespoke cultural experiences on offer. I doubt many hotels in LP can arrange a traditional Baci ceremony performed by a former prince, a private boat tour down the Mekong to meet a photographer renowned for Laotian Buddhist portraitures in his residence, far flung hill tribe villages untainted by mass tourism....
We actually preferred to stay at Amans during shoulder season to take advantage of the relatively low occupancy rate and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. If we wanted a more crowded environs, it is easy to get down to the night marker for some shoulder-to-shoulder dining or morning alms offering with hoards of tourists.
Gary the Gm leads a fantastic team there which offers warm and attentive service, which may be difficult for you to experience during a quick property visit.
Amansara is similar to Amantaka in a way that its value lies in its unparalleled service and bespoke excursions (we hardly met any tourists at Angkor Wat and Bayon for example). The property itself was restored from a former King's residence where Jackie O stayed before the Khmer rouge's days. It is an intimate property and the rooms are relatively "small" for Aman standard. The rotunda dining/living room is beautiful though. Hope you'll enjoy your tour there!
^
Agree with you
' Touring '
an Aman , in low season no less, is definitely not experiencing what Aman is . One has to stay or at least , have a meal
Jun 12, 2013, 7:13 am
#87
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 324
No need for arguement here. I just think you you underestimate the quality of service at the $300 per night hotels. As for the excursions, I am sure they are great. But with all due respect, you don't need to spend thousands to do it. For example, we spent a day on a working rice farm with a great tour that was private and amazing. We also bought books from a local vendor, hired a tuk tuk driver to take us "out of town" and gave books to orphans in a nearby village. An amazing experience. Total cost was $20.
I'm not saying the Amantaka isn't great. I'm just questioning if its great value. For full disclosure, I gave it serious consideration. I'm glad we opted for elsewhere. One night at Amantaka = 4 nights at Luomg Say Residence.
I'm not saying the Amantaka isn't great. I'm just questioning if its great value. For full disclosure, I gave it serious consideration. I'm glad we opted for elsewhere. One night at Amantaka = 4 nights at Luomg Say Residence.
Jun 12, 2013, 7:35 am
#88
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 324
No need for arguement here. I just think you you underestimate the quality of service at the $300 per night hotels. As for the excursions, I am sure they are great. But with all due respect, you don't need to spend thousands to do it. For example, we spent a day on a working rice farm with a great tour that was private and amazing. We also bought books from a local vendor, hired a tuk tuk driver to take us "out of town" and gave books to orphans in a nearby village. An amazing experience. Total cost was $20.
I'm not saying the Amantaka isn't great. I'm just questioning if its great value. For full disclosure, I gave it serious consideration. I'm glad we opted for elsewhere. One night at Amantaka = 4 nights at Luomg Say Residence.
I'm not saying the Amantaka isn't great. I'm just questioning if its great value. For full disclosure, I gave it serious consideration. I'm glad we opted for elsewhere. One night at Amantaka = 4 nights at Luomg Say Residence.
Jun 12, 2013, 7:45 am
#89
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Here there and everywhere
Posts: 6,303
Just toured the Amantaka in Luong Prabong about a week ago. The property is nice although it sits across the street from essentially a slum. The rooms are nice, the pool is nice, and the spa is especially nice. But how they can charge 4x more than a similar property is beyond me. When we toured the place was dead. Maybe 30% full. Maybe. Overall, it's overrated. I would not have felt like i got value at the price paid vs. competition in LP. Ill visit the Aman property in Siem Reap tomorrow.
Jun 12, 2013, 8:22 am
#90
Join Date: Aug 2010
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 599
No need for arguement here. I just think you you underestimate the quality of service at the $300 per night hotels. As for the excursions, I am sure they are great. But with all due respect, you don't need to spend thousands to do it. For example, we spent a day on a working rice farm with a great tour that was private and amazing. We also bought books from a local vendor, hired a tuk tuk driver to take us "out of town" and gave books to orphans in a nearby village. An amazing experience. Total cost was $20.
I'm not saying the Amantaka isn't great. I'm just questioning if its great value. For full disclosure, I gave it serious consideration. I'm glad we opted for elsewhere. One night at Amantaka = 4 nights at Luomg Say Residence.
I'm not saying the Amantaka isn't great. I'm just questioning if its great value. For full disclosure, I gave it serious consideration. I'm glad we opted for elsewhere. One night at Amantaka = 4 nights at Luomg Say Residence.
