Was I hesitant to book? Yes. Have recent Aman stays let me down? Also yes.

Aman has lost a bit of its touch at a lot of the newer properties, the "urban sanctuaries" as they call them. The thing that's missing is what I (and every Amanjunkie) call the Ninjas. At Tokyo, they're not there. New York, same. Amanyara, I couldn't find them. Amangani, the whole meaning of Aman was missing (though they've closed for a big revamp, so that one might be fixed).

Well, after my stay at Aman Nai Lert, I can confirm the Ninjas do exist.

The service

They knew our name before we stepped through the door. The welcome ritual was thoughtful, then straight to the room. No forms, every preference already met, the stay list complete. When my girlfriend mentioned she didn't like dark chocolate, it was swapped out without us even noticing. Cords left out got tied away. Every time we left the room, it was tidied.

Every restaurant knew our name, our water preference, our coffee order, and they had it after our first breakfast. That's rare, and I was so impressed.

The room

The Gathy design is fantastic and functional. The toilet room was bigger than my New York apartment bathroom. The bath is great, and every amenity is there, Dyson hair dryer, the works. One note: the suites don't have a separate work area, which for some of my clients could be a problem. For me it was perfect.

The gym, sauna and pool were all great too. Every time we took our shoes off, turned around, and there was a face mist, suncream and cold towels. Every time we sat down, the same. Exceptional service.

The food

Excellent, which is usually the Aman low point. The unlimited breakfast is all à la carte in small portions, so you can try a lot. No surcharge for in-room dining either.

The location

Yes, you don't feel like you're in Bangkok. I get that, and for some of my clients it won't be the right stay. But for the 30-hour layover I had, it was perfect. Quiet, blackout blinds, real disconnection, but still close enough to walk to the street food (the river properties can be a bit far for that).

The value

It's the priciest, and Bangkok sits right at the top tier for luxury hotel competition. But look at what's included: round-trip transfers (on 2+ nights), airport fast track (wow), the mini bar, unlimited breakfast, a stay credit, and early check-in. Add the service and the proposition starts to make real sense.

Special shoutout to management, so hands-on, and as a close partner of ours we can work together to make every stay exceptional.

If Aman Nai Lert is on your radar, come talk to me.

Cheers,
Mr Katz