New Aman, Azerai, GHM & Ahn Luh Resorts - 2017 edition
May 24, 2017, 9:23 am
#76
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 393
Just got word that GHM is now indeed franchising the Chedi brand -- they are no longer managing these properties. If this includes future properties/development, I'm not sure. Will find out.
This makes Chedi Andermatt, Chedi Muscat and the Chedi Club Bali independent hotels.
This makes Chedi Andermatt, Chedi Muscat and the Chedi Club Bali independent hotels.
May 24, 2017, 10:09 am
#77
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Here there and everywhere
Posts: 6,303
This is the first full article that I have seen on Azerai. Sounds promising. It's from Robb Report's Luxury Travel section:
http://robbreport.com/luxury-travel/...-newest-resort
http://robbreport.com/luxury-travel/...-newest-resort
May 26, 2017, 8:44 am
#78
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
The 100-year-old quote comes straight from Azerai (I'm quoting official documentation below):
The two-level building itself is the result of a two-year reconstruction of the original footprint of a unique site unveilved over 100 years ago
May 26, 2017, 10:10 am
#80
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Here there and everywhere
Posts: 6,303
Yes, very badly rephrased! The footprint is certainly 'historic' but the hotel is all-new and very beautiful. AZ is decidedly back on form.
Jun 1, 2017, 3:53 am
#81
Join Date: Aug 2008
Programs: Star Alliance
Posts: 38
Last month I've been at the Azerai in Luang Prabang and it is incredible. The location is in the best place it could be, the hotel is beautiful, with a large swimming pool and a big banyan tree, the service is Aman-like and the rooms are cosy, not very big but well decorated and the spa staff is one of the best I've seen.
Adrian Zecha call's it - affordable luxury and it is. Once again AZ is leading the trends
Adrian Zecha call's it - affordable luxury and it is. Once again AZ is leading the trends
Jun 1, 2017, 7:53 am
#82
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Here there and everywhere
Posts: 6,303
Last month I've been at the Azerai in Luang Prabang and it is incredible. The location is in the best place it could be, the hotel is beautiful, with a large swimming pool and a big banyan tree, the service is Aman-like and the rooms are cosy, not very big but well decorated and the spa staff is one of the best I've seen.
Adrian Zecha call's it - affordable luxury and it is. Once again AZ is leading the trends
Adrian Zecha call's it - affordable luxury and it is. Once again AZ is leading the trends
Jun 1, 2017, 11:50 pm
#85
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP, DL PM, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 2,028
I don't share the rather strong...disdain that DSI has for Aman properties, but I would agree with this general sentiment. I would not go back, and for 30% of the Amantaka rate would stay at Azerai in a heartbeat.
Jun 2, 2017, 2:51 am
#86
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,600
I wouldn't return to Taka either. Especially so after Gary's departure.
Jun 2, 2017, 6:48 am
#87
formerly declinespecificinformatiom
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: USA
Posts: 1,140
I'm excited about going to Giri this year, and some of the other places look really nice to me, like Yara (but after they lost my reservation it's kinda hard to want to go there), Era, Sven and Venice look nice to me. Maybe it's that I just find them too tranquil for my tastes and I'm more of a Club Med type of person when it comes down to it?
Jun 2, 2017, 7:11 am
#88
Join Date: Feb 2005
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 1,068
The thing about Aman is that when it's off you really feel cheated because you expect it to be amazing and you are generally paying a lot for it to be amazing. So even little lapses start to annoy you and you very quickly fall out of the relaxed holiday state of mind that you are arguably paying for. As much as I love Aman when it's good, I'm not forgiving when it isn't.
Jun 2, 2017, 7:37 am
#89
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Here there and everywhere
Posts: 6,303
Making the comparison is quite shocking, as Amantaka is like a museum - polished to perfection - but it really lacks soul these days, so yes, I would pick Azerai, although you have to understand that, unke Amantaka, it has no suites and is totally unpretentious.
Jun 2, 2017, 9:37 am
#90
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC E75K, Amex Plat, NEXUS, Aman-user (not really a -junkie)
Posts: 1,721
yup, it all depends on what each values most when one stays at a hotel... I do like the styling at Azerai and obviously the service levels are high with all the ex-Aman staff. However, I appreciate hard product and space as well as the quiet which comes with exclusivity so Aman is still on my radar.
Price does play a part for the value proposition but for instance, I stayed at both Amansara and PH Siem Reap to compare and I'm glad I spent more time and $ for Amansara.