Amanresorts thread -- 2021/2022
Oct 24, 2022, 11:20 am
#511
Join Date: Apr 2021
Posts: 84
Try do 2 nights at Nemu , we travel by MPV from Kyoto every time .. have done TRs for Nemu & Tokyo , gave you read them ? Might give you an idea what activities you can consider during your brief stay . Have not checked what exclusives / offers they might be having when you go . If possible touch base with one of the GMs for suggestions for your stay period .
Perhaps by then you will be able to enjoy more nights at AMANs
Perhaps by then you will be able to enjoy more nights at AMANs
Looks like I sadly won't be eligible for any decent offers/exclusives as they end mid-September, which is before I'll be visiting.
Will read your TR's now
Oct 24, 2022, 4:38 pm
#512
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: here and there
Programs: some
Posts: 3,379
Yes, two nights at Nemu but Kyoto had a minimum stay last year, check they do not still have that...
Oct 27, 2022, 7:10 am
#513
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
curbed.com/2022/10/aman-new-york-vladislav-doronin.html
references old press >
economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/personal-finance-news/dlf-in-talks-with-pes-and-international-hotel-operators-for-aman-resorts-sale/articleshow/21440769.cms
reuters.com/article/dlf-lvmh/lvmh-plans-bidding-for-indias-dlf-hotel-chain-report-idINL3E7K60F120110906
thread on the FlyerTalk Forums, where jet-setters trade rumors and reviews
Mayor Eric Adams’s presence at a launch party
Mayor Eric Adams’s presence at a launch party
economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/personal-finance-news/dlf-in-talks-with-pes-and-international-hotel-operators-for-aman-resorts-sale/articleshow/21440769.cms
reuters.com/article/dlf-lvmh/lvmh-plans-bidding-for-indias-dlf-hotel-chain-report-idINL3E7K60F120110906
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Oct 27, 2022 at 7:24 am
Oct 27, 2022, 8:54 am
#514
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 316
Bhutan
For those that have booked/stayed at Amankora did you use a local travel agent, book directly or foreign travel agent? Would be interested to hear recommendations for local booking agent.
I'm thinking about next fall already. Wanted to combine a 6 day trek (like Jhomolhari) with 6 or so days in their properties to relax after. I emailed amankora to see if they could arrange both or could recommend a local travel operator/Guide company etc. Their response was less than adequate, a bit disheartening at the price point. I'm thinking could still be a pretty smooth product for what they do but certainly won't use them to plan the rest (in contrast with what amanjiwo could pull off)
Looking forward to hearing reports from those visiting this fall!
I'm thinking about next fall already. Wanted to combine a 6 day trek (like Jhomolhari) with 6 or so days in their properties to relax after. I emailed amankora to see if they could arrange both or could recommend a local travel operator/Guide company etc. Their response was less than adequate, a bit disheartening at the price point. I'm thinking could still be a pretty smooth product for what they do but certainly won't use them to plan the rest (in contrast with what amanjiwo could pull off)
Looking forward to hearing reports from those visiting this fall!
Last edited by tdiddy23; Oct 27, 2022 at 7:30 pm
Oct 27, 2022, 9:20 pm
#515
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 10,050
curbed.com/2022/10/aman-new-york-vladislav-doronin.html
references old press >
economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/personal-finance-news/dlf-in-talks-with-pes-and-international-hotel-operators-for-aman-resorts-sale/articleshow/21440769.cms
reuters.com/article/dlf-lvmh/lvmh-plans-bidding-for-indias-dlf-hotel-chain-report-idINL3E7K60F120110906
references old press >
economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/personal-finance-news/dlf-in-talks-with-pes-and-international-hotel-operators-for-aman-resorts-sale/articleshow/21440769.cms
reuters.com/article/dlf-lvmh/lvmh-plans-bidding-for-indias-dlf-hotel-chain-report-idINL3E7K60F120110906
Oct 29, 2022, 7:56 am
#516
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: YYC
Programs: AC SE 1MM, Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 3,396
For those that have booked/stayed at Amankora did you use a local travel agent, book directly or foreign travel agent? Would be interested to hear recommendations for local booking agent.
