PHNOM PENH SIM BOUTIQUE HOTEL (***+): A new generation of trendy, yet splendid value for money hotels starts mushrooming in Phnom Penh. This is the newest one, nestled in the peaceful Street 143. A stone's throw from the Orrusey largest local market in the city. It has the ![]() We almost inaugurated the hotel. Efficiently managed, served by very kind staff (particularly smiling and enthusiastic at the Sky Bar), it was totally full the day of our visit. Yet, we have been astonished by the quiet swimming pool atmosphere. This is a tourist hotel, and the guests spend most of their time exploring Phnom Penh. We could relax the whole afternoon, swim and contemplate the city from the 17th floor. It is open-air, and the breeze makes the experience most pleasant. What we also liked is the price of F&B: only USD 2.5 for a local beer or a cocktail. Same advantageous conditions at the 18th floor Sky Bar: this is, with the pool, what would make us chose to stay at the Sim Boutique again. Or just visit this contemporary, refreshing, entertaining and really safe bar with friends. The music is eclectic and local, not too loud contrary to the Phnom Penh fashionable terraces. We received our order within a minute. The staff was happy to chat with us. A nice place, indeed. Even for a family. The 48 rooms are suitable for a tourist and a businessman alike. We occupied a Superior Room. This is the first, cheapest offer, at less than USD 50. Warm with a modern wall-pannel, cozy but spacious enough (25sq.m) for a couple, efficiently air-conditioned, it was like all rooms equipped with clothespress, safety box, bathroom amenities, hairdryer, fridge, slippers, cable TV and Free internet Wi-Fi/ Cable. We didn't expect that much at such a valued price. The Deluxe Rooms are larger (45sq.m), and ideal for a family. The two Sim Sunset Suites are not much larger (50sq.m), but their 12th and 13th-floor location provides a million dollar view of the city. Breakfast is served in the Mezzanine Restaurant. We found the buffet surprisingly good and generous for a three-star superior hotel. The Sim Boutique hotel is definitely one of our best addresses in this category, both in terms of value and location. SIM BOUTIQUE HOTEL: No. 26AB, Street 143, Phum 11 Veal Vong District, Khan 7 Makara, Phnom Penh , Kingdom of Cambodia PHONE: +855 12 703 711 E-MAIL: info@simboutiquehotel.com
ALMOND
SOTHEAROS: N 128F, Sothearos Blvd,
TEAHOUSE
(***+): Low-cost
by Maads
doesn't mean cheap, hostel style hospitality; but stylish treatment in
a boutique hotel with character. Those who can't afford amazing sister
hotels like Plantation,
will find a good value alternative in this exquisite Chinese-style
THE
BILLABONG
(***):
An accomplished, pioneer boutique hotel in the center of Phnom Penh, located
in a quiet street, only a 5 minute walk from the colonial
Central Market and lively Sorya Shopping Mall, it offers two different
categories of accommodation: hostel
(with
IL
FORNO: St.
302, Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia SIEM REAP (ANGKOR)
GOLDEN
TEMPLE VILLA (****L): The
“Villa” used to be one of the first
Golden Temple properties established a few years ago in Siem Reap. When
the city was still a haunt for backpackers. Times changed, the quality
of the visitors also. It was logical that the aging
GOLDEN
TEMPLE VILLA: Sok San
Road, Svay Dangkum, Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia PAVILLON D'ORIENT (****L): Reflecting such a nice colonial atmosphere, this nostalgic and quiet boutique hotel made us quite an impression just stepping in the shady lobby, with greenery everywhere, and lovely artworks of Khmer contemporary artist Theam exhibited ![]() Welcome in one of our favorite hotels in Siem Reap! We liked many factors at Pavillon d'Orient. This is, first of all, a fairly priced hotel, with rooms from USD 45 in the low season: nice, reflecting three star superior standards, they are located in the older pavilion, with a view on the first swimming pool. The hotel newest extension has got a second more contemporary salted-water pool (the hotel is eco-responsible) with a SPA room nearby. Its rooms and junior-suites / family suite are actually four-star, with private lacquerware and Khmer art exhibition in each room, which is quite unique in Siem Reap, a ceiling fan, colonial furniture... This all provides more character to a perfectly homey lodging, with a large terrace with a romantic pool-view. We felt like staying in a villa, not in a hotel. Another bonus is the location. Mid-way between the city and the temples, by a privatized hotel tuk-tuk, which guests can use as much as they want on a complimentary basis if they booking their stay directly with the hotel. It takes ten minutes maximum to get to Pub Street, and the same time to get to Angkor, after purchasing a pass on your way at the official Ticket Office, 600 meters from the hotel. Upon check-in, each guest receives a well-documented book about the temples, which he can keep during the whole stay. Of course, the reception staff can manage plenty of exciting attractions like helicopter flights (starting from around USD 100), diner cruises, Apsara shows... The breakfast is most pleasant at Pavillon d'Orient. It can be enjoyed absolutely anytime...even in the afternoon! Which is another bonus. The buffet is limited to a few items, and guests can order hot and fresh dishes a la carte (the chicken sausages are the best we had in Siem Reap). It is of course included in the room rate. The restaurant “Le Planteur” is not air-conditioned, but located in a breezy “sala” opposite the new swimming pool, in the lush gardens. We enjoyed there most pleasant breakfast, with a very personalized service as, between 8 and 9 am, most of the clients are visiting the temples or still sleeping. Once again, we had the impression to stay in a private mansion, served by stylish staff. It makes Pavillon d'Orient more like a “special lodging” than a hotel, indeed. PAVILLON D'ORIENT: Road no 60, Siem Reap, Kingdom Cambodia PHONE: +855 63 760 646, +855 98 655 738 E-MAIL: mail@pavillon-orient-hotel.com THE BUTTERFLY PEA (****L): Living in luxury, without the bling, but with the homey atmosphere of a guest-house. This unique concept in Siem Reap, in one of our preferred locations, is more animated than managed by John: a cheerful New Yorker who escaped the USA forever to cure his trumpophobia. A philanthropist, he spends his time -and benefits made by the hotel- to involve himself in education ![]() Situated along the green, central Riverside area, not far from the Royal Residence and Preah Ang Chorm / Preah Ang Chek pagodas, The Butterfly Pea has been designed like a phalanstery, more than a hotel. With a breezy coffee shop, and some inviting hidden corners on each floor, designed for reading and socializing. We stayed during the low season (May 2019), and the house was half full with guests in their 20s-30s. The staff is young also: educated with a university level, very well trained (some come from the Paul Dubrule Academy), he is motivated, and smiling. Providing a high level of service. Particularly at breakfast time (a la carte and absolutely delicious -try the Eggs Benedicte!