Feb 12, 2018, 5:37 pm
Amanresorts Thread 2018
Apr 9, 2018, 9:04 am
#196
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Amex Platinum, Inspirato, UA Spouse of GS,Amanjunkie,Starwood Platinum,Hyatt Diam
Posts: 281
Apr 9, 2018, 11:05 am
#197
Join Date: Feb 2015
Programs: Marriott: Platinum/LT Silver, AS: MVP
Posts: 67
Had a stay scheduled at Amankila in May - my first at any Aman. Unfortunately, I received an email from the GM today that they've accepted a booking for the whole resort overlapping the first night of what was to be my stay. Ernst asked if there was any flexibility in my schedule, which there's not. He seemed willing to do whatever it took to keep me satisfied - trouble is, I don't know what would make me satisfied in this situation. I've had this booked for months. I could ask to stay at Amandari the first night, but for a 4 night stay that seems like it would cut into the relaxation quite a bit.
Anyone else ever experience this? What would you recommend I do?
Anyone else ever experience this? What would you recommend I do?
- Confirmed Pool Suite at Amandari for night 1, with top priority for a further space-available upgrade
- Confirmed upgrade to Kilasari Suite for the remaining nights at Amankila
- Complimentary 1hr massage
- Complimentary inter-hotel transfer, with packing/unpacking service
Apr 9, 2018, 2:56 pm
#198
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Amex Platinum, Inspirato, UA Spouse of GS,Amanjunkie,Starwood Platinum,Hyatt Diam
Posts: 281
To update the thread on this, Ernst offered me the following (note that I had originally booked a Pool Suite at Amankila):
- Confirmed Pool Suite at Amandari for night 1, with top priority for a further space-available upgrade
- Confirmed upgrade to Kilasari Suite for the remaining nights at Amankila
- Complimentary 1hr massage
- Complimentary inter-hotel transfer, with packing/unpacking service
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/16090920-post35.html
Glad they came through with an offer that is acceptable to you...although I would have expected a bit more (the room at Amandari and the transfers are a given and the least they should do). All they are really doing extra for the inconvenience is upgrading to the Kilasari Suite and giving the 1 hour massage. I would at least ask for a special dinner or excursion on top of what they are already offering.
Last edited by ray1022; Apr 9, 2018 at 3:10 pm
Apr 9, 2018, 7:38 pm
#199
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
To update the thread on this, Ernst offered me the following (note that I had originally booked a Pool Suite at Amankila):
- Confirmed Pool Suite at Amandari for night 1, with top priority for a further space-available upgrade
- Confirmed upgrade to Kilasari Suite for the remaining nights at Amankila
- Complimentary 1hr massage
- Complimentary inter-hotel transfer, with packing/unpacking service
Apr 9, 2018, 10:59 pm
#200
Join Date: May 2005
Location: SFO
Programs: MM / UA 1K
Posts: 473
Ah well, the reservation team at Amankila have the same offer at the website - if the stay begins June 2nd and all nights must be in the Ocean Suite.
*formerly known as konoyaro
Had been considering booking Amankila from June 2nd - 5th or 6th using the "Undiscovered Indonesia" rate @ $550 per night for the Garden Suite.
This rate was available for all nights until recently but now it looks like the 2nd is sold out of the Garden suite with only Ocean and above available. So currently, if I want to book the "Undiscovered Indonesia" rate including June 2nd the minimum has to be the Ocean Suite for all nights at $750 which I'd prefer not to do. I suppose I could wait and hope one of the garden suites becomes available on the 2nd or change my plans and stay elsewhere for the first night but I'd rather not have to move.
Any suggestions for a workaround?
This rate was available for all nights until recently but now it looks like the 2nd is sold out of the Garden suite with only Ocean and above available. So currently, if I want to book the "Undiscovered Indonesia" rate including June 2nd the minimum has to be the Ocean Suite for all nights at $750 which I'd prefer not to do. I suppose I could wait and hope one of the garden suites becomes available on the 2nd or change my plans and stay elsewhere for the first night but I'd rather not have to move.
Any suggestions for a workaround?
Last edited by mongobot; Apr 9, 2018 at 11:09 pm
Apr 10, 2018, 12:02 am
#201
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: OSL
Posts: 2,145
To update the thread on this, Ernst offered me the following (note that I had originally booked a Pool Suite at Amankila):
- Confirmed Pool Suite at Amandari for night 1, with top priority for a further space-available upgrade
- Confirmed upgrade to Kilasari Suite for the remaining nights at Amankila
- Complimentary 1hr massage
- Complimentary inter-hotel transfer, with packing/unpacking service
I know I argued for a compensated first night, but I would be happy with this as well. An upgrade to one of the signature suites, even though it is only one category in your case, is really something special. I guess you would have gotten your 1 night free had you asked, but then probably not such an upgrade. This solution will make it a very, very special stay. Enjoy!
