Best hotel in Bali?
Apr 7, 2016, 9:36 am
#61
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: NYC
Posts: 9,120
You might want to shop around a bit. I found different sales channels provide different offers (e.g. German tour operators offer better prices but have limited availability / 3 for 2 deals where only available through an OTA).
Nov 1, 2018, 11:16 am
#63
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
If it’s ocean views you are looking for, the resorts in Uluwatu/Ungasan come to mind with endless views of the Indian Ocean from their cliff side locations. Banyan Tree, Karma, Alila, and Anantara all have such resorts.
Or, there are options like The Oberoi or The Legian in Seminyak.
Nov 1, 2018, 12:09 pm
#64
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: MEL
Programs: QFF, AA, LM, EY
Posts: 762
Nov 8, 2018, 1:27 am
#65
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 65
Does anyone know: Is amankila pretty generous with upgrades (even if you dont book through AMEX or Virtuoso)?
I know Amanpulo's MO is to usually upgrade first time guests whether or not they have booked with an agent or through FHR. Is that policy pretty consistent throughout all the AMAN's?
Also, another thing to take into consideration is that I am not expecting a garden view to ocean view type upgrade. I have booked a pool suite and the next category up is the Kilasari suite which there is only one of. I am traveling solo and am not celebrating a special occasion.
I plan to be out and about a lot of the time so I just can't seem to justify the price for staying in the Kilasari suite alone. Although the thought of absolutely no view in the pool suite kills me.
I have seen that a lot of people on here recommend just going with a pool suite (esp#37) but I am quite self conscious about a big scare I have going down my entire back (car accident) so I'm not a big fan of public pools.
Do you think they if the Kilasari suite is available upon check in they would let me upgrade for a small amount?
I know Amanpulo's MO is to usually upgrade first time guests whether or not they have booked with an agent or through FHR. Is that policy pretty consistent throughout all the AMAN's?
Also, another thing to take into consideration is that I am not expecting a garden view to ocean view type upgrade. I have booked a pool suite and the next category up is the Kilasari suite which there is only one of. I am traveling solo and am not celebrating a special occasion.
I plan to be out and about a lot of the time so I just can't seem to justify the price for staying in the Kilasari suite alone. Although the thought of absolutely no view in the pool suite kills me.
I have seen that a lot of people on here recommend just going with a pool suite (esp#37) but I am quite self conscious about a big scare I have going down my entire back (car accident) so I'm not a big fan of public pools.
Do you think they if the Kilasari suite is available upon check in they would let me upgrade for a small amount?
Nov 8, 2018, 1:46 am
#66
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 10,052
Does anyone know: Is amankila pretty generous with upgrades (even if you dont book through AMEX or Virtuoso)?
I know Amanpulo's MO is to usually upgrade first time guests whether or not they have booked with an agent or through FHR. Is that policy pretty consistent throughout all the AMAN's?
Also, another thing to take into consideration is that I am not expecting a garden view to ocean view type upgrade. I have booked a pool suite and the next category up is the Kilasari suite which there is only one of. I am traveling solo and am not celebrating a special occasion.
I plan to be out and about a lot of the time so I just can't seem to justify the price for staying in the Kilasari suite alone. Although the thought of absolutely no view in the pool suite kills me.
I have seen that a lot of people on here recommend just going with a pool suite (esp#37) but I am quite self conscious about a big scare I have going down my entire back (car accident) so I'm not a big fan of public pools.
Do you think they if the Kilasari suite is available upon check in they would let me upgrade for a small amount?
I know Amanpulo's MO is to usually upgrade first time guests whether or not they have booked with an agent or through FHR. Is that policy pretty consistent throughout all the AMAN's?
Also, another thing to take into consideration is that I am not expecting a garden view to ocean view type upgrade. I have booked a pool suite and the next category up is the Kilasari suite which there is only one of. I am traveling solo and am not celebrating a special occasion.
I plan to be out and about a lot of the time so I just can't seem to justify the price for staying in the Kilasari suite alone. Although the thought of absolutely no view in the pool suite kills me.
I have seen that a lot of people on here recommend just going with a pool suite (esp#37) but I am quite self conscious about a big scare I have going down my entire back (car accident) so I'm not a big fan of public pools.
Do you think they if the Kilasari suite is available upon check in they would let me upgrade for a small amount?
Nov 8, 2018, 7:38 am
#67
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Asheville, NC
Programs: Virtuoso, FSPP, STARS, MO FAN Club, PEN Club, Bellini Club, Dorchester Diamond Club, Travel Leaders
Posts: 1,854
Agree that there's no downside to using a TA (of course, I'm biased). A TA who makes a lot of bookings with Aman and develops relationships with the team of Aman GM's is a valuable resource for you. Just this morning, I was able to get an offer of an Amandari upgrade from Valley -> Pool prior to booking. Other TA's on FlyerTalk can doubtless do the the same for you.
