I last replied with Amanjiwo....which remains my favorite hotel in the world, and what I still believe is the most tremendous and unique hotel experience in the world. But this year's stay at Amangiri has put that property as a major contender--as there just aren't any other hotels anywhere that can match its remote desert location, incredibly sparse views, and incredible design.
So I'd say Aman still wins the day...with both Amajiwo and Amangiri. Amanjiwo still wins out for me due to its incredibly high service experience, but Amangiri wins out for offering reasonable proximity to some of the most extraordinary natural landscapes to be found anywhere in the world. It's tough to beat the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, Zion, Bryce, The Wave, etc.
The fact that so many others herein name Amanpulo as the best beach/seaside property also gives Aman the win.
If I had to name one city hotel that I think truly stands out as being head and shoulders above all others, my vote would go to the Peninsula Shanghai. Its "corner" Bund location gives it incredible views onto the Pudong skyline, its design and service standard are flawless, its food and beverage are superb, and it has all the accoutrements (pool, spa, etc) that define the best of a city hotel. The fact that China is not as known for extremely high service standards also puts the service standard at the Peninsula Shanghai in true perspective.
The Upper House in Hong Kong is my second vote, with the best design of any urban hotel anywhere...but its lack of pool and spa would discount it for many. The Upper House remains the most Aman-like urban retreat I've yet had the chance to experience, with a service standard comparable to that of the Peninsula Shanghai. But city hotels, IMO, even at the highest luxury level, are essentially a dime a dozen.
Originally Posted by
bhrubin
If this is to be THE hotel that must not be missed, I have to give it to Amanjiwo. There's nothing quite like it, both in design and with its view onto Borobodur.
I'd argue that THE hotel that can't be missed (1) must be architecturally and design-wise unique (otherwise, you could miss it) AND (2) offer an experience that is unlike any other anywhere (otherwise, you could miss it again). Amanjiwo meets those criteria. No other hotel does in my opinion.
Safari lodges ALL offer similar experiences, so they can't quite measure up to the criteria, even if they look unique.
Beach resorts ALL offer similar experiences, too, which is why Amanpulo can't for me qualify. Just because it's a favorite beach resort doesn't mean it can't be missed or that you can't get all of what it offers elsewhere (better sand, more marine life, better villas/rooms, better design, etc.). Or Amankila.
There are villa hotels with exceeding luxury but which are mimicked in some way by at least one or more other luxury properties. There are city hotels which are almost always mimicked in many ways by many other luxury city hotels.
Only a remote property is likely to fit the bill of one that can't be missed--since urban hotels more or less mimic each other in so many ways, just in different urban settings which blend together. Rural settings offer the most contrast without question.
That leaves me with Amanjiwo. No question.