Raffles Grand Hotel D'angkor
In year’s gone by, when the privileged rich visited Siem Reap, the only place to stay was the Raffles Grand Hotel D'angkor. It was from the raised verandah of this famed hotel that guests climbed onto elephants' backs for the jungle journey to the temples. The Raffles Grand Hotel D’angkor is still a good choice for those seeking a bit of nostalgia of what it must have been like back in the day. In 1997, Raffles International completed a major renovation to the 1932 structure, so now that nostalgia comes with all the modern conveniences and the colonial mystique. The hotel has even passed the rigorous requirements to become a Virtuoso affiliated property.
On one side of the small lobby is a wood paneled cocktail area leading to the Restaurant Le Grande. The Le Grande is an elegant dining venue still frequented by International visitors and locals alike. Reservations are advised. On the other side of the lobby, the large Cafe D'angkor Brasserie serves international cuisine all day and a complementary buffet breakfast. A cool drink in the legendary Elephant Bar is a must. During peak season, an outdoor barbecue and stage with traditional dance is set up in a grassy garden beside the pool.
The large pool is surrounded by beautifully maintained mature gardens filled with fragrant frangipanis, shady palms and lotus ponds. In a separate villa, Raffles' own brand, Amrita Spa, offers expert spa services in pretty colonial-style treatment rooms. These include saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools and a small gym. Two outdoor tennis courts do not have lights for night play. The hotel does have a children's club with babysitters round-the-clock.
A suite of three large shops along one of the first-floor hallways stocks top-quality clothing, home furnishings and jewelry. The business center offers a full range of Internet and office services, including translation. Wireless Internet access is installed throughout the hotel at a reasonable extra charge.
Guest rooms are large and have high ceilings. Furnishings include four-poster beds, rattan lounge chairs, small desks, minibars and self-locking safes. Huge closets contain silk robes and slippers, and large armoires conceal TVs and refrigerators. Area rugs cover the floors, and the Cambodian bed and window treatments are silk. Baths have combined tubs and showers, clean white tiles and ceramic vanities. French doors lead to small private balconies. Valet service includes round-the-clock complimentary coffee and tea, and 24-hour room service is available.
The staff here is responsive and truly kind. Anyone staying at the Grand Hotel D'angkhor will be able to say they experienced a part of tradition not easily found in today’s time.
Raffles Grand Hotel D’angkor is a member of exclusive Virtuoso travel network. Book online or contact our Virtuoso Travel Advisor [email protected] for more details.
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