- with a pool and river view as a bonus), when we have been pampered a lot each morning, after a quiet night. There are 14 rooms only. Larger than we expected, we liked the refined comfort of our #103 “Allure Deluxe Room”, located opposite a small library with a banquette. It had a romantic river view, smoothly combining concrete and tropical wood, Khmer modern artifacts, and voluptuous lighting. A traveler’s Heaven, which we were always happy to visit back for a rest after our long bicycle rides in the sunny and dusty Siem Reap. There was a comfortable desk for writing (this is the dreamed hideaway for an author!) , and minibar, WiFi, safety box, cable TV... We loved the romantic bathroom, with both shower and tub. All the standards expected in a high-end hotel, indeed... with a bonus: we could observe the butterfly pea plantations over the rooftop-garden. This plant, beneficiary to the organism, produces the caffeine-free “Blue Tea” served as a welcome drink, and available at the small bar. Another room which we could inspect, and found most pleasant, is #203. It has a large, breezy terrace with a L shaped sofas (open to all the guests when the room is not booked), and a breathtaking panorama over the city. Luxury comes here at a fair price, as the average rate goes from USD 45 for the cheapest room in the low-season, until approximately USD 110 during the peak season. We found it very reasonable for a special lodging of this category. If this is not enough for your royal tastes, we suggest you to experiment how sweet feels a lucky expat life in Cambodia, being hosted in The Butterfly Pea annexe: a lavish, very authentic Khmer villa, where a “Retreat Day” costs USD 139 per person. It features plentiful of exciting privileges: full use of the mansion and its large pool, private cooking class after a visit to the local market, 60 minutes massages, complimentary cocktails, and a rooftop dinner! We didn't get that treat, because John planned the opening of this awesome property a few days after our departure. But we visited the villa, and really found it gorgeous. It stands only 200 meters from the hotel, across the picturesque courtyard of Wat Polenka temple. Do you want to make it the Khmer way in style, away from the tourists? Don't look further: this is the place for you! The Butterfly is more than a boutique hotel: this is THE boutique hotel in Siem Reap. THE BUTTERFLY PEA: Street Phsar Spean Dek, Sangkat Slor Kram, Khet, Siem Reap 17251, Kingdom of Cambodia PHONE: +855 63 968 485 E-MAIL: stay@thebutterflypea.com SOLITAIRE KAMREUK RESORT (****): «Excellent» by Agoda, «Wonderful» by Booking.com, and 8/10 by “Telegraph Travel Expert Rating”, this boutique hotel looks so discreet from outside that we long time skipped it driving along. The impression came once we ![]() Nature and meditation are the essence of a place inspired by Buddhist elements for a peaceful life : water, earth, wind, and fire. Providing a serene, rejuvenating stay in one of our favorite areas of the city. Kamreuk / Wat Damnak is close to everything : the Old French Quarter (five minutes by tuk-tuk), and the temples of Angkor (only 20 minutes). This is what we call a travelers' hotel, indeed : during our one week stay at Solitaire Kamreuk, we haven't be annoyed by noisy tourists, large families, or groups splashing in the lovely golden-tiled swimming pool. We had a direct access to it. Our neighbors told us: “-We feel like living in a private villa!”. That was our impression from arrival until check out. Solitaire Kamreuk has 16 rooms until now (the addition of more luxury villas and a second pool is scheduled by the end of 2019), but gives the impression of enjoying a small luxury family house. There is a nice set of the suites: try to book in advance in a much-wanted Suite King Pool View, on the ground floor. There are only four of them. We stayed in #108. One of the most wanted, with the same huge volumes, very high ceiling, as in all the other suites. The design is never the same: yet, with always classy wooden furniture, large sofas which can be used as a bed for kids or an extra guest. We loved the Toshiba Smart TV, the lavish bathroom with its open-air XXL stone tub set among a small lushly interior garden. There is a cosy restaurant restaurant in the lobby (extending from May 2019 to a large and lushly new rooftop terrace) serving local Khmer specialties. It has cooking classes. Romantic private dinner, and Khmer picnic can be easily managed. Breakfast is à la carte. We enjoyed it everyday al fresco, in our pool terrace. The staff is very local; which means authentically friendly: so happy to serve guests from around the world. The rate is very local too... During the time of our visit, at the beginning of the peak season (November), a pool view room was charged around USD 50, including breakfast and airport transfers. SOLITAIRE KAMREUK RESORT: Salakamreuk Road, Salakamreuk Village, Siem Reap City, Kingdom of Cambodia. PHONE:+855 63 766 407 HOTLINE: +855 12 409 603 E-MAIL: book@solitairecambodia.com SOLITAIRE
DAMNAK VILLA
(****): The lovely Kamreuk
Resort Suites
sister hotel is ideally nestled a few steps from Wat Damnak temple and
Siem Reap Art Center. The Old French Quarter / Pub Street, located a
couple of kilometers away via animated streets catering
NATURA
RESORT (****): This
