Have it all at the Amangani without paying the price tag

Oct 22, 2010

by jrjohnson
posted in Unique Hotels

Exclusive to the Lunch Network

Rating:

I hate to say this, but I don't think I you should stay here because you can experience most of what resort has to offer without paying the huge price tag for a room.

For example, rooms cost $600/night in the off season and $1500/night in the high season. I'm sure the rooms are spectacular (there are only 40 rooms at the resort) but if you compare that to staying across the valley at the Four Seasons you can have a luxury hotel at a fraction of the price. On our recent trip we saved money at the Four Seasons at an off season rate of $183/night.

So how do you experience the Amangani and save a couple grand??

First: Go to the Amangani for the view. I'm a sucker for a good view so I love this place!! Have a cocktail by the fire and enjoy the modern but still cozy/warm lobby. It's high end for sure... they even have nice wines by the glass... I had Patz and Hall Sonoma Pinot for $16/glass. Not too shabby for a cowboy ski town.

View in lobby by fire place

In this photo, i'm standing outside taking a pic of Susan inside by the fire. You can see my reflection and the reflection of the mountains and impending sunset. Pretty cool and I just snapped it with the iPhone.

Second: Go to the restaurant for dinner, which is directly next to the lobby and seats by the windows have the same stunning views. We liked our experience so much having a drink and watching the sunset that we decided to back a second night and try dinner. Dinner, as expected, isn't cheap. Entree price $30-50 but it was one of the most delicious meals we've ever had. The bison short ribs, were off the charts!!! I will go back there someday to have them again. The elk tenderloin on the other hand was... well... elk. More loin than tender and a bit gamey for my tastes, but at no fault of the restaurant. It's elk, but i wanted to try it.

The Amangani part of the Aman Resorts (one of the nicest luxury hotel brands in the world) and they only have two resorts in the US. Jackson Hole and Lake Powell.... random right? But still they do it right. I hope I can some day stay at both of them and not worry about paying the hefty room rate, because from the service that we had in the lobby and the restaurant, I'm sure the hotel guests are well taken care of.

What did you think of this review?

Helpful

Thought-Provoking

Fun to Read

Well-Organized

Post a Comment

Sharrie November 20, 2010

Do you know that Aman Resorts is founded by Adrian Zecha, an Indonesian? He has properties all over and Aman Resorts is best known for selecting unique locations to set up its resorts. One of them being the Summer Palace in Beijing. I'd love to stay at the one in Bhutan! Incidentally, all Aman Resorts start at a minimum of US$500, even in Bali back in the mid 90s! The Amanjunkies don't seem to mind the hefty prices. Personally, I much prefer Aman's than (Singapore's) Banyan Tree's. Banyan Tree doesn't come cheap either. They are both competitors in Asia.

jrjohnson November 23, 2010

i didn't know the chain was created an Indoesian... nice bit of trivia Sharrie. The place is beautiful and it's one of only two in the US. It would be nice to be known as a Amanjunkie... maybe some day!

show text editor

reply to this comment

Follow this review

About the reviewer

J.R. Johnson (jrjohnson)
Ranked #3

If you're looking for some more company related stuff about me... it's on my bio page here. Also, here's a family surf video from our recent wedding. Family = good … more