I'm thinking about next fall already. Wanted to combine a 6 day trek (like Jhomolhari) with 6 or so days in their properties to relax after. I emailed amankora to see if they could arrange both or could recommend a local travel operator/Guide company etc. Their response was less than adequate, a bit disheartening at the price point. I'm thinking could still be a pretty smooth product for what they do but certainly won't use them to plan the rest (in contrast with what amanjiwo could pull off)
Looking forward to hearing reports from those visiting this fall!
I'm thinking about next fall already. Wanted to combine a 6 day trek (like Jhomolhari) with 6 or so days in their properties to relax after. I emailed amankora to see if they could arrange both or could recommend a local travel operator/Guide company etc. Their response was less than adequate, a bit disheartening at the price point. I'm thinking could still be a pretty smooth product for what they do but certainly won't use them to plan the rest (in contrast with what amanjiwo could pull off)
Looking forward to hearing reports from those visiting this fall!
Oct 31, 2022, 2:14 pm
#517
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP, mid-tier with pretty much everyone else
Posts: 873
Wanted to chime back in and add some more photos (the full write-up can be found at my blog here).
I'm not in the typical demographic for Aman but was in Tokyo while it was still mostly closed on a business visa that allowed me to make my own accommodation choices. My company booked me at a pretty terrible Courtyard close to our office there so I decided to splurge on a one-night stay at Aman Tokyo when I saw that the prices were about half of their typical rate (I paid about $700 versus their current rate of about $1350). I used Amex FHR to get $100 of food/bev credit and to take advantage of the $200 FHR credit, effectively making my stay the equivalent of a few hundred bucks, which I'll take any day of the week!
I love how Aman properties sort of emerge from the environment they're in (my previous Aman experience was at Amanpuri in 2015). Aman Tokyo being in the Otemachi Tower, the headquarters of one of Japan's megabanks, made me very interested to see how they would isolate their guests enough to make it a unique experience. I walked to the separate entrance through a shaded area with plenty of plants, happy that even that tiny amount of separation from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo prepared me for the typical peace and quiet of Aman.
I was greeted and invited into an elevator into the grand atrium, one of the most incredible sights I've ever seen at any hotel in the world.
I was invited to take a seat at a table in the atrium to complete check-in. It took ever so slightly longer than I expected but it didn't really matter because I was in awe of the architecture around me the entire time.
I was escorted to Room 310. I'm not sure why, but the room numbers do not correspond to the floor upon which they're located. The hallways were dramatically lit and decorated with minimalistic touches of Japanese design. We stepped into the room and my jaw dropped. As many of you know, the hotel rooms in Tokyo are not known for their size. This room (a standard room) was MASSIVE.
There was a massive king-size bed on the upper deck of the room with a seating area down below, closer to the enormous windows overlooking the Imperial Gardens. The restroom area was expansive, with heated floors (not necessary in August temps but still nice). The soaking tub had one of the best views in the world.
I loved the subtle touches of Japanese design around the room.
The seating area, down a couple of stairs, was where I spent most of my time, relaxing and watching the world go by below.
I went to the Italian restaurant in the grand atrium to use my $100 food/bev credit and enjoyed the meal, I left very full and felt the $100 was a great value.
The next morning I opted for in-room American breakfast, which was served promptly at my requested time (I think I said 6:10am). It was a massive breakfast!
I didn't have time to take advantage of late checkout, since I was leaving from NRT that morning, so my stay was sadly kind of short. I wanted to see the pool area before I left, and waited a few minutes before it opened exactly on-time (it's Japan, after all) at 7:00am. Had to get the classic atrium shot while I waited.
The pool area was everything I hoped for. A magnificent use of brutalist architecture while still being inviting.
I don't know if I'll be able to swing going back anytime soon but I'm grateful to experience the opulence and authenticity of Aman once again. Highly recommend Aman Tokyo!
I'm not in the typical demographic for Aman but was in Tokyo while it was still mostly closed on a business visa that allowed me to make my own accommodation choices. My company booked me at a pretty terrible Courtyard close to our office there so I decided to splurge on a one-night stay at Aman Tokyo when I saw that the prices were about half of their typical rate (I paid about $700 versus their current rate of about $1350). I used Amex FHR to get $100 of food/bev credit and to take advantage of the $200 FHR credit, effectively making my stay the equivalent of a few hundred bucks, which I'll take any day of the week!