resort, nestled in a lush park along the riverside, half way
between the Old Market and the temples, is one of the most inviting
residences in Siem Reap. The concept, as simple as ambitious, consists
in incorporating the guests into NATURA RESORT: Riverside,
Wat Preah Enkosei, Angkor Road, Siem Reap, Kingdom
of Cambodia
POPULAR RESIDENCE (****): A definition of a boutique hotel: small, quiet, nicely designed, pleasantly nestled among palm trees, and affordable... Its name doesn’t lie. This is indeed a popular family residence. Without the thrill of luxury, but providing comfort and peace. A ![]() This is a new hotel, with immaculate rooms. The deluxe and the suites are nice, with not much difference except space and the capacity to host more people (parents and two kids in a suite). We like the 40 sq.m “Cabana Room”, located on the ground floor, with a direct access to the serene pool with a Jacuzzi. This category of room is a best seller, with an open-air bathroom (shower + tub). Back from a tiring visit to Angkor, we enjoyed a most relaxing bath amongst plants and trees, visited by a little frog which seemed to be a regular guest of this bucolic residence. There is a cozy restaurant for breakfast (included in the room rate), affordable lunch and dinner. Due to its recent opening and a locating little bit off the beaten tracks, this well serviced and ideally comfy hotel offers the great advantage of being better value for money, compared with the same four-star category lodging opposite Pub Street or Old Market. Approximately USD 50 for a “Deluxe Twin” (with complimentary Internet, flat screen TV, safe, etc), during the high season, sounds like a very good deal in one of the most touristic Asian cities. POPULAR RESIDENCE: Sala Kamroeuk Village, Sala Kamroeuk Commune , Siem Reap PHONE: +855 81 767 272 MOBILE: +855 16 783 425 E-MAIL: rdm@popularresidence.com MEKONG ANGKOR PALACE (****): Centrally located, a five-minute walk to Pub Street, this mid-range touristic hotel offers many bonuses. Quietly settled at the bottom end of a lane, it is surprisingly calm. Many rooms have a large, colonial-style balcony, equipped with ![]() We occupied one of them. The rate was approximately USD 50. Quite attractive in this area where the heart of the city beats day and night. Including breakfast, which we enjoyed at poolside, rather than in the quite impersonal restaurant. We liked the extremely comfortable, actually five-star kingsize mattress. The colonial-style furniture. Lots of plugs to use our PC and charge our telephone. And a good WiFi signal everywhere. We noted that the charge for laundry was only one dollar per kilogram. Actually, everything was perfect at Mekong Angkor Palace. With a special mention to the secluded pool, and the small garden connecting to the newly beautified lobby. The pretty receptionists, dressed in Khmer silk uniform, are so welcoming and efficient. At least two of them, often more, were permanently on duty. Contrary to many mid-range hotels in Siem Reap, they never keep the guest waiting. Thumbs up to this efficient, impeccable hotel which will satisfy the tourist visiting the temples (there is a tour operator at guests' disposal in the lobby). Our tip to couples: for a slightly higher rate, consider the honeymoon-oriented Cambana D'Angkor Suites, under the same excellent management. MEKONG ANGKOR PALACE: #021, Sivatha Blvd, Svay Dangkum Commune, Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia PHONE: +855 63 96 36 36 E-MAIL: info@mekongangkorpalaces.com CHHAY LONG ANGKOR BOUTIQUE (****): The intimate, atypical lobby, with its collection of statues of Buddha, makes this delicious property different from the boutique hotels mushrooming in Siem Reap. It is still in its soft opening, with all the bonuses involved in ![]() The rooms are spacious (from 38 sq.m) and tastefully designed. Contrasting with the simplicity of the lobby, they transported us in a modern transposition of the temples of Angkor atmosphere. Quiet and intimate, equipped with a very comfy king-size bed, they all feature Smart LCD TV, allowing to watch YouTube and the best Internet streaming. From our experience, only the plush Golden Temple five-star hotels bring this technology to their rooms. There is, of course, WiFi, and well-stocked minibar. The awesome bathrooms have rain shower with a powerful water pressure: which still comes as a luxury in Siem Reap. What we actually loved in the rooms are the artistic drawings applied directly on the wall by valued artists, and depicting scenes of the Khmer life and traditions. In our room, it was painted in gold over a deep blue support, which we found extremely classy. The same fresco, on a larger display, decorates the attractive pool, within a patio next to the welcoming Morodock SPA, lobby, and