Apr 10, 2018, 1:40 am
#202
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
Apr 12, 2018, 12:29 pm
#203
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: NYC
Posts: 427
Just finished a 4-night stay at Amankila, and while it was certainly a nice experience, I must say I don't think it's as next-level-amazing as some Aman fans make it out to be. I stayed at Viceroy in Ubud on the same trip, and thought it was better than Amankila.
Pros:
- very friendly service
- serene (mostly) environment
- great boat trip/snorkeling excursion
Cons:
- had a big/noisy wedding take place during our stay, while the GM was apologetic, nothing extra was offered to compensate.
- we were asked for our room number pretty much everywhere (at the pool, at the restaurant, etc.), I thought it was an Aman thing to not have to provide that?
- we did a few excursions during out stay, while the snorkeling trip was by far my favorite, the lunch in the bale on the hills was hugely disappointing. for over 1mm idr per person, they drove 10 minutes to a hut in the mountain, provided us with a small lunch box with 1 summer roll, 1 small pomelo salad, 1 slice of brownie, water and soft drinks. we ate and they drove us back, all done within 1 hr of time. I get that things are not cheap at Amans, but that was a shockingly underwhelming experience at that price point no matter how you look at it.
- hardware is obviously very dated. the windows and doors do not close tightly, and have gaps large enough for geckos and various insects to come in and out freely.
Overall it was a nice experience, but not anything I'd go out of my way to experience again. I feel that other 5-star luxury properties are just as good if not better.
Pros:
- very friendly service
- serene (mostly) environment
- great boat trip/snorkeling excursion
Cons:
- had a big/noisy wedding take place during our stay, while the GM was apologetic, nothing extra was offered to compensate.
- we were asked for our room number pretty much everywhere (at the pool, at the restaurant, etc.), I thought it was an Aman thing to not have to provide that?
- we did a few excursions during out stay, while the snorkeling trip was by far my favorite, the lunch in the bale on the hills was hugely disappointing. for over 1mm idr per person, they drove 10 minutes to a hut in the mountain, provided us with a small lunch box with 1 summer roll, 1 small pomelo salad, 1 slice of brownie, water and soft drinks. we ate and they drove us back, all done within 1 hr of time. I get that things are not cheap at Amans, but that was a shockingly underwhelming experience at that price point no matter how you look at it.
- hardware is obviously very dated. the windows and doors do not close tightly, and have gaps large enough for geckos and various insects to come in and out freely.
Overall it was a nice experience, but not anything I'd go out of my way to experience again. I feel that other 5-star luxury properties are just as good if not better.
Apr 12, 2018, 5:38 pm
#204
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Enroute to ? & likely flying in ' A ':)
Programs: TPPS, UA, EK ...; Marriott BONVOY , HH, GP, GC..
Posts: 4,217
To update the thread on this, Ernst offered me the following (note that I had originally booked a Pool Suite at Amankila):
- Confirmed Pool Suite at Amandari for night 1, with top priority for a further space-available upgrade
- Confirmed upgrade to Kilasari Suite for the remaining nights at Amankila
- Complimentary 1hr massage
- Complimentary inter-hotel transfer, with packing/unpacking service
We stayed in the Kilasari Suite at Amankila and loved it. If you want to know the specific location of this suite (and the other suites), see one of my previous posts (link below) where I created an image map with arrows pointing out the suites.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/16090920-post35.html
Glad they came through with an offer that is acceptable to you...although I would have expected a bit more (the room at Amandari and the transfers are a given and the least they should do). All they are really doing extra for the inconvenience is upgrading to the Kilasari Suite and giving the 1 hour massage. I would at least ask for a special dinner or excursion on top of what they are already offering.
We also stayed in Kilasari during our Amankila stay. One of my favourite all time suites: https://www.thesuitelife.com.hk/aman...-hotel-review/
Just finished a 4-night stay at Amankila, and while it was certainly a nice experience, I must say I don't think it's as next-level-amazing as some Aman fans make it out to be. I stayed at Viceroy in Ubud on the same trip, and thought it was better than Amankila.
Pros:
- very friendly service
- serene (mostly) environment
- great boat trip/snorkeling excursion
Cons:
- had a big/noisy wedding take place during our stay, while the GM was apologetic, nothing extra was offered to compensate.
