Nicest Hotel in Marrakech
#271
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
My wife and I ate tons of salads/fresh raw veggie dishes at Amanjena and all were delicious and fine. However, I got sick from the Japanese menu...toro got the best of me
#272
Was sydakllon
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: SYD
Programs: Virtuoso, Rosewood Elite, FSPP, Bellini, Dorchester, MO Fan Club, Oetker Pearl, etc.
Posts: 709
I didn't even think about this in Marrakech and normally I'm pedantic (brush teeth with bottled water, try not to wet face in shower, etc.). I ate salads too.
#273
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Here there and everywhere
Posts: 6,303
I don't think Japanese food is a good idea in Marrakech. I would be careful of this in Paris, too! Raw fish needs careful handling.
#274
#275
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Thousand Oaks, Ca., USA
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat; Bonvoy Titanium Lifetime Elite;Hyatt Globalist; HHonors Diamond; United Silver
Posts: 8,311
In order for raw fish to be a good option for me, I would want it to be either locally caught (Like the Maldives) or a major airline hub,
But it does show exclusivity of the restaurant doesn’t guarantee anything. Perhaps it was turning bad on arrival, but also, they probably kept it longer than they should. When I was in Tokyo (albeit many years ago), supermarkets had to sell all their sushi/sashimi on that day, otherwise they pulled it from the shelves. Great sales in sushi within a half hour of the store closing as a result.
But it does show exclusivity of the restaurant doesn’t guarantee anything. Perhaps it was turning bad on arrival, but also, they probably kept it longer than they should. When I was in Tokyo (albeit many years ago), supermarkets had to sell all their sushi/sashimi on that day, otherwise they pulled it from the shelves. Great sales in sushi within a half hour of the store closing as a result.
#276
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
In order for raw fish to be a good option for me, I would want it to be either locally caught (Like the Maldives) or a major airline hub,
But it does show exclusivity of the restaurant doesn’t guarantee anything. Perhaps it was turning bad on arrival, but also, they probably kept it longer than they should. When I was in Tokyo (albeit many years ago), supermarkets had to sell all their sushi/sashimi on that day, otherwise they pulled it from the shelves. Great sales in sushi within a half hour of the store closing as a result.
But it does show exclusivity of the restaurant doesn’t guarantee anything. Perhaps it was turning bad on arrival, but also, they probably kept it longer than they should. When I was in Tokyo (albeit many years ago), supermarkets had to sell all their sushi/sashimi on that day, otherwise they pulled it from the shelves. Great sales in sushi within a half hour of the store closing as a result.
The chef did tell me the Toro was local, which I was a bit surprised but again, just went on with it. In all of my trips, I've never gotten ill from foods. Raised in China as a child, eating fantastic, yet, questionable street food and hotpot so I have every pro-bacteria imaginable! This was the first time. So I wasn't the most cautious customer at the time. But now, I go into the kitchen and oversee the chef's sourcing and cooking in person, just before I make them sign a waiver!
It was a shame as all other foods & beverages we've had at Jena was actually very very good!
#277
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: MEL
Programs: QFF, AA, LM, EY
Posts: 762
#278
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Portland, Oregon, USA
Programs: AA ExPlat, AS MVP Gold
Posts: 909
If I had to point to any areas that were suboptimal, I would say that technology (wifi, number/variety of plugs) could be more up-to-date. Also, an outside guide they found for me was nice enough and helped immensely with the language barrier for me (no Arabic, tiny amount of French), but was clearly in on the hustle at rug and local products shops in the medina. I'm a big boy and can fend off hard sell as well as anyone, but it would have been nice had the guide been less obviously working with the house. I did end up with huge and gorgeous rug, though I'm certain I overpaid...and anxiously await its arrival.