restaurant. A place for a simple, traditional, savory Khmer cuisine, the “Blue Lotus” has a name reminding us of the Adventures of Tintin, in a nostalgic Orient still preserved in the magic city of Siem Reap. The specialties are the mirror of the hotel itself: family oriented, served by the kindest -and prettiest- waitresses ever. This is the place for a good -and safe- pork BBQ, Fish Amok, and tempting vegetarian dishes. It is, in term of price, on par with the small restaurants all around: definitely inexpensive. And the memorable kindness of the staff is priceless. A good breakfast is served at “Blue Lotus”, with an authentic Khmer orientation. Miss Ponn wants to rise her boutique hotel to the level of a five star in term of services, yet charging a discounted four-star rate. Checking the enthusiastic reviews in Booking.com and Tripadvisor shows that she already reached her aim. If you like being pampered like in a private Khmer house, this is the best, very central address. CHHAY LONG ANGKOR BOUTIQUE: Steung Thmei, Svay Dangkum, Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia PHONE: +85563 766 515 E-MAIL: info@chhaylong.com SALASARA (****): One of the top 20 best hotels in Siem Reap according to Tripadvisor and Booking.com most reliable guest rating. We enjoyed a relaxing and extremely pleasant stay in this secluded hotel, located not far to the action (Pub Street can be reached by a short walk). This lush oasis of tranquility has multiple qualities. The most appreaciated one is the staff. Young, as anticipating and refined as in a five-star hotel, it boosts this natural kindness which gives ![]() The hotel is three-star superior with its first category of “Superior” rooms: simple, yet offering convenient space and comfort. Perfect for those on two days tour to the nearby temples. Should you come for romance or relaxation, this is the ideal hotel. Just rather book a “Deluxe” room, designed like pleasant pavilions, set on the ground floor along a green alley, next to the superb swimming pool with its artistic Khmer frescoes. We liked the gold and red lacquerware over our large bed: it gives much character to the rooms. There is a large sofa, which can host a third person or children. The bathroom is also appealing, with discreet mosaics and a black stone sink. That category of rooms, with a private relaxation area al fresco (ideal for smokers), ranks in the four-star category, yet surprisingly fairly priced. This explains why this is one of the few hotels in Siem Reap showing high occupancy during the low season. The laundry and minibar are inexpensive. Each room has a Samsung flat screen TV, complimentary tea/coffee facility, and WiFi. The Sala Restaurant & Bar area, next to the reception, is smart and convivial. With long flowered sofas and small tables with a view of the surrounding greenery. Prices are copied on those at pub street. We noticed, after visiting a dozen of four star hotels, that the average bill for a draft beer was USD 3; here it costs only USD 1. Most of the dishes are around USD 5. This is a simple local cuisine, with much savor and lightness. The chicken broth with lemongrass is actually delicious. The breakfast is a la carte, copious and yummy. There was a SPA under construction during our visit in May 2017. Those looking for a warm, relaxed hotel at a fair price, and lots of smiles and plenty of kindness will love this urban boutique hotel at first sight. SALASARA: 120, Angkor Night Market Street, Stueng Thmei Village, Krong Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia PHONE: +855 87 756 168 E-MAIL: reservation@salasara.com ANGKOR BOUTIQUE TROPIC HOTEL (****): One of the most lovable boutique hotels in Siem Reap, with a superb location at the bottom end of a straight path, surrounded by local houses in a natural environment. We are on the road to Angkor, accessible within only 5 minutes by bicycle or tuk-tuk. The Angkor National Museum is a 10-minute walk away. We liked the human size and awesome display of the hotel, featuring only 20 rooms. All with pool view, and half of them with a direct access ![]() The rooms are large, tastefully decorated with a classy silk bedhead and cushions, small Khmer popular-art items on display next to the flat screen TV, a double sofa, and a small safety box. The spacious bathroom has a shower plus a king-size ocean-blue tub. The flowered-shape sink brings an extra note of unexpected elegance in such an affordable hotel, where a room costs between USD 30 and 60, depending on the season. There is a small, inexpensive restaurant opposite to the pool, serving a homey Khmer and Thai cuisine, with some international dishes. “2017 Travellers' Choice” by Tripadvisor, this family run business, managed by Bruce, a Scotsman, and the charming Pukky, ambassadress