Where are you going next?
Feb 10, 2015, 9:07 pm
#1381
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 676
Feb 12, 2015, 8:31 am
#1382
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Stuttgart, Germany
Programs: Too many...and an Amanjunkie
Posts: 1,667
It was easy to reach from JOG (1h15 min), on the return I rebooked my flight though and changed to Solo City to return to CGK due to weather related flight delays into JOG in the afternoons. Boy, that was a great decision: the trip to Solo on the scenic route (2h40min to Solo Airport) is the most beautiful and adventurous road trip I have ever taken, and I haven taken quite a few so far...It runs in between the two vulcanos Mt. Merapi and Merbabu along rice fields and green farmland with sun, clouds and rain changing in minutes. The narrow road can be rough at times due to rain damage though, a must trip still IMHO as it is a great (and complimentary) excursion tour in itself. Afternoon weather seems to be much better in SOC than in JOG.
Thankfully I received a triple upgrade into a Borobodur Pool Suite with the same prime location as described by bhrubin above (thanks, DavidO and Ian
)
Overall (even without the very generous upg), with its architecture, style, scenery, great care and service of the mature and genuinely friendly staff with great GM Ian W at its helm, low occupancy, the absolutely wonderful food (i.e. best crepes ever!) and the mystical Borobodur dawn tour (with Didit as our very knowledgeable guide and driver) this is Aman at its best and a true gem. No doubt about it. I am thankful to Adrian Z, Ed Tuttle, the Richlis, Sean F, Ian W, the marvelous staff and whoever took part in creating such a wonderful place over the last 18 years that blends so well into those beautiful surroundings.
In my book (and with only a few contenders), Amanjiwo is the most beautiful and stunning resort in the world.
Thankfully I received a triple upgrade into a Borobodur Pool Suite with the same prime location as described by bhrubin above (thanks, DavidO and Ian
)Overall (even without the very generous upg), with its architecture, style, scenery, great care and service of the mature and genuinely friendly staff with great GM Ian W at its helm, low occupancy, the absolutely wonderful food (i.e. best crepes ever!) and the mystical Borobodur dawn tour (with Didit as our very knowledgeable guide and driver) this is Aman at its best and a true gem. No doubt about it. I am thankful to Adrian Z, Ed Tuttle, the Richlis, Sean F, Ian W, the marvelous staff and whoever took part in creating such a wonderful place over the last 18 years that blends so well into those beautiful surroundings.
In my book (and with only a few contenders), Amanjiwo is the most beautiful and stunning resort in the world.
Feb 12, 2015, 8:36 am
#1383
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
Feb 15, 2015, 9:37 pm
#1384
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Programs: Virtuoso,Stars,Belmond Bellini,Dorchester Diamond,FSPP, Pen Club, Rosewood Elite, Hyatt Prive
Posts: 41
April
FS Beijing, both FS properties in Shanghai, FS Hangzhou, and FS Hong Kong
It is my first trip to China. Imperial Tours put together a great itinerary and I couldn't be more excited!
FS Beijing, both FS properties in Shanghai, FS Hangzhou, and FS Hong Kong
It is my first trip to China. Imperial Tours put together a great itinerary and I couldn't be more excited!
Feb 16, 2015, 2:41 am
#1385
formerly known as deathscar
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: Virtuoso | Four Seasons Preferred Partner | Rosewood Elite | Hyatt Prive - and more
Posts: 2,096
Not that I've been, but think you're missing out by not staying at Aman at Summer Palace and Amanfayun (definitely the latter, which I have been to). The FS in both both look a little soulless to me.
Feb 16, 2015, 10:58 am
#1388
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Here there and everywhere
Posts: 6,303
Amanfayun is SO much better than FS Hangzhou which is lovely on the outside, but mind numbingly corporate on the inside.
In Beijing, I would now opt for the new Rosewood.
Feb 16, 2015, 11:14 am
#1389
Join Date: Apr 2011
Programs: We love to Fly, Hotels and Discovery
Posts: 1,471
Feb 16, 2015, 11:15 am
#1390
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
I would also second that while I love Amans, Aman Summer Palace may not necessarily be the place to stay in Beijing--unless being on the outskirts of town or near the Summer Palace is important. The Aman Summer Palace doesn't quite provide the Aman serenity in the same way as its more remote locations. FWIW, I think the city of Beijing is soulless, so I'm not sure you give anything significant up by staying elsewhere. For the money, I'd stay at a property closer to the historic center if we were to return (which we'd avoid at all costs).
Feb 16, 2015, 2:06 pm
#1391
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Programs: Virtuoso,Stars,Belmond Bellini,Dorchester Diamond,FSPP, Pen Club, Rosewood Elite, Hyatt Prive
Posts: 41
I appreciate all of the feedback! I probably should have mentioned that I 'won' the hotel stays through Four Seasons. The brand is promoting the 'China by Four Seasons' tagline, and as an independent advisor at a Four Seasons Preferred Partner agency, I have the opportunity to check out what they have to offer.
As I hope this is not my first and last visit to China, I look forward to someday exploring the other fine hotel options you all have suggested.
As I hope this is not my first and last visit to China, I look forward to someday exploring the other fine hotel options you all have suggested.
Feb 16, 2015, 6:24 pm
#1392
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Fairfield County, CT USA
Programs: AA PLT+2MM / DL DM+1MM / A3 *G / Fairmont LT Plat / Ritz Gold / SPG Gold
Posts: 4,077
Agreed on the posts re Aman HZ. Worth considering a swap over the DFS.
The FS Beijing is fine, but is by no means a "wow" property, either. The FS in HKG will wow you, however.
I appreciate all of the feedback! I probably should have mentioned that I 'won' the hotel stays through Four Seasons. The brand is promoting the 'China by Four Seasons' tagline, and as an independent advisor at a Four Seasons Preferred Partner agency, I have the opportunity to check out what they have to offer.
As I hope this is not my first and last visit to China, I look forward to someday exploring the other fine hotel options you all have suggested.
As I hope this is not my first and last visit to China, I look forward to someday exploring the other fine hotel options you all have suggested.
Last edited by RichardInSF; Feb 16, 2015 at 10:57 pm Reason: Combine two consecutive posts by same member
Mar 3, 2015, 5:21 am
#1395
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: In the air
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy LT Plat, Hilton Gold, GHA Tit, BA Gold, Turkish Elite
Posts: 8,720