- we were asked for our room number pretty much everywhere (at the pool, at the restaurant, etc.), I thought it was an Aman thing to not have to provide that?
- we did a few excursions during out stay, while the snorkeling trip was by far my favorite, the lunch in the bale on the hills was hugely disappointing. for over 1mm idr per person, they drove 10 minutes to a hut in the mountain, provided us with a small lunch box with 1 summer roll, 1 small pomelo salad, 1 slice of brownie, water and soft drinks. we ate and they drove us back, all done within 1 hr of time. I get that things are not cheap at Amans, but that was a shockingly underwhelming experience at that price point no matter how you look at it.
- hardware is obviously very dated. the windows and doors do not close tightly, and have gaps large enough for geckos and various insects to come in and out freely.
Overall it was a nice experience, but not anything I'd go out of my way to experience again. I feel that other 5-star luxury properties are just as good if not better.
Pros:
- very friendly service
- serene (mostly) environment
- great boat trip/snorkeling excursion
Cons:
- had a big/noisy wedding take place during our stay, while the GM was apologetic, nothing extra was offered to compensate.
- we were asked for our room number pretty much everywhere (at the pool, at the restaurant, etc.), I thought it was an Aman thing to not have to provide that?
- we did a few excursions during out stay, while the snorkeling trip was by far my favorite, the lunch in the bale on the hills was hugely disappointing. for over 1mm idr per person, they drove 10 minutes to a hut in the mountain, provided us with a small lunch box with 1 summer roll, 1 small pomelo salad, 1 slice of brownie, water and soft drinks. we ate and they drove us back, all done within 1 hr of time. I get that things are not cheap at Amans, but that was a shockingly underwhelming experience at that price point no matter how you look at it.
- hardware is obviously very dated. the windows and doors do not close tightly, and have gaps large enough for geckos and various insects to come in and out freely.
Overall it was a nice experience, but not anything I'd go out of my way to experience again. I feel that other 5-star luxury properties are just as good if not better.
Well , ejg930 , you happened to have your dates clash with a ‘ buyout ‘ resulting from a Nusa wedding being moved to Kila ! Fortunately for you , Kilasari is available !! FYI , this upgrade is rare
jbeans , sadly , it wasn’t the case for you . Ernst L , GM , is actually very accommodating . Perhaps the wedding ( guests ) , as described by you , are causing the staff to act out of the ordinary as a precaution . Hopefully , their uncharacteristic style , is not from the sadness of Nusa closing still prevailing too . Very raw in February , indeed .. It was rather heart wrenching for the Indon Amans family .
The suites we have been in. , did not have issues with windows , etc . Geckos , etc are everywhere since this is the tropics . Did you encounter the huge noisy ones ?
You should have voiced your disappointment with Ernst .
Hopefully , you saw the Kila insect repellent , think the best concoction of all the Bali Amans - forgot to stock up on the Nusa ones ..
Must remember to check with Ian W or David G what happened to those
.‘Looking forward to our return when it gets marginally cooler .
Apr 12, 2018, 7:06 pm
#205
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: NYC, SEA, TPE
Programs: BR Diamond, B6 Mosaic
Posts: 436
Just finished a 4-night stay at Amankila, and while it was certainly a nice experience, I must say I don't think it's as next-level-amazing as some Aman fans make it out to be. I stayed at Viceroy in Ubud on the same trip, and thought it was better than Amankila.
Pros:
- very friendly service
- serene (mostly) environment
- great boat trip/snorkeling excursion
Cons:
- had a big/noisy wedding take place during our stay, while the GM was apologetic, nothing extra was offered to compensate.
- we were asked for our room number pretty much everywhere (at the pool, at the restaurant, etc.), I thought it was an Aman thing to not have to provide that?
- we did a few excursions during out stay, while the snorkeling trip was by far my favorite, the lunch in the bale on the hills was hugely disappointing. for over 1mm idr per person, they drove 10 minutes to a hut in the mountain, provided us with a small lunch box with 1 summer roll, 1 small pomelo salad, 1 slice of brownie, water and soft drinks. we ate and they drove us back, all done within 1 hr of time. I get that things are not cheap at Amans, but that was a shockingly underwhelming experience at that price point no matter how you look at it.
- hardware is obviously very dated. the windows and doors do not close tightly, and have gaps large enough for geckos and various insects to come in and out freely.
Overall it was a nice experience, but not anything I'd go out of my way to experience again. I feel that other 5-star luxury properties are just as good if not better.
Pros:
- very friendly service
- serene (mostly) environment
- great boat trip/snorkeling excursion
Cons:
- had a big/noisy wedding take place during our stay, while the GM was apologetic, nothing extra was offered to compensate.