I love how Aman properties sort of emerge from the environment they're in (my previous Aman experience was at Amanpuri in 2015). Aman Tokyo being in the Otemachi Tower, the headquarters of one of Japan's megabanks, made me very interested to see how they would isolate their guests enough to make it a unique experience. I walked to the separate entrance through a shaded area with plenty of plants, happy that even that tiny amount of separation from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo prepared me for the typical peace and quiet of Aman.
I was greeted and invited into an elevator into the grand atrium, one of the most incredible sights I've ever seen at any hotel in the world.
I was invited to take a seat at a table in the atrium to complete check-in. It took ever so slightly longer than I expected but it didn't really matter because I was in awe of the architecture around me the entire time.
I was escorted to Room 310. I'm not sure why, but the room numbers do not correspond to the floor upon which they're located. The hallways were dramatically lit and decorated with minimalistic touches of Japanese design. We stepped into the room and my jaw dropped. As many of you know, the hotel rooms in Tokyo are not known for their size. This room (a standard room) was MASSIVE.
There was a massive king-size bed on the upper deck of the room with a seating area down below, closer to the enormous windows overlooking the Imperial Gardens. The restroom area was expansive, with heated floors (not necessary in August temps but still nice). The soaking tub had one of the best views in the world.
I loved the subtle touches of Japanese design around the room.
The seating area, down a couple of stairs, was where I spent most of my time, relaxing and watching the world go by below.
I went to the Italian restaurant in the grand atrium to use my $100 food/bev credit and enjoyed the meal, I left very full and felt the $100 was a great value.
The next morning I opted for in-room American breakfast, which was served promptly at my requested time (I think I said 6:10am). It was a massive breakfast!
I didn't have time to take advantage of late checkout, since I was leaving from NRT that morning, so my stay was sadly kind of short. I wanted to see the pool area before I left, and waited a few minutes before it opened exactly on-time (it's Japan, after all) at 7:00am. Had to get the classic atrium shot while I waited.
The pool area was everything I hoped for. A magnificent use of brutalist architecture while still being inviting.
I don't know if I'll be able to swing going back anytime soon but I'm grateful to experience the opulence and authenticity of Aman once again. Highly recommend Aman Tokyo!
Oct 31, 2022, 2:18 pm
#518
Community Director Emerita
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 33,737
@bthotugigem05 I love both your pictures and your description. It made me want to jump on a plane and head to Tokyo. Thank you for such a beautiful writeup.
Oct 31, 2022, 2:34 pm
#519
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP, mid-tier with pretty much everyone else
Posts: 873
@bthotugigem05 I love both your pictures and your description. It made me want to jump on a plane and head to Tokyo. Thank you for such a beautiful writeup.
Nov 2, 2022, 3:34 am
#520
Join Date: Nov 2022
Posts: 1
For those that have booked/stayed at Amankora did you use a local travel agent, book directly or foreign travel agent? Would be interested to hear recommendations for local booking agent.
I'm thinking about next fall already. Wanted to combine a 6 day trek (like Jhomolhari) with 6 or so days in their properties to relax after. I emailed amankora to see if they could arrange both or could recommend a local travel operator/Guide company etc. Their response was less than adequate, a bit disheartening at the price point. I'm thinking could still be a pretty smooth product for what they do but certainly won't use them to plan the rest (in contrast with what amanjiwo could pull off)
Looking forward to hearing reports from those visiting this fall!
I'm thinking about next fall already. Wanted to combine a 6 day trek (like Jhomolhari) with 6 or so days in their properties to relax after. I emailed amankora to see if they could arrange both or could recommend a local travel operator/Guide company etc. Their response was less than adequate, a bit disheartening at the price point. I'm thinking could still be a pretty smooth product for what they do but certainly won't use them to plan the rest (in contrast with what amanjiwo could pull off)
Looking forward to hearing reports from those visiting this fall!
Nov 2, 2022, 9:19 am
#521
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 12
Aman “Private Office”
Need to vent: The Private Office concierge, the heavily shilled service as one of Aman Membership’s biggest selling points, is awful. I thought I’d give them a try after having them book ‘Gani for me last year and they couldn’t even fulfill basic checks to see availability.
