Hotel Critiques: Recent Highlights from the Harper Community

  The Little Nell, Aspen Little Nell, Aspen

"This was our first visit since the major remodel last year, and we thought the rooms were vastly improved.  (On our last visit, I had commented that the place was still great, but looking tired.)  Service and amenities were excellent.  We were in Room 74, and we appreciate Mr. Harper’s recommendation of that room.  Eating in Aspen is not only about the food but also about the people-watching, which continues to be great fun.  We had an excellent meal at Elevation, where we had not eaten before.  We tried Piñons again, and were quite disappointed.  (We overheard the manager at Elevation saying what I am sure is true: that there are about 75 restaurants in Aspen, which is close to twice as many as are needed.  He also said something about Piñons, among other places, having come on some hard times.)  We had the expected excellent meals at Montagna in the Little Nell, and at Matsuhisa. "

The Charles Hotel, Munich:

"We stayed here four nights during our recent three-week trip to Germany, and this hotel was, without a doubt, the best overall. The restaurant is excellent, as was our room. It is centrally located, within walking distance to the art museums, the Marienplatz and English Garden. However, the best feature at the Charles is the staff; they are outstanding. In particular, Heidi, and her concierge team, is a treasure - I think she knows everything about Munich!"

Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok:

"I have stayed many times at both the Peninsula and Oriental while in Bangkok. I actually prefer the Oriental because of the superior service, and I prefer to be on that side of the river. During my last stay in Thailand I passed through Bangkok twice, and I stayed once at each again. I do believe the service has gone down at the Pen, but it is definitely as good as ever at the Oriental. They even knew it was visit number 15 for me and had a bottle of champagne on ice, with a nice card from the manager."

Cap Juluca, Anguilla:

"We just returned from a five-day stay at Cap Juluca. The resort is wonderful in so many ways: the common areas are beautiful and well-kept and the beach is like no other in the Caribbean. The sand is a brilliant white and the water an incredible shade of turquoise. We stayed in a junior suite and although the rooms are in need of updating, they are large and bright and offer not only amazing views, but are just steps from the beach...Service at Cap Juluca, like in most of the Caribbean, is sub-par. If you are accustomed to 5-star service at 5-star resorts in the US, it’s best to lower your expectations and just go with it. Overall, Cap Juluca is a nice resort in a great location with an incredible beach."

Triple Creek Ranch, Montana:

"This was, hard to believe, our 14th visit to Triple Creek, and staying there is like going home for us.  My wife said this to the owner, Craig Barrett, and he said that was his intention.  The remodeled cabins (we stayed in Nez Perce) and dining room were great; the staff was, as usual, astonishingly friendly, attentive and knowledgeable.  A nature tour with manager Bill McConnell was one of the highlights of the entire trip.  The food was great – it keeps getting better with each visit.  There is something magical about this place, and all guests seem to sense that, and appreciate it.  We certainly do."

 La Reserve Ramatuelle, Cote d'Azur, France "I first read about it in the Hideaway Report and concur with everything said. And then some! Jacky is the most proactive and charming concierge we have ever encountered. We travel a great deal, and are owners of the Wakaya Club & Spa in Fiji. The chef de cuisine is wonderful and as Jacky said, not at all like some of the french chefs - he is very personable and oh so talented! His use of the succulent and flavorful, locally grown produce to create some of the best dishes we have ever tasted, is quite wonderful. He deserves some guide Michelin recognition, if he hasn't already got some...We would definitely return, our our next trip to the South of France and may not go anywhere else! The only drawback is that there is no golf course anywhere nearby."