Siem Reap is the gateway to Angkor Archaeological Park and it's one of the most touristed places in Southeast Asia. When I visited Siem Reap in March 2006, the town was booming with endless contruction projects, new hotels, new infrastructures and facilities. Despite tourism-fuelled developments, Siem Reap still has a small town feel to it and it's pleasant and friendly.
High-end boutique hotels and resorts have proliferated in recent years; Siem Reap boasts one of the biggest concentrations of uber chic and hip boutique hotels in the region. While you can get world-class services at these resorts, some of them do come with hefty price tags.
Also check out my guide about Top 10 Things to do in Siem Reap.
The One Hotel Angkor, Siem Reap
The One Hotel Angkor is the most unique hotel in Siem Reap. The One Hotel Angkor has only one room and you can be assured of undivided attention. Sitting atop a bistro in a French colonial town house, the room includes a rooftop terrace with a queen-sized daybed, an outdoor shower, and a swanky whirlpool. The 360-square-foot bedroom's centerpiece, a modernist sleigh bed, dominates the high-ceilinged space, and an iBook, an iPod, and a mobile phone are provided.
Staff are all alums of the local training institute for Cambodian youth, and the bistro's chef proves a prodigy for his innovative Cambodian cooking.
Conde Naste Traveler (US Version) Hote List 2005. US$250 plus 10% VAT per night.
http://www.theonehotelangkor.com/
Hotel de la Paix, Siem Reap - ForeverBee Recommended
Hotel de la Paix features 107 spacious rooms including 9 Duplex Spa Suites with private terraces and oversized soaking tubs and 5 Courtyard Garden Suites with large outdoor bathtubs on private garden terraces. Excellently located in the heart of Siem Reap, within easily walking distance to the nightlife (Siem Reap Bar Streets) and colorful old markets, and not far from Angkor Archaeological Park, Hotel de la Paix is my choice of accommodation in Siem Reap.
The Arts Lounge of Hotel de la Paix comes into full action when night falls and Meric offers the best table in Siem Reap with its Khmer-French fusion menu, plus the contemporary decor is just uber chic and inviting.
Room starts at US$165.
http://www.hoteldelapaixangkor.com/
The FCC Angkor, Siem Reap - ForeverBee Recommended
The FCC Angkor is a stylish resort overlooking the Siem Reap river and situated along a tree-lined boulevard. This resort oozes casual elegance and a atmosphere of refined luxury.
The FCC Angkor Visaya Spa combines ancient Khmer techniques with modern spa treatments for a perfect blend of East-meets-West relaxation therapy, while The Bar at the hotel is the place to chill out for Happy Hour.
Room starts at US$120 per night.
http://www.fcccambodia.com/angkor/
Amansara, Siem Reap
You can never go wrong with Amanresorts, but only if you have a deep pocket.
Amansara is Amanresorts' only outpost in Cambodia. At Amansara, you can expect ultimate luxury, immaculate atmosphere, and over-the-top services. Amansara has 12 suites and 12 pool suites. Each pool suite has a private six by five-metre swimming pool in its courtyard.
Just like the other Aman resorts, Amansara offers facilities such as a library, a gallery, swimming pools, and a new spa.
Room starts at US$650 per night.
http://www.amanresorts.com/sara/home.htm
La Résidence d’Angkor, Siem Reap
Surrounded by majestic old trees, La Résidence d'Angkor is built in the Khmer style, and is located on the river in the center of Siem Reap, and merely ten minutes from the historic temple ruins of Angkor Wat.
La Résidence d’Angkor has 54 rooms and the suites are exquisitely decorated in cottons and silks, wood and bamboo, all sourced in Cambodia.
Room starts at US$195 per night.
http://www.pansea.com/angkor.html
Shinta Mani, Siem Reap
Shinta Mani is a small boutique hotel with only 18 rooms. It's owned by the Institute of Hospitality in Siem Reap.
Located in between the old French Quarter and the old market, Shinta Mani is walking distance from the riverfront as well as the shops and bar streets near the old market.
Despite its size, Shinta Mani offers in-house spa, a swimming pool, as well as a restaurant which is one of the best in Siem Reap.
Room starts at only US$66.
Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor, Siem Reap
The hotel is located in the heart of Siem Reap, overlooking the Summer Palace used by the Cambodian Royal Family.
The hotel has 131 guestrooms and suites. The standard room is called State room (32 sq2) and deluxe room is called Landmark room (38sq2) with private balcony or verandah. Both room types provide pool or landscaped garden. There are also a Cabana room with direct access to the pool. An impressive walkway to each hotel room is stunning with the contrast tone of yellow marble and black trim along with pictures telling Khmer traditional town in the old era. Each tastefully appointed with art decor country style furnished and Cambodian object d'art, reflecting the period architectural theme. The main building, carefully restored and refurbished to original architectural style, is complemented by new wings of the same architectual inspiration.