Holiday Asia

March 2003

Hotel Watch: Siem Reap, p. 72

Cambodia has gained distinction as Asia's newest and most exotic destination with the country having recently regained political stability. Tourists are trooping in to see Angkor Wat, the largest religious complex in the world, and hotels are sprouting, by the dozens it seems, in Siem Reap, the nearest town. Visitors can expect many more new hotels in the coming yearsbut in the meantime here's asia-hotels.com's look at some of the best:

Amansara Bell hop rating: new Star rating: 5 Prices from: USD600 Cleanliness: n/a Facilities: n/a Staff attitude: n/a Value for money: n/a Overall rating: n/a	Opened in December, this latest Aman is the classy group's first town center property. Deriving its name from the Hindu nymphs, Amansara comprises 12 suites in the guest villa of King Norodom Sihanouk. Set in a private garden compound, the rooms are sleek and modern with dark timber touches set against stark white walls. Each suite offers a combined sleeping and living area that steps down to a bathroom, which in turn opens out to an open courtyard with a water garden. As with all Aman resorts, the price is as breathtaking as the hotel, but to ease the pain, breakfast, a choice of dinner or lunch and all beverages (even house wines) are included, as is driver and guide for visiting the temples nearby. No doubt this new addition in Siem Reap will become the place to stay, but at over three times the price of its nearest competitor, Amansara will remain exclusively beyond the reach of most.
Angkor Village Resort, Siem Reap Bellhop rating: 4.22 Star rating: 3.5 Prices from: USD 110 Cleanliness: 4 Facilities: 3 Staff attitude: 3.5 Value for money: 4 Overall rating: 5	What makes this small hotel refreshingly different from many of the others in the Siem Reap area is its unique set-up, which gives it character you won't find in high-rise buildings. A mid-range hotel that feels like a Khmer house, Angkor Village is composed of small, traditionally designed teakwood houses connected by a covered walkways. The central pond and lush tropical gardens put guests into a relaxed and tranquil mood after long days spent viewing the temples. Attractive rooms are simple but comfortable and in keeping with the surroundings. Each has a generous spotless white-tiled bathroom with modern chrome trimmings. Facilities are modest due to the small size and eco-style of the hotel, but the Angkor Village does offer traditional Khmer dancing and a very small but welcoming pool. Several kilometers from the historic city of Angkor but central for walking to the old town, the Angkor Village is currently one of the best value hotels with a touch of style.
Sofitel Royal Angkor, Siem Reap Bellhop rating: 4.18 Star rating: 5 Prices from: USD 155 Cleanliness: 5 Facilities: 4.5 Staff attitude: 4 Value for money: 4 Overall rating: 4.5	A fine luxurious hotel snapping at the heels of the previously untouchable Raffles Grand D'Angkor, the Sofitel Royal Angkor may lack the former's historical grandeur, but certainly makes up for it through its wide range of quality facilities. The nearest hotel to the Angkor Wat complex, Royal Angkor is large (230 plus rooms and suites) and is generously spread over a large area with manicured gardens and linked by wooden walkways. The spacious guestrooms are equipped with all the five-star comforts; six restaurants and bars offer excellent dining. The freeform swimming pool, which ranks among Cambodia's best, and the Angkor Spa provide ample relaxation. The Sofitel is ideal for those seeking the advantages and comfort a modern hotel has to offer. Its location is a little away from the action of Siem Reap town (a 20 minute walk), but for temple lovers it could not be better.
Raffles Grand Hotel D'Angkor, Siem Reap Bellhop rating: 3.59 Star rating: 5 Prices from: USD 223 Cleanliness: 5 Facilities: 4 Staff attitude: 4.5 Value for money: 2.5 Overall rating: 5	Like its sister hotel in Phnom Penh, Raffles Hotel Le Royal, the Grand Hotel D'Angkor is an elegant hotel full of history and luxury. Built over 75 years ago, it captures much of the colonial romance of a bygone era with little touches such as its antique elevator. Guestrooms are elegantly furnished and reflect the hotel's French colonial architecture. Suites are full of character and feature memorabilia and artifacts associated with four famous late 19th century western explorers to Angkor. The two villas in the hotel's immaculate gardens are opulently furnished, have their own wine cellars and are suited for guests who prefer total privacy. The spa, pools, library, map rooms and restaurants provide relaxing alternatives to the magnificent temples of Angkor only a few kilometers away. An excellent choice, but maybe not the best value.