I am entertained by the rancor. Management changes eventually for ALL hotels and property groups, and Aman is no different.

I've been to Amangani & Amangiri (USA), Amansara (Cambodia), Aman Summer Palace (China), Amanjiwo & Amandari & Amankila & Amanusa & Amanusa (Indonesia), and am going to Amanyara (Turks) in 6 months. For us, the Amans set the standard for service and authentically luxurious accommodation, but they are not without faults/weaknesses.

To be fair, I've also been to dozens of FS, Ritz, MO, and St. Regis properties worldwide, and while all are very good, they tend to miss the mark MORE often than Amans. ONLY Peninsula can typically match the Aman levels of service in my experience (been to New York, Chicago, Beverly Hills, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Shanghai most recently).

FS had a stretch for 5 years (ending in 2009 or so) where their service dwindled as the fake-equity US market clamored to stay with illusory wealth and watered down the FS product. I stopped staying at FS for that reason...and only returned last year since there were no other good options.

Everyone speculates, and everyone whines about what may be. Instead of just enjoying the wonderful choices we already have. There is far more competition for Aman now, so for the dollar they have to really offer amazing everything to warrant their price points. For people like us staying in premium rooms even at Aman properties, they really have to deliver. Most properties do, but not all.

Still, until I'm proven that Aman service has changed, I give them the benefit of the doubt. When there's an Aman, I'm hard pressed to not stay there even when there is amazing competition. Aman usually is located in places where there hasn't been competition at the 5 star level, and that has changed in the past decade. Still, when I hit Venice, it will be a tough choice between Aman Grand Canal or using my SPG Platinum status to pay less and still get a suite at Gritti, Danielli, etc. In cities, I always go boutique if at all possible to avoid the biz feel, so Aman Summer Palace was far superior for us on holiday than the Pen, but on biz I would stay at the Pen. In Tokyo, I'm not sure which property I'd choose.

Everyone needs to calm down and let things unfold.