Amandayan

Amandayan in Lijiang, China, a Michelin Key One-Key property, consistently garners high praise for its exceptional service, stunning design, and prime location within the historic Lijiang Old Town. It is celebrated as a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling ancient city, offering a luxurious and culturally immersive experience.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Amandayan is overwhelmingly positive, with an "Excellent" rating based on numerous guest reviews. On platforms like Trip.com and Agoda, it boasts impressive scores, often reaching 9.5/10 or 8.6/10, with many reviewers describing their stay as "outstanding" and an "unforgettable experience". Guests frequently laud it as a top luxury hotel in the region, offering an unparalleled blend of quality and value.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight several aspects that make Amandayan exceptional:

• Service: The staff's attentiveness, helpfulness, and personalized approach are frequently praised, with many feeling genuinely cared for throughout their stay.
• Location: Situated atop Lion Hill, the resort offers panoramic views of Lijiang Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Its proximity allows for a short walk to the central parts of the Old Town while maintaining a peaceful and secluded ambiance.
• Design & Architecture: The hotel's design is a "quiet triumph" of Aman's philosophy, seamlessly blending traditional Naxi architectural styles with contemporary luxury. It incorporates locally sourced materials like Yunnan pine and elm, and is arranged around serene courtyards, creating a strong sense of place. The preserved Wenchang Palace, dating back to 1725, within the resort adds to its historical charm.
• Amenities: Amandayan offers a range of luxurious amenities, including a serene spa with a heated outdoor pool, a gym, a yoga pavilion, and four treatment rooms. A unique highlight is its private cinema with reclining leather seats and a large screen, offering free screenings. There's also a beautiful tea house, a library, and options for cultural activities like tai chi and calligraphy.

3. Room Quality

Amandayan boasts 35 exquisite rooms and suites, each meticulously designed to provide a peaceful sanctuary. The suites are spacious (72 m² or 775 ft²) and elegantly furnished, characterized by clean lines, a sense of space, and an absence of clutter, yet include everything for comfort. They feature sophisticated design elements like Naxi embroidery and traditional Chinese latticework screens. Deluxe Suites, often located on higher floors, offer superior views of the Old Town or mountains. Many rooms come with comfortable living areas, spacious bathrooms, and large terraces. Underfloor heating, flat-screens, and sound systems are discreetly integrated.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Amandayan is highly regarded, showcasing both local Yunnan and Cantonese fare, with a focus on mountain-foraged ingredients.

• Restaurants: The Chinese restaurant, Man Yi Xuan, is noted for its "fantastic food," with some guests considering it among the best dishes they've had in China. Traditional hotpots, featuring rich organic chicken stock and local ingredients like Yunnan mushrooms or yak beef, are a highlight.
• Breakfast: Breakfast, served in The Lounge, is described as an "utterly comprehensive feast" offering a wide array of Western classics and local Yunnan dishes. While some found the local dishes intentionally toned down in flavor, Western options like pancakes and waffles are often praised as outstanding. The coffee is also noted as being very good.
• Tea House: The traditional Tea House offers a refined selection of locally sourced teas, pastries, and savory treats, with stunning panoramic views of Lijiang's Old Town, particularly beautiful at sunset. Room service is also available with both Western and Chinese options.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Amandayan is consistently described as excellent, attentive, and hospitable. Staff members are often praised for going "above and beyond" to ensure guests' needs are met, from a warm welcome to personalized assistance and even thoughtful gestures like replacing a dropped knife or offering cherished tea. While some guests noted a slight lack of personalization in terms of staff remembering names over multi-night stays, the overall standard of service is considered outstanding, comparable to other luxury properties. The hotel also employs many local minorities from Lijiang, which adds to the authentic experience.

6. Location & Accessibility

Amandayan boasts a strategic location on Lion Hill within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lijiang Old Town.

• Neighborhood: It offers a peaceful retreat while being a short walk from the bustling alleys, canals, and shops of the Old Town.
• Attractions: Guests have easy access to nearby attractions such as Wenchang Palace (within the hotel grounds), Lijiang Ancient Town - North Gate Square, and Ancient City Huangshan Mountain Park. The hotel can arrange excursions to further sites like Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge, and Baoshan Village. A highly recommended free morning tour to Zhongyi Market is also offered.
• Transport: Lijiang Sanyi International Airport (LJG) is approximately 30-40 kilometers away, with the hotel offering airport shuttle service. Lijiang Railway Station is about a half-hour drive from the hotel.

7. Value & Pricing

Amandayan is considered a luxury property, with prices starting from approximately US$727-957 per night. While this is a significant investment, many guests believe it offers excellent value, particularly for an Aman property, and that the experience is well worth the cost. Special offers, such as "4 for 3" promotions, can also enhance the value. Rates often include breakfast and one-way transfers.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, some recurring criticisms or issues have been noted by guests:

• Noise: Despite its secluded feel, noise from the bars and nightlife in the Old Town can sometimes be heard in the rooms late into the night, potentially impacting sleep. This can also be an issue in the spa area, detracting from relaxation.
• Room Amenities: A few guests have reported issues with the quality of toiletries, describing them as "off-brand crap" not up to luxury hotel standards. Slippery wooden floors, lack of universal sockets, and the absence of a master light switch by the bed have also been mentioned as minor inconveniences.
• Soundproofing: The all-wooden architectural style of the rooms, while beautiful, can lead to some noise transfer from movement within the property.
• Altitude Sickness: Lijiang's high altitude (~2400m) can be a factor for some guests, leading to disrupted sleep or dry climates, although the hotel provides humidifiers.

Sources

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