Reviewed by
Tom Bell
Montra Nivesha provides a great affordable base on the quiet side of town. It's a small lush world of gentle pleasures: fountains trickle into the swimming pool, curtains of manicured jungle shield you from the outside world, and shady timber-framed interiors bring in the breeze. Grab loungers by the pool or escape to the deep shade of the restaurant, where bamboo blinds and ceiling fans keep you cool. There’s also a cocktail bar and lounge with low-slung sofas, and a spa for an invigorating hot-stone massage.
Spotless rooms are idiosyncratically decorated with lots of profoundly dark-stained wood, almost-silky bedcovers and lots (and lots) of objects: lotus petals float in copper water jars, Apsaras dance, elephants prance, colourful gourds hang in the trees, orchids cling to pillars in a sun-trapping courtyard. Staff are exceptionally friendly and caring, and several down-to-earth celebs (from Sue Perkins to Gordon Ramsay) have used it as their Siem Reap hangout of choice.
Spotless rooms are idiosyncratically decorated with lots of profoundly dark-stained wood, almost-silky bedcovers and lots (and lots) of objects: lotus petals float in copper water jars, Apsaras dance, elephants prance, colourful gourds hang in the trees, orchids cling to pillars in a sun-trapping courtyard. Staff are exceptionally friendly and caring, and several down-to-earth celebs (from Sue Perkins to Gordon Ramsay) have used it as their Siem Reap hangout of choice.
Highs
- The soothing polished wood interiors and lush greenery create a very restful space
- We loved borrowing the hotel's bikes and cycling to the Angkor Wat complex nearby
- The swimming pool is a great spot to refresh yourself after the rigors of sightseeing
- The grandmotherly lounge bar on the first-floor balcony offers peace in the city with garden views
- Extra marks for being "90% plastic-free", with purified drinking water in every room (no bottles allowed) and bamboo straws
Lows
- You get what you pay for: it's not 5-star luxury but a warm welcome is guaranteed
- The food is fine, but you’ll head into town for more atmosphere
- The rooms are a little dark
Best time to go
Avoid March to May, the hottest season, also the least popular. The rainy season is over by November and the weather is relatively cool (but still hot) through to the end of February (making this the most popular time to come, thus the busiest). The paddy fields are at their lushest in the rainy season (June to October), which is an option since the rain rarely lasts more than an hour or two.
Our top tips
You need at least 2 full days to do the temples of Angkor justice, which means you probably want to stay 3 nights.