Aman New York vs Grootbos Private Nature Reserve - Forest Lodge
Aman vs Independent — side-by-side hotel comparison
The Hotel Flock Verdict
Aman New York scores 9.3 overall; Grootbos Private Nature Reserve - Forest Lodge scores 9.7. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve - Forest Lodge scores higher on our rubric, while Aman New York lists more room categories.
Scores & Facts
| Metric | Aman New York | Grootbos Private Nature Reserve - Forest Lodge |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Flock Score | 9.3 | 9.7 |
| Location | 9.5 | 9.6 |
| Service | 9.3 | 9.8 |
| Design | 9.4 | 9.8 |
| Dining | 9.0 | 9.6 |
| Value | 7.2 | 8.6 |
| Category | City | Countryside |
| Tier | Ultra-Luxury | Ultra-Luxury |
| Opened | 2022 | 1995 (Michael Lutzeyer Family) |
| From | $2,400/night | ZAR 22,000/night (All-Inclusive) |
| Rooms | 83 | 16 freestanding canopy suites |
| Architect | 1921 Warren & Wetmore building, restored by Jean-Michel Gathy | Frank Böhmer |
Dining
| Metric | Aman New York | Grootbos Private Nature Reserve - Forest Lodge |
|---|---|---|
| Dining Venues | 2 | 2 |
Rooms
| Metric | Aman New York | Grootbos Private Nature Reserve - Forest Lodge |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 3 | 2 |
| Suite / Villa Types | 2 | 2 |
Spa
| Metric | Aman New York | Grootbos Private Nature Reserve - Forest Lodge |
|---|---|---|
| Spa Programme | Yes | Yes |
| Spa Facilities Listed | 4 | 4 |
Good to Know
Aman New York
- The hotel's jazz club, in the building's restored 1920s vault, is open to outside guests and worth a visit even if you're not staying.
- Directly on Fifth Avenue at 57th Street — steps from Central Park, but genuinely quiet once you're inside given the building's thick 1921 construction.
- This is Aman's highest-priced US city hotel — book well ahead for any meaningful rate.
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve - Forest Lodge
- Private transfers (via private vehicle, helicopter, or boat) coordinate directly with resort operations.
- Bespoke guided cultural excursions, private tastings, and nature tours can be pre-arranged with the concierge.
- Pack comfortable luxury travel attire and appropriate footwear for local exploration.
Summary
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve - Forest Lodge scores higher on our rubric, while Aman New York lists more room categories.