However, you won't get an upgrade into the Kilsari Suite at time of booking. That's a one of two specialty suites at Amankila, and the resort is not going to give up the opportunity to sell that suite. That's just the reality of things.
You might ask about upselling at time of check-in ... the worst that can happen is they'll say "no."
However, you won't get an upgrade into the Kilsari Suite at time of booking. That's a one of two specialty suites at Amankila, and the resort is not going to give up the opportunity to sell that suite. That's just the reality of things.
You might ask about upselling at time of check-in ... the worst that can happen is they'll say "no."
Nov 8, 2018, 8:00 am
#68
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
I would just enjoy that pool suite. Some do have partial ocean views. Otherwise, I would try to negotiate upsell at check-in.
Excellent re confirmed upgrade to pool at Amandari.
There are three signature suites at Amankila. Kilasari, Indrakila, and Amankila (two bedroom).
Agree that there's no downside to using a TA (of course, I'm biased). A TA who makes a lot of bookings with Aman and develops relationships with the team of Aman GM's is a valuable resource for you. Just this morning, I was able to get an offer of an Amandari upgrade from Valley -> Pool prior to booking. Other TA's on FlyerTalk can doubtless do the the same for you.
However, you won't get an upgrade into the Kilsari Suite at time of booking. That's a one of two specialty suites at Amankila, and the resort is not going to give up the opportunity to sell that suite. That's just the reality of things.
You might ask about upselling at time of check-in ... the worst that can happen is they'll say "no."
However, you won't get an upgrade into the Kilsari Suite at time of booking. That's a one of two specialty suites at Amankila, and the resort is not going to give up the opportunity to sell that suite. That's just the reality of things.
You might ask about upselling at time of check-in ... the worst that can happen is they'll say "no."
There are three signature suites at Amankila. Kilasari, Indrakila, and Amankila (two bedroom).
Last edited by MikeFromTokyo; Nov 8, 2018 at 9:59 am
Nov 9, 2018, 6:05 am
#69
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Here there and everywhere
Posts: 6,303
I would just enjoy that pool suite. Some do have partial ocean views. Otherwise, I would try to negotiate upsell at check-in.
Excellent re confirmed upgrade to pool at Amandari.
There are three signature suites at Amankila. Kilasari, Indrakila, and Amankila (two bedroom).
Excellent re confirmed upgrade to pool at Amandari.
There are three signature suites at Amankila. Kilasari, Indrakila, and Amankila (two bedroom).
Nov 9, 2018, 12:49 pm
#71
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
Kilasari > Indrakila any day 
It's possible to get that upgrade, but it's very, very rare you're going to get it at the time of booking. It is something that COULD happen on arrival, but I would certainly not rely on it (as you note, there's only one). More of a nice surprise if it happens, kind of thing...
It's possible to get that upgrade, but it's very, very rare you're going to get it at the time of booking. It is something that COULD happen on arrival, but I would certainly not rely on it (as you note, there's only one). More of a nice surprise if it happens, kind of thing...
Nov 11, 2018, 11:24 am
#74
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
there are fans of dari setting, environment, design here
some amanjunkies are fans of como shambhala estate or FS
(for como because of overall, not sure re different factors for FS)
many amanjunkie and other fans of chedi club, including top villa
RC definitely has some top villas like como and aman
aman's is a drive from dari, so a little extra remoteness
some here not fans of chedi (except top villa?) and FS design
RC likely by far the most polarizing for both service and design
edit - those who have been to them all - how do you compare?
at dari, definitely ask to see what is available at checkin
might request certain pool suites, some discussed here
some amanjunkies are fans of como shambhala estate or FS
(for como because of overall, not sure re different factors for FS)
many amanjunkie and other fans of chedi club, including top villa
RC definitely has some top villas like como and aman
aman's is a drive from dari, so a little extra remoteness
some here not fans of chedi (except top villa?) and FS design
RC likely by far the most polarizing for both service and design
edit - those who have been to them all - how do you compare?
at dari, definitely ask to see what is available at checkin
might request certain pool suites, some discussed here
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Nov 11, 2018 at 12:43 pm
Nov 11, 2018, 12:33 pm
#75
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
Pool suite at Amandari. What could possibly be better than this Peter Muller designed Aman classic?
I cannot comment on Chedi Club. Como Shambhala Estate is the only other option that appeals to me.
I have zero interest in Mandapa. Based on what I know about your travels I think you belong at Amandari. Or perhaps Chedi club, although I have never been there.
I cannot comment on Chedi Club. Como Shambhala Estate is the only other option that appeals to me.
I have zero interest in Mandapa. Based on what I know about your travels I think you belong at Amandari. Or perhaps Chedi club, although I have never been there.