Contacted them for Tokyo availability, got a response that they were fully committed for the dates requested. Acknowledged and then I reached out to my virtuoso agent to find me some luxury options in Tokyo. She comes back a few hours with the exact suite I had requested from the private office, saying their are two suites from Aman Tokyo available! I’m like ... - okay but I reach back out to the concierge service because member rates are supposed to be 10-15% off. They come back to me and say those suites are available (no apology) and then quote me a price higher than my virtuoso agent lmao. Somehow, this exclusive reservation desk for members can’t negotiate with their own properties better than your average agent.
Onboarding promises turned out to be all lies - was notified last year of global property stay discounts, ability to use your Aman account to pay for everything, and “priority bookings”.
Contacted them for Tokyo availability, got a response that they were fully committed for the dates requested. Acknowledged and then I reached out to my virtuoso agent to find me some luxury options in Tokyo. She comes back a few hours with the exact suite I had requested from the private office, saying their are two suites from Aman Tokyo available! I’m like ... - okay but I reach back out to the concierge service because member rates are supposed to be 10-15% off. They come back to me and say those suites are available (no apology) and then quote me a price higher than my virtuoso agent lmao. Somehow, this exclusive reservation desk for members can’t negotiate with their own properties better than your average agent.
Onboarding promises turned out to be all lies - was notified last year of global property stay discounts, ability to use your Aman account to pay for everything, and “priority bookings”.
Last edited by Tenk; Nov 2, 2022 at 9:59 am
Nov 2, 2022, 5:49 pm
#522
Moderator: Luxury Hotels and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Palo Alto, California,USA
Posts: 17,844
As it happens, you have violated a flyertalk rule which prohibits promoting your own blog except as part of your signature file here on Flyertalk -- and you have to be a member for longer and have made more posts before you are entitled to a signature file.
It does seem like you are not promoting anything other than your own site; i.e., you aren't a travel agent or company representative. So I have a suggestion for you: become a more active Flyertalk member and you will eventually be able to publish your website URL on every post you make. For now, please don't promote your site in your regular posts.
In the meantime, I'll post a direct link to your website in case any of our other members want to look at it: https://www.annees-de-pelerinage.com/
RichardInSF, moderator, luxury hotels and travel
Nov 10, 2022, 4:03 am
#523
Join Date: Apr 2021
Posts: 84
Is the Premier room at the Aman Tokyo worth the extra cost over the Deluxe room?
Nov 10, 2022, 5:56 pm
#524
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: HNLICNSFO
Posts: 630
I have stayed in both and my choice would be to take a Deluxe Room with a Palace view over the Premier room given the choice. I believe the room is the same but the bathroom/tub area is a bit wider on the Premier room.
Nov 11, 2022, 8:34 am
#525
formerly htang333
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Wi-Fi
Programs: Virtuoso, Top Ranked: Four Seasons (Top 25 Advisor), AMAN (Top 50), Rosewood, Hyatt Prive, etc.
Posts: 1,455
Just a quick 2 cents off of Kage's post of the Aman NY Article...(Kage's always on it!)
I was quoted in this article and after an hour+ interview, I was definately misquoted. During the publication's fact checking stage, I voiced that my quotes were not an accurate representation and completely avoided any relevant context, yet, they published it as is anyway. So I would take everything here with a grain of salt. The writer seemed to have had a personal perspective in mind and simply sought after any words that can help him produce the desired outcome.
I'm sure there are some facts in there but I would also bet a ton of it are mis-informed or false assumptions. Just based on my small interaction with it.
The writer shared with me that he is not knowledgeable at all in the luxury travel space and just "isn't my world, at all".
So it's a bit funny to me that he chose this and is so sure of his opinions.
I was quoted in this article and after an hour+ interview, I was definately misquoted. During the publication's fact checking stage, I voiced that my quotes were not an accurate representation and completely avoided any relevant context, yet, they published it as is anyway. So I would take everything here with a grain of salt. The writer seemed to have had a personal perspective in mind and simply sought after any words that can help him produce the desired outcome.
I'm sure there are some facts in there but I would also bet a ton of it are mis-informed or false assumptions. Just based on my small interaction with it.
The writer shared with me that he is not knowledgeable at all in the luxury travel space and just "isn't my world, at all".
So it's a bit funny to me that he chose this and is so sure of his opinions.
Last edited by BESVISOR; Nov 11, 2022 at 8:39 am