Review of La Residence d'Angkor, by Caroline Major

Set back from the Siem Reap River, La Residence d'Angkor embodies cool, Khmer-style charm while maintaining the standards of a luxury hotel. Located in a compound surrounded by water, the hotel takes its direction from traditional Khmer housing with its two-storied wooden buildings. The architects must have also taken into account the sheer heat and humidity of Cambodia as one can find some strategically placed open walls to let in a refreshing breeze, as well as riotous, lush tropical gardens which provide not only beautiful decoration but shade as well.

The décor in La Residence d'Angkor is so seamless that it can sometimes be tricky to spot the staff, whose silken, rust-coloured uniforms blend in with the richly coloured hardwood found everywhere. But, rest assured that the staff will be there when you need them, fully living up to the level of service one expects at a luxury hotel.

The facilities

Make sure to take in the happy hour in the luxury hotel's bar upstairs. Sit in a low-slung rattan chair with a chilled Angkori beer and drink in the views of the river. Or, lounge in the sinuous swimming pool while the heat of the afternoon cools into evening. Stay in for excellent French cooking found in the dining room of this luxury hotel, which other chefs laud as the best in town. Or, perhaps take a stroll into the town to seek out rather more adventurous cuisine.

The rooms

All 54 rooms at La Residence d'Angkor are large and light and all built to the same plan. At the front, each has a sliver of a balcony with a reading chair slung in front of the river. It's perfectly placed for catching the afternoon breeze. Slip inside for air-conditioned comfort in the luxury hotel's bungalow style rooms, where sliding doors made of bamboo allow the space to be divided as you like. Or, perhaps even let the enormous tubs tempt you into hours of relaxed bliss. Small touches like daily fruit, newsprint in your own language and free in-room internet make this luxury hotel exceed expectations.