Originally Posted by
tdiddy23
Aman is losing me with decisions such as removing local products from gift stores and replacing them with overpriced Aman golf shirts. To me this is catering to the same people buying 1-5K handbags, and the music could certainly stop on this market, especially in urban hotels. I think there is a lot more to be said for paying for ultra luxury hotels in exotic regions, private islands etc with little other options available, and sensible wealthy people will likely continue to visit these properties to a level they can afford ( no private islands for me unfortunately, but i can see the appeal) .
Business wise, it's a smart move as the CEO needs to recoup + profits for the investors by providing ancillary revenue streams, such as spa products, clothing lines, and interior design products. Many hotels already do this. Why not keep the profits in house, rather than being a middle man for a local business?
From my perspective: Start the trip at Amans at major cities before departure flight, then progress the trip to remote Aman destinations. Good experiences means potentially purchasing Aman amenities and products along the way; and mention Aman interior design lines to their interior designer/architect firm. Rinse and repeat; perhaps take private jet destination trip or their yacht trips next time...Rinse and repeat... If people are enamored, then start purchasing club memberships to Aman and also residences for a more secluded and private experience.
Aman is targeting the folks who can afford 200k Club membership at Aman NY, and folks who are paying 8-10k+ per square feet of their residences.....The nightly rates and costs of a 200 dollar spa face mask/T-shirt is a non factor. Another reason, as a hypothesis, I don't see super luxe hotel rates depreciating anytime soon.
Money is a never ending game....One person's definition of luxe is another person's poor man's hotel.