La Résidence d'Angkor, A Belmond Hotel, Siem Reap
Editor's Note: The hotel is temporarily closed until October 2023.
Located on a quiet stretch of riverside directly opposite the French Quarter, you’ll find La Résidence d'Angkor, A Belmond Hotel, Siem Reap, one of the first luxury hotels in Siem Reap. This urban oasis pays tribute to traditional Angkor architecture with peaked hard-wood accommodations, pockmarked stone blocks, shuttered windows and open-air dining options that embrace the outdoors.
The upstairs Martini Bar exemplifies this rich history-meets-modern-luxury approach with its tropical lounge furniture cooled by ceiling fans high in the rafters, a menu of martinis with names like Green Mekong and a backdrop of modern art by celebrated Siem Reap-based Belgian artist Christian Develter.
Elsewhere, the backdrop is lush jungle foliage that intrudes on every corner of the property, including around the main swimming pool, which at times feels like a forgotten pond hidden within ancient ruins. Close by, there are two restaurants to keep you fueled: the all-day dining at Ember, which becomes a candle-lit retreat once night falls, and the memorable Khmer cuisine of Circle.
- The service at the all-suite Siem Reap hotel is impeccable, from the front desk to the back office.
- An Angkorian stone lion stands guard at the dreamy saltwater swimming pool surrounded by palm trees. A dip here is a must.
- Though the smallest room type, Garden Junior Suites provide direct access to the saltwater pool and even your own sun lounger, lending the feel of a private jungle hideaway.
- So discreet you might not even realize it's there, Kong Kea Spa is a treat, but it's the indoor relaxation pool that really sells us on an afternoon of pampering.
- There's a lot to like about the Khmer cuisine served at Circle. For a fun (and Instagram-worthy) dining experience, sit at the converted tuk-tuk table.
- The art around the Martini Bar is for sale, so take home a special souvenir while sipping a creative concoction, like the Kampot Pepper martini (gin, fresh peppers, passion fruit liqueur and lime juice).
- For a unique way to get to know Siem Reap, book the hotel's Mystery Dine Around tour, which takes you on an evening exploration of the town's exciting Khmer cuisine.
- Its central location makes La Résidence d'Angkor a convenient place to explore Siem Reap's varied attractions, including the many bohemian charms of nearby Kandal Village.
- If you enjoy the Khmer cuisine at Circle, inquire about the boutique hotel’s roster of cooking classes.
- The room design continues the Old World theme, with muted tones of brown, cream and orange, shuttered windows and traditional Khmer-tiled bathroom floors
- Our favorite piece of furniture is the bureau desk — the fold-down desk and brass lamp make you want to sit down and start a travel diary.
- The largest room is the One Bedroom Poolside Suite. The 1,324-square-foot space offers separate living and dining areas, a terrace, a walk-in rain shower and an enticing oversized bathtub.
- As with every hotel in town, the main attraction here is the incredible ruins of Angkor. For a different view of the famous temple complex, sign up for one of La Résidence d'Angkor's full-day bike tours.
- Just a pleasant five-minute walk west across the river brings you to Kandal Village, a small lane lined with an incredible array of restaurants, cafés and boutiques.
- While the temptation to spend the evening in your hotel oasis may be strong, make the effort to enjoy a night out on Siem Reap’s Pub Street, with its cheap drinks, loud music and authentic local atmosphere.
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