- we were asked for our room number pretty much everywhere (at the pool, at the restaurant, etc.), I thought it was an Aman thing to not have to provide that?
- we did a few excursions during out stay, while the snorkeling trip was by far my favorite, the lunch in the bale on the hills was hugely disappointing. for over 1mm idr per person, they drove 10 minutes to a hut in the mountain, provided us with a small lunch box with 1 summer roll, 1 small pomelo salad, 1 slice of brownie, water and soft drinks. we ate and they drove us back, all done within 1 hr of time. I get that things are not cheap at Amans, but that was a shockingly underwhelming experience at that price point no matter how you look at it.
- hardware is obviously very dated. the windows and doors do not close tightly, and have gaps large enough for geckos and various insects to come in and out freely.
Overall it was a nice experience, but not anything I'd go out of my way to experience again. I feel that other 5-star luxury properties are just as good if not better.
Apr 12, 2018, 7:08 pm
#206
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Enroute to ? & likely flying in ' A ':)
Programs: TPPS, UA, EK ...; Marriott BONVOY , HH, GP, GC..
Posts: 4,217
Apr 13, 2018, 6:15 am
#207
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: NYC
Posts: 427
Ah yes the Cantonese speeches we heard confirm that. :P To be honest, it wasn't a huge deal for us, just a bit surprised that not even a drink was offered to make up for the fact that we weren't able to access the pool or the bar for the entire day.
Apr 13, 2018, 7:36 am
#208
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 4
Recently came back from my 2 week honeymoon in Japan, which included three nights at Amanemu. I can't think of a single negative thing to say. Beautiful grounds (don't eat outside though, we saw firsthand there's a hawk that is always looking for a snack), beautiful room, great food, staff set up some great experiences, etc. My wife got really ill while we were there and the staff was incredibly accommodating, always was checking in to see how she was feeling, and drove me into town to get some medicine (as well as coming in with my to communicate what I needed with the pharmacist).
We stayed at five different hotels in the trip and Amanemu was definitely the nicest. I confess it likely won't be the most memorable, since I think that'll be reserved for one of the Ryokans we stayed at, and Amanemu is definitely more Western, but it was a wonderful time. Interestingly enough we were surprised that there were a lot of Westerners at Amanemu, since at the previous three hotels we stayed at we were the only Westerners there, but I'm guessing due to it being an Aman resort it attracts more of an international crowd.
Anyhow, I don't know if any of that is helpful (I'm very new to FT) but since I saw this thread I thought I'd share!
We stayed at five different hotels in the trip and Amanemu was definitely the nicest. I confess it likely won't be the most memorable, since I think that'll be reserved for one of the Ryokans we stayed at, and Amanemu is definitely more Western, but it was a wonderful time. Interestingly enough we were surprised that there were a lot of Westerners at Amanemu, since at the previous three hotels we stayed at we were the only Westerners there, but I'm guessing due to it being an Aman resort it attracts more of an international crowd.
Anyhow, I don't know if any of that is helpful (I'm very new to FT) but since I saw this thread I thought I'd share!
Apr 13, 2018, 8:43 am
#209
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
big/noisy wedding take place during our stay
lunch in the bale on the hills was hugely disappointing. for over 1mm idr per person, they drove 10 minutes to a hut in the mountain, provided us with a small lunch box with 1 summer roll, 1 small pomelo salad, 1 slice of brownie, water and soft drinks. we ate and they drove us back, all done within 1 hr
lunch in the bale on the hills was hugely disappointing. for over 1mm idr per person, they drove 10 minutes to a hut in the mountain, provided us with a small lunch box with 1 summer roll, 1 small pomelo salad, 1 slice of brownie, water and soft drinks. we ate and they drove us back, all done within 1 hr
clearly very bad changes re buyout policies
is lunch in hills different from BBQ in hills ?
ah, BBQ in hill/jungle/etc is evening/dinner
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Apr 13, 2018 at 8:55 am
Apr 13, 2018, 9:25 am
#210
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: NYC
Posts: 427
In hindsight, I should've asked for specifics on the lunch in the hills prior, I just assumed that for 1mm idr/person it would be an actual lunch rather than 2 small bites. Interestingly the same food setup was also provided as a snack during our snorkeling trip.
Overall we were satisfied with the stay, and wouldn't rule out checking out more Amans in the future if we happen to be around one. Thinking about maybe Amanjena when we visit Marrakech next year. My impression was just that it wasn't above and beyond what we've experienced at other 5-star hotels.
Last edited by jbeans; Apr 13, 2018 at 9:35 am