chinmoylad

Nicolas is top notch. He'll take care of you. Brisk response might have been as he was away on business/at Amanpuri Aman meetings (depending on when you emailed him).

FlyingDoctorwu

i concur about Nicolas. We stayed a couple years back but I still stay in touch with him. He’s my go to person for facilitating contact with other Aman GMs (truly top notch)

as a side note my old Aman contact was Mark Swinton. Miss him a ton.

Fdw

chinmoylad

Ian (Bali) is wonderful to work with too.

summertime

I agree, Ian is fantastic, loves what he does and nice to all the guests.

summertime

Amanjena i am sure is the better place for a birthday, you can always stay at Amanjena and have your dinner at RM at a cost.

BESVISOR

Wrong thread but a quick view on Amangani for MacMyDay....we were at Amangani in March and ski season (record 500+inches of snow)...The Suites (all rooms are called suites) weren't impressive at all, it was fine to sleep in and a great fire place, a terrace you wouldn't use during winter visits. Felt like I was at an upscale summer camp but certainly not a luxury resort. The pool was fantastic. felt great just stepping into it. The hot tub was def. HOT, for me, for most of us, but we know you're on another level in this regard. Food was my biggest issue...I finished my meals but only because I hate wasting food and needed the calories to hibernate till May. GM, Stuart is a great guy and very mild mannered. I saw him often walking around checking up on guests. Even had a booking last week for a client in which I emailed the staff with him on copy and he replied within an hour to help arrange things. I had interesting discussions with staff members about the discrepancies of service between NA and Asia Amans. They agreed that it's difficult for NA Amans to compete with Asia Amans from a service perspective due to the cost of wages and attrition.
Amangani is 15 minutes away from the slopes (FS Jackson Hole is ski in and out) so many view that as a negative (which I can understand) but the elevated location of the resort provides a much superior view as well. Making the pool even more enjoyable.

But overall, we had a great stay and enjoyed chatting with staff while we sat by the wood burning fire place...we aren't skiers (well, I'm not..my wife still reminds me that she's paying for my sins) so we took up dog sledding, which was one of the most fun/memorable experiences we've ever had. Unfortunately, anytime I ponder on the good times, the smell of dog crap also comes charging to my memory...but well worth it, just pull your scarf up to cover nose.

Photos from our visit:
https://www.besvisor.com/amangani/zm...0ue824ounkzoa6

Professor Yaffle

Headed back to the FS Marrakech next month for the first time in a year or so. Any recent experiences or updates?

scented

Please let me know how it is! I won't be back until April or May, when temperatures are picking up again and I get to enjoy the beautiful climate there.

You should be fine though, the pools are heated to perfection, even in winter. Blaise Montandon is quite busy, raising standards and service delivery in general. Quattro is a success and I am curious how you like the updated F&B offerings... probably new in-room dining menu and a new menu at Inara. They are also adding Nespresso machines to all rooms and suites and many rooms will get a refreshed look some time this year, probably not in time for your visit though. They also have a new spa manager, from Royal Mansour, although I am not sure about the new spa menu, might need some more time. They now offer a package which includes a visit to new YSL museum and a following YSL-inspired lunch created by their Executive Chef. I hope to try that as well! Think most of the team will be there waiting for your visit... Pierre (ex FSGV) is overseeing front office operations and I hope this makes quite the difference!

I am certain though you will have a fantastic time.

Professor Yaffle

Thanks scented - really looking forward to it. Hoping the weather will warm up enough for some pool time. We have also been meaning to visit the YSL gardens, so will try to arrange that for this trip.

BESVISOR

Just changed our visit to:

Amanjena June 10 - 14
Mandarin Oriental June 14 - 17

Anyone going to be around at the same time?

SojournsOf

Get there at opening time for the best experience. We did, and even after 90 minutes there, the place was starting to heave with people and selfie sticks.

beachfan

Hi!

I'm a luxury hotel newbie, but my wife wants to celebrate her 70th birthday in Marrakech. Since we are inviting friends who are also not normally luxury hotel dwellers, I'm looking for something less pricey than Amanjena, Four Seasons, etc. which are around $1k per night in late September.

I'm hoping to get some input on some hotels that are available in the $600 range (or less) and available through Citi Prestige 4th night free. So far, I've identified La Mamounia, and the Fairmont Royal Palm (both I can get Leaders Club of LHW benefits). The Fairmont is significantly cheaper (in the $400-$500 range), but I understand it's a bit out of town.

Any recent updates for La Mamounia? In 2015, one post in this thread was favorable and one said it was overrun with tourists. I won't be coming from Amanjena, so it won't be a let down. (The group wants to stay at Le Meridien, but it seems like that place has fallen on hard times, and is well below brand standard).

I'm not up for a Riad as I really want a western style bed - have a hard time sleeping without a box spring under the mattress. All comments and suggestions welcome!

Kagehitokiri

amanjena Undiscovered Marrakech 3 night
€526 through sep 14 (can ask GM if they will extend)
€598 from sep 15

youre not seeing entry room at FS right? have to ask hotel
can also ask if they will extend lower rate, unless event etc
because FS entry rates are even lower than above jena

there is also mandarin oriental

and kasbah tamadot, can be booked with virgin miles
rooms there include a 3BR with pool

free nights no longer combine with citi free night, right?

scented

Four Seasons is over 1000$ for your dates, as this time of the year is really, really high season and popular, but interestingly I can see 490 EUR rates for Amanjena late September readily available, plus it includes breakfast and return transfers -- frankly that is a steal!

Still, F&B and incidentals are naturally higher at Amanjena, plus taxes etc.

Frankly I much prefer Fairmont over La Mamounia... although it depends if you really after something Moroccan, but with Western comfort, La Mamounia might not be so bad after all, although my service experience there last year was off. Plus I don't like anything with a Casino attached to it...

If you're lucky Oberoi will be open by then and do some opening offer, although I have my concerns -- the last thing I heard was anything but positive and makes me doubt if they will manage to open.

FS almost sold out end of September, could be event/MICE or just busy in general. Last year, FS was sold out during dates other hotels were running at 30-40%...

MO most definitely more expensive, few entry level, mostly villas. Could share a villa, would come down to around 700-800 EUR per bedroom, if willing to share. Not a bad idea actually. FS has 2BR Villas, already stayed in them -- my favorite accommodation there, although between 1,600 and 3,000 EUR, depending on dates.

beachfan

I'll look at the Amanjena. Thanks for the tip re: incidentals.

How far out of the town is the Fairmont? Is it harder to dine off property? I'm coordinating transportation and meals as well.