lechua photography

In search of a place to stay for 4 nights in Siem Reap, we decided on Central Boutique Angkor Hotel after reading reviews of the hotel on tripadvisor (ranked in Dec 2009 at #14 out of 139 hotels). The hotel is run by a local Cambodian family who ensured our stay was a pleasant one.

Room and Facilities

basic interior of the double bedroom

planting-in-progress outside the room

walkway to rooms

This fairly new hotel of about 20 rooms, offers clean bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. Basic necessities are provided: air-conditioning, coffee and tea making facilities, television with cable channels, towels, toiletries and hot water. There is also a swimming pool and free wi-fi in the hotel area. Tuk tuks are readily available at the hotel. They can also be reserved for a day’s hire (at about USD15).

lounging by the pool area

The Bamboo Restaurant at the hotel serves asian and western food all day. Every morning, there is a breakfast menu with about 5 choices e.g. omelette with sausages or bacon, pancakes, fried rice or noodles. We were also rather impressed with the complimentary set dinner provided with the stay: a 3-course Cambodian dinner with spring rolls as starters, 3 dishes with rice as the main, and fruits for dessert.

mini bar by the poolside                                 Bamboo Resturant

reception area with computers and free internet access

Location

The hotel is located on a narrow lane off Taphul Road, a road lined with an abundance of guest houses and small hotels. It is within a 15 minute walking distance from the town centre (old market and pub street). Alternatively there is the option of taking a 5 minute tuk tuk ride costing between 1 to 2 USD.

Rate

We booked a 4 night package for 2 persons in December 2009 for a total of USD160. The package included:

-          1 double room

-          Daily breakfast

-          Airport transfer to and from the hotel by air-conditioned van

-          1 set dinner for two at the hotel’s Bamboo Restaurant

-          1 hour therapy oil massage for two

Overall Review

In short, a cozy hotel near the town center, offering good hospitality at an affordable rate. The staff are always ready to help and there is usually at least a member on duty who is able to communicate in English and help out with getting around and other requests. They even offered to pack our breakfast on early mornings when we had to set out early at 4.30am for sunrise as well as on our last day before leaving for the airport at 6am.