of the legendary Thai hospitality, shines like a treasure of kindness and tranquility in the center of Siem Reap. ANGKOR BOUTIQUE TROPIC HOTEL: Angkor Road or Pokambor Azv, Siem Reap 17259, Kingdom of Cambodia PHONE: +855 63 966 399 , +855 99 999 735 FACSIMILE: +855 63 966 299 E-MAIL: info@angkor-boutique.com POPULAR HOTEL & SPA (***L): Location, location, location... and much kindness from the staff. This inexpensive urban hotel has much to offer for a few dollars. We discovered it after our unforgettable stays along the recent years in two higher standing sister properties ![]() A well-established hotel, founded and managed by the same family since 1995, it has undergone a successful beautification in 2018, and looks sparkling new with its welcoming, trendy lobby, and so cheerful staff! Five-star beautiful and young faces! We checked-in seated, like Club guests in an InterContinental hotel. The welcome drink came with peanuts and freshly cut fruits. We had perfumed cold towels expecting us each time we came back from a walk. Really not a three-star service. OK, there is no lift, and the rooms are relatively small (some, “Premier Deluxe Rooms” have no window), but they were appealing, with much light and a small balcony (we had a corner “Deluxe Twin Room”). We liked the elegant marble floor, the Pullman bed worth a luxury chain hotel, and the lovingly appointed bathroom. There is a rooftop Sky Bar with a river view, and a small massage room controlled by Sokkhak SPA. The pool is large by the three-star standards, and very pleasant. It is located next to the restaurant, specializing in Khmer cuisine (Beek Lok-Lak, Fish Amok, and delicious curries), where we enjoyed a palatable breakfast, included in the room rate, and served a la carte in generous portions. This is what we call a “first class on the cheap” hotel, warmly recommended to the budget traveler in search of great value for money central lodging. POPULAR HOTEL & SPA: 033 BBU Road, Vihear Chen Village, Svay Dangkum, Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia PHONE: +855 81 963 578 E-MAIL: fo@popularhotelandspa.com GOLDEN SIEM REAP HOTEL (***L): A most enjoyable boutique hotel, featuring 19 very large tiled floored air-conditioned rooms: all equipped with a pleasant terrace and a pool view. This is until now one of the least expensive hotels in the local four-star category ![]() This a family hotel, much appreciated by couples alike, ranking high in Booking.com and Tripadvisor. Guests particularly like the large, nicely designed pool with a small bar, and the kindness of the young yet very professional staff. We found the Khmer breakfast delicious, and particularly generous for a low-cost hotel. Pleasant dining, featuring sappy local dishes, can be enjoyed at the bar or in the small al fresco dining-room. Those looking for comfort and quietness more than bling will like this hotel at first sight. GOLDEN SIEM REAP: Banteay Chas Village, Slor Kram Commune, Siem Reap City, Cambodia, Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia PHONE: +855 18 979 8000 MOBILE: +855 86 535 561 E-MAIL: reservation@goldensiemreaphotel.com MUDRA ANGKOR (***L): Simple but smart, informal but well serviced, small but four-star equipped, central but quiet: all the combinations play in favor of this newly refurbished three-star hotel. Super clean, employing young and enthusiastic staff, very boutique, ![]() We stayed in a Superior Double Room, spacious (36 sq.m) and immaculate, with a very elegant bathroom full of four-star amenities. We liked the location, in a local area with a lively market next door. Pub Street is a five minutes bicycle or tuk-tuk ride. The hotel stands close to the road to the temples located 15 minutes away by taxi. Lux, the friendly hotel manager, used to be a guide: he and his staff will manage unforgettable and cheap tailored-made local, temple or regional tours, which you can manage with his team before your stay via his website. Phillip, a cordial Aussie, owner of Mudra Angkor, is always happy to chat and assist personally his guests. Lots of them are returning, making this relaxed hotel their home away from home. Those looking for a three-star superior hotel, super well managed and reasonably priced, will love Mudra Angkor at first sight.
MUDRA ANGKOR:
#0115, Treang Village, Mondul 3, Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia
FANCY
BOUTIQUE VILLA (***): Low cost but four-star
(particularly if
you book the highest category of rooms), with a hard to get 8.4 rating
in Agoda,
Certificate of Excellence by Tripadvisor,
this welcoming hotel is carefully managed by Pirath (who worked for our
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IRRAWADDY DOLPHINS ON THE MEKONG RIVER ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |