Reviewed by
Nicolas Buchele
This branch of the little HanumanAlaya empire lies on the quiet side of the very small town of Siem Reap, right by a river that in certain lights looks like Wiltshire. Its rooms and suites are enormous and inviting, decorated in an idiosyncratic take on Asian modern with an emphasis on dark wood and mysteriously glowing bric-a-brac, plus all the mod cons to hand.
In the little courtyard outside are a cooling pool and restaurant, while lushly planted paths lead to your pleasantly private realm. And if everything has a sense of ‘almost’ about it - almost stylish décor, almost competent staff - it somehow adds to the authentic Cambodian rather than blandly international feel of the place. Highly recommended for restfulness and ease.
In the little courtyard outside are a cooling pool and restaurant, while lushly planted paths lead to your pleasantly private realm. And if everything has a sense of ‘almost’ about it - almost stylish décor, almost competent staff - it somehow adds to the authentic Cambodian rather than blandly international feel of the place. Highly recommended for restfulness and ease.
Highs
- Just 12 huge rooms with individual character, kept spotlessly clean by an army of friendly staff
- Bikes to borrow - you can cycle to Angkor Wat
- Then cool off in the pool after a dusty, hot day at the temples
- A perfect location, perhaps the prettiest spot in town, yet just a stone’s throw or short tuk-tuk ride from everywhere else
Lows
- The pool is extremely shallow
- When we visited soon after opening we found the food average, but we're assured it has improved considerably since then
- Why oh why does a row of betel palms block your view of the bucolic river outside?
Best time to go
Winter - mid-November to February - is best and also the most popular time: it's dry and relatively cool. Avoid March to May, they fry you alive. The rainy season - June to November - is also an option, it usually only rains for an hour and the rest of the time it's bearably muggy, and everything is lush and green.
Our top tips
Hanuman Tourism is an offshoot of the company, and can arrange tickets, tour guides, transport and its signature Temple Safari tours of Angkor Wat