#279
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
#280
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Stuttgart, Germany
Programs: Too many...and an Amanjunkie
Posts: 1,667
Just returned from Marrakech and Amanjena. What a wonderful resort. From my large and airy pool villa to the onsite Moroccan restaurant to the lovely uncrowded grounds, the physical space had a palatial feel to it. Service was at the highest level, including frequent personal contact with GM, Nick Ilickovic, and his assistant to frequent tidying of the room to little touches that are rare and appreciated...
One evening, there was a large party with invited sales reps from selected travel agencies minggling with hotel guests (who were invited to attend) and four GM's from other Amans (Amangiri, Amanoi, Amankora and Amandari) who cooked signature dishes from their locales for the participants. Local belly dancers, camels and berber tents added to the lively yet appropriate tone and atmosphere...a nice change to the usual tranquility of the place.
Can only recommend to arrange for a VIP fast track with the hotel as it saves valuable time getting through immigration at RAK.
Overall, it was just another marvelous Aman stay (my 12th Aman property to stay at) and I did not find any signs of dilution to Aman's brand recognition and ethos. As mentioned, Nicolas and Petar both are on the spot. Wouldn't hesitate to go back in an instant. Bliss!
Last edited by ngfan; Oct 9, 2018 at 1:17 pm
#281
Join Date: May 2001
Location: The Wild West
Posts: 1,334
Nicolas and Petar made our stay at Amanjena spectacular. Petar is still gaining his confidence but he is one of the best I've encountered recently at Amans in terms of engaging with guests, making sure they are attended to and following up on requests.
#282
I recently stayed at Kasbah Tamadot in the Berber Tent with jacuzzi. I absolutely loved this property my only niggle was some of the food wasn't quite to my taste.
You can read the review on my blog. Full disclosure this was a press trip.
Kasbah Tamadot: A Breathtaking Hotel in the Atlas Mountains - SilverSpoon London
You can read the review on my blog. Full disclosure this was a press trip.
Kasbah Tamadot: A Breathtaking Hotel in the Atlas Mountains - SilverSpoon London
#283
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: MEL
Programs: QFF, AA, LM, EY
Posts: 762
I recently stayed at Kasbah Tamadot in the Berber Tent with jacuzzi. I absolutely loved this property my only niggle was some of the food wasn't quite to my taste.
You can read the review on my blog. Full disclosure this was a press trip.
Kasbah Tamadot: A Breathtaking Hotel in the Atlas Mountains - SilverSpoon London
You can read the review on my blog. Full disclosure this was a press trip.
Kasbah Tamadot: A Breathtaking Hotel in the Atlas Mountains - SilverSpoon London
#285
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,599
Not only did FS Marrakech win numerous awards recently, they have also re-launched their Spa menu with some great additions. I am especially happy to now be able to have Thai massages in a dedicated treatment room. They have also brought back a second, organic ILA facial and other remedies and envelopments in true Moroccan tradition with ingredients sourced from all over the country. Very curious about further updates, especially larger private pools -- many projects in the works. M Avenue will open in the near future and bring more buzz to this area (it also sees the opening of an adjacent hotel branded by a soccer player, dubbed CR7).
Fifa recently did various meetings in Marrakech, the city also hosted Formula E (great!) and both events brought hordes of glitterati to Marrakech.
VD will undoubtedly be very happy that British actress turned bikini designer Liz Hurley, happily-divorced tinseltowner Justin Theroux and LVMH's fashion sensation Kim Jones patronized Jena, among others.
Meanwhile, Oberoi take their time opening The Oberoi Marrakech, which seems to want to welcome guests in October, with the resort standing finished for years now. Hopefully it will be worth the wait!
Fifa recently did various meetings in Marrakech, the city also hosted Formula E (great!) and both events brought hordes of glitterati to Marrakech.
VD will undoubtedly be very happy that British actress turned bikini designer Liz Hurley, happily-divorced tinseltowner Justin Theroux and LVMH's fashion sensation Kim Jones patronized Jena, among others.
Meanwhile, Oberoi take their time opening The Oberoi Marrakech, which seems to want to welcome guests in October, with the resort standing finished for years now. Hopefully it will be worth the wait!