My lease is up in 2.5 months. I am starting my journey to research my next lease. What do you all recommend? I have enjoyed the iX immensely although never quite warmed up to the looks. Ideally would love to get the iX5 but don’t think they will be available in the US anytime soon. Other options are R1, R2, iX3, Gravity. But none of these feel super compelling. I have 2 kids so need decent legroom in the rear.
I can’t think of any news or macro event that can turn this around. I mean SK Hynix showed 257% revenue growth, said all the right things, but missed analyst estimates and now getting crushed. I don’t really see how memory stocks can give any stronger guidance or earning reports. May be if Google or Meta comes out tomorrow and says that AI productivity is through the roof and they are doubling CapEx, but chances of that happening is 0%. In fact, we may even see CapEx pull back. Perhaps the Iran war, but doubt it will be more than a blip.
Just spent 2 nights at Fufu Ginza in Tokyo. Amazing modern urban Ryokan experience
- Private onsen in the room, with water trucked in from their Atami property
- All sorts of nice treats in the room. Includes a beautiful tea set-up
-Very modern room with modern light controls
- Brand new Toto
- Best breakfast I have ever had
- Didn’t try dinner as I had 3 separate Michelin reservations
- Rooftop bar with a foot onsen
- Unbelievable location in the heart of Ginza.
- Won’t spend more than 1 or 2 nights
I just completed a 3 night stay at Janu. I was skeptical as all the reviews here have been meh. But I had an amazing time and would go as far as to say that this is my best urban hotel experience. The only other hotel that came close was the One&Only Za’abeel in Dubai. But Janu feels a tier above it.
Room 10/10
The best urban room I have experienced. Stunning room that blends modernity with a touch of Ryokan. Having moved there from Fufu Ginza, I appreciate the small Ryokan nods - tatami mats, shoji doors, sedate style curtains. The room is HUGE with a very high ceiling and I only booked the Premier rooms, which is one tier above basic. Well equipped with a B&O music player, plenty of closet space, deep soaking tub, rain shower, Toto, comfy sofa. Of course, all non alcoholic beverages were complementary. Had a beautiful and spacious patio as well
Property 10/10
Amazing hard product. Stunning lobby with a clear view of the Tokyo Tower. 8 onsite dining options. But what takes the cake is the wellness facilities. The indoor pool is twice the size of the FS Seoul pool. Probably 100 meters end to end. There is a very large hot tub next to it and a ton of lounge seating. The gym is very well equipped and they also have a boxing space, separate spin room, and a golf simulator. The spa facilities are extraordinary with steam, sauna, cold plunge, but my most favorite feature - “fake” onsen with a traditional bath set-up. I also took a massage and have never seen a treatment room like this - equipped with a toilet and shower.
Food Not Rated
There are 8 dining options including an omakase and a traditional Japanese grill place. I only ate breakfast and one lunch as there are just way too many places to try in Tokyo. But I wished I had given their sushi restaurant a shot
Service
Probably not Aman grade, but exceptional nonetheless. Room was ready at 11am. Prompt house keeping and turn down. Every request was handled quickly. Mini fridge was rapidly re-stocked. The valet guys will always call taxi and I can wait inside. The only minor complaint is that I didn’t see a lot of team members remembering my name or room number. But that’s a problem only when you compare to Aman
have an opportunity to add on 3 nights to my work trip to Japan. Hoshinoya looks like a unique urban Ryokan experience. I have never done anything like that before. I was wondering whether you all recommend it for a solo traveler ? Also, is it too much Japanese tradition for an international tourist ? I am aware that Hoshinoya doesn’t have a concierge or a proper restaurant on site.
Another option for me would to fly to Rosewood Miyakojima for 3 nights to experience a more coastal town after several urban nights.
Will be in Seoul for almost 9 days in late June / early July. Is it worth flying to Jeju for 3-4 nights from there ? From my research it seems like the JW Marriott is the only chubby game in town. Also, weather looks questionable on early July with possible rain and cloudy /cold days ? Anyone been there ?
Have an opportunity to spend 4-5 nights in Amanoi in early July as an extension of my trip to Korea. I know Amans are generally adult focused but have heard mixed reviews about Amanoi being kid friendly. My kids are 5 and 11 and are very well behaved. Their website lists a number of kid friendly activities. I do wonder if they will get bored with the quiet and peace.
Have an opportunity to spend 4-5 nights in Amanoi in early July as an extension of my trip to Korea. I know Amans are generally adult focused but have heard mixed reviews about Amanoi being kid friendly. My kids are 5 and 11. Their website lists a number of kid friendly activities.
My interpretation based on the live stream by Alcorn law is that it creates two new rules
So, if someone is doing AOS from H1 or other dual intent visas, they potentially meet the eligibility criteria. But they may not meet the exceptional circumstances criteria. And that criteria is unclear.
What’s clear is that this policy is retroactive and thus covers all cases. Non-immigrant visa to AOS is definitely not possible.
What’s unclear are a few things -1) what happens to existing AP and EAD. My wife is on EAD, will just become out of status ? 2) If you do F1 —> H1 —> AOS, are you considered dual intent or single intent ?