We’re presently “roughing it” at the Aman-i-Khas near Ranthambhore National Park in India. Admittedly I had very, very high expectations given that this place retails for $1,200+/night (though my friend got a travel agent rate). This place is unlike anywhere I’ve ever stayed. Of course I’ll save most of the details for the trip report, though I do want to share a couple of things that stand out to me.
First, the “tents” — holy cow (am I allowed to say that here?)! It’s amazing to think we’re staying in a tent, let alone one that they take down for five months during the summer when the resort closes.
Second, the service is unbelievable. Every tent has a personal butler, and by personal butler I don’t mean that in the usual sense of a butler willing to help you unpack or get anything you may need during certain hours.
Instead you’re appointed a 24/7 butler that does everything for you. Our butler, Surender, did just about everything for us, from washing our clothes to packing/unpacking our bags, to serving us three meals a day in the restaurant (did I mention the hotel is all-inclusive, so you can eat what you want how you want), to waking us up (there are no phones, so a wake up “call” comes in the form of the butler waking you up in your tent). He was on duty 24/7, available at the push of the in-room buzzer. Last night he served us dinner until shortly before 11PM, and this morning he woke us up at 6AM with juice and tea.
The hotel also only has 10 tents but 25 guards that watch the resort 24/7.
This place is un*&$^%&believable.
Next stop, the Maldives.
My type of a camping trip. Love it!
Are you going to Rantambore?
you KNOW that is why there are 25 guards on the property don't you?
So you are really paying for a package--room, food, drink and game drives--and not just a "room." Much like the safari camps in Africa.
@ john -- My friend works for a huge travel agency and was offered a special rate through their corporate rep, so I don't think they'd appreciate me disclosing it. Let me put it this way: it's less than the published rate and more than I've ever otherwise paid for a hotel. If I published the number I'm sure there would be other travel agents contacting the hotel saying "but you offered him a rate...
@ john -- My friend works for a huge travel agency and was offered a special rate through their corporate rep, so I don't think they'd appreciate me disclosing it. Let me put it this way: it's less than the published rate and more than I've ever otherwise paid for a hotel. If I published the number I'm sure there would be other travel agents contacting the hotel saying "but you offered him a rate of XYZ, that's not fair." So I'm trying to be as transparent as possible while respecting all parties involved. Hopefully that makes sense. :)
@ Jimgotkp -- Haha, fitting name, I thought.
@ Dan -- The tent is enclosed, so it's no different than any other hotel room. Each tent has air conditioning and it works really well.
@ Jonathan -- I asked about this since I was curious, and each butler stays on duty 24/7 for as long as the guest is at the hotel (typically 2-3 nights). They typically get time off once each guest leaves, and only take on a new guest 1-2 days later. Keep in mind that they often have several hours of free time during the day. One day we did eight hours of safari, so hopefully he was able to get a nap during the day.
Do the butlers rotate or does one person actually work a 24/7 shift? If they do, we shouldn't complain about putting in 8 hours in the office. These people really do work hard. I hope you guys tip well.
I checked the hotel's website for prices in March, it wanted $4312 for 3 nights 2 people! Way too expensive for me! I don't see any way to get the hotel on points either.
How does the A/C work?
Your title says "rouging it"
Sounds awesome, I stayed at a similar place in the Okavongo Delta in Botswana. Love the luxury tent places!
It certainly doesn't seem like your roughing it, but you're certainly "rouging it" whatever that is
@Jimgotkp I see what you did there. Lol.
Looks like Surender, surrendered his life to you guys. ;) Gotta love them puns :P
How much are you paying?