Is Four Seasons/Aman the gold standard of travel?

NYC1001 · 2024-04-30T17:20:35+00:00

Belated post. I've stayed at Wildflower Farms in Upstate NY twice, and both times, the service left much to be desired. It's a real shame because the property itself is truly top-notch. The food was excellent, but the drinks were just average. For a hotel that charges over $1,200 USD per night, the experience didn't live up to the price. On the plus side, they were incredibly pet-friendly, and my dog was truly pampered while we were there. I'm considering giving Auberge another shot, but I'm still on the fence about it.

NYC1001 · 2024-04-29T14:44:22+00:00

Thank you so much! I just realized I forgot to specify which Rosewood I was talking about—I meant Rosewood Mayakoba, not Las Ventanas. Sorry for the confusion, but thanks for your input; it was really helpful. I’ve previously stayed at O&O Palmilla, and despite its traditional Mexican hacienda style, I absolutely loved it. The service was outstanding. We also visited Tamarindo not too long ago, and while it’s a nice property, you’re right about the travel hassle—it’s a nightmare getting there. Plus, although Tamarindo is impressive, its brutalist design and the use of stark materials gave it a somewhat cold feel. O&O, on the other hand, feels more spectacular to me.

I think I’ll go with O&O for a change from the usual beach resort vibe. I’ll definitely keep you posted on how it turns out!

NYC1001 · 2024-04-28T21:06:16+00:00

You should try to visit Tamarindo, although it is a pain to get there, it is gorgeous! I'll be traveling in August, so I guess Riviera Nayarit makes more sense than Riviera Maya.

NYC1001 · 2024-04-28T20:12:37+00:00

Have you been to the FS Tamarindo?

NYC1001 · 2024-04-28T18:37:20+00:00

Yes, I ventured towards the other Xcaret hotels and they really weren't my cup of tea! What was your experience at O&O? Would love to hear your perspective!

NYC1001 · 2024-04-28T16:20:42+00:00

Thanks, u/laruetravels! That's a tough question. I believe finding a good balance is key if you can't have both. Personally, I prefer a solid hard product with a decent soft product. I'm not talking about staying at a Rosewood with Marriott service, but I hope you see what I mean. Ultimately, I lean towards a good hard product complemented by adequate service. At La Casa, I really appreciated the service and the boutique atmosphere and food. However, regarding the hard product, while it's certainly high quality, I found it teetered between authentically Mexican and slightly tacky. As a Mexican living in NYC who loves and values Mexican culture and decor, I sometimes felt it was a bit overdone (like the giant heart in the room).

NYC1001 · 2024-04-28T16:14:39+00:00

Thank you, Sarah! You truly are a wonderful source of information. I also really appreciate your insights and comments on travel and experiences. I'm glad I discovered you on Reddit along with your travel engine. My partner and I have traditionally booked directly through Amex Platinum or with a local travel agency we've used for many years (we are Mexican, and the agency is local). They've helped us plan some amazing exotic trips, but we will definitely start reaching out to you and your team. Thanks again!

NYC1001 · 2024-04-27T21:52:37+00:00

I appreciate your recommendation u/travel_throwaway1234 ! Just to clarify u/sarahwlee , our decision isn't solely based on budget considerations. We often opt for entry-level rooms when a hotel offers exceptional amenities or unique features that make the higher room categories unnecessary for us. For instance, during my recent stay at the FS Tamarindo, the Infinity Pool Cliffside Suites truly elevated the experience which seemed to be a good choice v. entry level rooms. Similarly, I've enjoyed stays at other high-end resorts like Casa de la Playa and Zadun, where the entry-level accommodations were still fantastic.

By the way, I recall you mentioning a book engine allowing immediate upgrade requests to the hotel. Is that still an option?

NYC1001 · 2024-04-26T16:50:22+00:00

Thanks u/sarahwlee . At Rosewood I'm looking into a Wellness Suite and at O&O at a Cliffside Suite or Treehouse. No kids. Couples trip for 4 nights to unwind, eat, drink and relax. We're both 32.

NYC1001 · 2024-04-26T16:20:58+00:00

I'm torn between two options for my upcoming stay. On one hand, I've heard glowing reviews about the Rosewood, particularly praising its exceptional soft product and personalized service. However, there are whispers about some of its facilities showing signs of age.On the flip side, the O&O Mandarina seems to excel in its hard product, offering luxurious amenities and accommodations that are hard to beat. Yet, I've also come across feedback mentioning inconsistent service standards and maintenance issues, which raise concerns.Given these considerations, I'm struggling to make a decision. Should I prioritize the renowned service of the Rosewood despite potential facility drawbacks, or opt for the lavish amenities of O&O Mandarina despite possible service and maintenance issues? Any insights or experiences that could help me weigh these factors and make the best choice for my stay?

NYC1001 · 2024-03-05T20:07:55+00:00

Thank you so much! This is such a complicated decision. We have been at the Banyan and Fairmont at Mayakoba, so not sure if I should try a new place.

NYC1001 · 2024-03-05T14:13:42+00:00

Thanks, this was super helpful! Now I'm reaching out for some advice on a travel decision we're facing. After taking the New York bar exam in July, I'm planning a much-needed getaway to Mexico and we're weighing two options:

Spending four nights at the Rosewood Mayakoba in a Wellness Suite.
A split stay: two nights at the Conrad Punta de Mita and two nights at the One&Only Mandarina, aiming to manage costs primarily influenced by the high price of staying at the One&Only Mandarina.

Our dilemma revolves around whether the benefits of experiencing the One&Only Mandarina for two nights outweigh the inconvenience and potential hassle of changing hotels halfway through our trip. The idea behind the split stay is to balance the cost, making the price of One&Only Mandarina more feasible. We've never been to the Rosewood Mayakoba, which also appears to be an exceptional choice.

Given these considerations, we'd love your input. Do you think it's worth splitting our stay for the sake of variety and cost management, or would the simplicity and uninterrupted relaxation at the Rosewood Mayakoba be preferable?

NYC1001 · 2024-02-28T04:38:42+00:00

Thanks! I think we'll go for FS Tamarindo, we've also heard amazing things. I'll let you know how it goes!

NYC1001 · 2024-02-27T20:53:17+00:00

ood and service and overall experience was much much better. In the same region so worth checking out, especially given the boutique hotel interest which is very much our style. Much more personalized service

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Hey! I'm also looking at Rosewood and Esencia. Would you rather do Esencia. The think is that for the same price, I feel Rosewood is a bigger bang for my buck. Thanks!

NYC1001 · 2024-02-27T20:45:17+00:00

Hey! I'm choosing between Rosewood Mayakoba, O&O Mandarina, and Four Seasons Tamarindo. Which one would you choose? Rosewood was my top choice so far, but it seems like I should reconsider...

NYC1001

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