the luxury hotels of Siem Reap

Why visit Siem Reap, Cambodia? The answer: Angkor Wat, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. This complex occupies one square mile, containing spectacular stone buildings covered with intricate carvings. A visit to Angkor Wat should be high on the list of every world traveler who appreciates exploring ancient cultures.


Raffles Grand Resort d’Angkor
As its name would suggest, this is a grand resort on beautifully landscaped grounds built around an impressive 35 meter long, infinity edged swimming pool that doubles as a reflecting pool. This is the original hotel in Siem Reap, built in 1932 and recently refurbished. The property is lushly landscaped and retains the elegance of a bygone era. I recommend booking a room in the original building. The Landmark rooms provide spacious accommodations with high ceilings. (State Rooms and Cabana Rooms in the newer wing are narrower rooms). Personality Suites, named after figures associated with Ankor, are one-third larger with separate bath and showers.


La Résidence d’Angkor - An Orient-Express Hotel
Visitors to Siem Reap should strongly consider La Résidence d’Angkor. Well located in town, this relatively new property was recently acquired by Orient-Express Hotels. The extensive use of natural woods create the feeling of a very traditional, tropical resort, but guests enjoy the latest modern amenities. Guest rooms are beautiful and offer round stone bathtubs that are almost large enough to swim in. River View rooms are less desirable as they face the street and the rather muddy river running beside it. Book a Garden View or Pool View room.

Hotel de la Paix
A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World but not a Virtuoso property, this new hotel is on a busy, noisy, dusty, and not-so-attractive intersection in the center of Siem Reap (with a gas station opposite the main entrance). However, once you step into the hotel, you walk into a different world, serene and quiet with a sophisticated elegance. Designed by architect Bill Bensley, this 107 room boutique hotel offers stylish contemporary furnishings. Guests who want to be in the center of town, don’t mind the noise and dust of the hotel’s surroundings, and prefer avant guard design will appreciate Hotel de la Paix.

Amansara
Amansara is in a class by itself. Originally built in 1962 to be the guest villa of King Norodom Sihanouk, the property was obtained by Aman Resorts and opened for guests in 2002. A dozen pool suites, each with a private swimming pool, were introduced in 2005. The rooms contrast ivory colored walls and dark timber and have a unique symmetrical design that contribute to a sense of balance that guests will experience here. A final note: the spa treatment rooms have been designed with the same attention to style and detail. Book Amansara for the ultimate luxury experience in Siem Reap.

a carving at Angkor Wat


copyright (c) 2007 by David J. Ourisman. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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