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Vithei Charles de Gaulle, Khum Svay Dang Kum, Siem Reap (on the temple road, just north <strong>of</strong> town and<br />
the Kantha Bopha Hospital). & 063/963-900. www.lemeridien.com or www.angkor.lemeridien.com.<br />
223 units. $270 superior; $300 deluxe; $410–$520 suite. AE, MC, V. Amenities: 2 restaurants; bar; concierge;<br />
health club; outdoor pool; room service; spa. In room: A/C, TV, high-speed Internet, minibar.<br />
Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor Right in the center <strong>of</strong> town, this is simply<br />
the best hotel in Siem Reap; it remains unrivaled for luxury, charm, and service. <strong>The</strong><br />
imposing colonial facade gives way to a marble lobby, connected by Art Deco black-andwhite<br />
tile halls to the many rooms and fine services. If arriving by air, hotel staff will pick<br />
you up and escort you to a waiting limo while your visa, immigration, and luggage issues<br />
are magically taken care <strong>of</strong>. At the hotel, a doorman outfitted in the old hat and uniform<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Royal Guards whisks you past the cool lobby and into the Conservatory, a bright,<br />
alcove restaurant overlooking the expansive outdoor pool. <strong>The</strong>ir State rooms, in the new<br />
wing <strong>of</strong> the hotel, are large, with classic French doors and windows, beautiful black-andwhite<br />
tile entries, and most come with a balcony. Landmark rooms, the next higher<br />
standard, have four-poster beds, a balcony, and nice touches like porcelain bathrooms.<br />
Personality suites are gems, and each has a unique theme, color, and decor. <strong>The</strong> courtyard<br />
pool (lit by fairy lights and tiny candles in the evening) is large and inviting and the<br />
nearby spa facilities are indulgent.<br />
1 Vithei Charles de Gaulle, Khum Svay Dang Kum, Siem Reap. & 063/963-888. Fax 063/963-168. www.<br />
raffles.com. 131 units. $360–$410 double; $510 suite; $2,500 2-bedroom villa. AE, MC, V. Amenities: 4<br />
restaurants; 2 bars; concierge; health club; Jacuzzi; kids’ club; big outdoor pool; spa; 2 tennis courts; Wi-Fi.<br />
In room: A/C, TV, fridge, hair dryer, minibar.<br />
S<strong>of</strong>itel Royal Angkor S<strong>of</strong>itel is famed in the region for bringing life back to<br />
classic hotels <strong>of</strong> old Indochina, but in Siem Reap, they started fresh, with a project limited<br />
only by the designer’s imagination. <strong>The</strong> lobby is an old-world Indochina replica with<br />
antique Khmer pagoda and a menagerie <strong>of</strong> overstuffed European furniture. Design and<br />
decor throughout nicely marry Khmer and French styles, with vaulted Naga ro<strong>of</strong>s high<br />
above the sculpted central garden and tranquil pond area. <strong>The</strong> courtyard pool with swimup<br />
bar is large, open, and fun—great for kids, with a short river meander crossed by a<br />
small bridge. <strong>The</strong> spa is tops, and the private massage areas are uniquely resplendent with<br />
private bathrooms. Rooms are spacious, with dark-wood floors and rich touches like<br />
designer throw rugs and elegant built-in cabinetry. All bathrooms are large, with tubs and<br />
large granite counters. Spring for a superior room with a balcony and a view <strong>of</strong> the central<br />
courtyard: It’s worth it. <strong>The</strong>re’s an Angkor theme throughout, but the statuary is not<br />
overdone and is quite pleasing in both common areas and sleeping quarters (unique in a<br />
town <strong>of</strong> gaudy reproductions <strong>of</strong> the sights). Be sure to take a moment, preferably near<br />
the magic hour <strong>of</strong> sunset (but any time will do) and take it all in from the island pagoda<br />
in the central pond.<br />
Vithei Charles de Gaulle, Khum Svay Dang Kum, Siem Reap. (On the way to the temples, just north <strong>of</strong> the<br />
town center.) & 063/964-600. Fax 063/964-609. www.s<strong>of</strong>itel.com. 238 units. $340–$360 double; $420–<br />
$605 suite. AE, MC, V. Amenities: 5 restaurants; 3 bars; concierge; 18-hole golf course; health club;<br />
Jacuzzi; large outdoor pool; room service; sauna; smoke-free floor; spa; banquet facilities. In room: A/C,<br />
TV w/in-house movies, fax, fridge, hair dryer, minibar, Wi-Fi.<br />
Sokha Angkor Maybe this is what Angkor Wat would have looked like if it was a<br />
pleasure resort rather than a place <strong>of</strong> worship. <strong>The</strong> lobby is gigantic, with big columns<br />
framing a bronze and sheer glass chandelier. A blown-up photograph <strong>of</strong> a Banteay Srei<br />
temple is plastered over the elevator doors. In the courtyard, a large stone pediment with<br />
a waterfall empties into the outdoor pool. Big stone lions at the back and lingams at the<br />
99<br />
SIEM REAP 6<br />
WHERE TO STAY