The Best of Cambodia & Laos

fan). The courtyard area is a picturesque garden dotted with quiet sitting areas with chairs
or floor mats and comfy pillows.
On the back road to the temples, Siem Reap. & 012/804-952. www.pavillon-indochine.com. $60–$65
double; $85 suite. 24 units. AE, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant. In room: A/C (cellphone available upon
request).
Viroth’s Hotel This hotel is super chic and very affordable. A small boutique
affair, this spot provides a private, intimate experience. The rooms have cool gray
stone floors, and the shelves, entertainment unit, and bed frames are built into the white
walls. One corner is painted a contrasting maroon color and marks the shower console.
It is minimalist and modern with sleek geometric furniture, but soft touches like a floor
vase filled with large pieces of dried palm leaves, dark brown leather desk tops and coffeecolored
coverlets and accent pillows keep it warm and inviting. Most rooms have private
balconies. The best room in the house is room no. 3, on the ground floor. It comes with
a large, poolside corner terrace equipped with cozy lounge beds. There’s a small outdoor
pool surrounded by cream-colored sun beds. Breakfast is served on the rooftop restaurant.
It’s lit with fairy lights at night and is an excellent place to spend the evening, looking
out over the rooftops of Siem Reap.
0658 Wat Bo Village (behind City River Hotel) & 063/761-720. Fax 063/760-774. www.viroth-hotel.com.
7 units. $75–$80 double. AE, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; rooftop Jacuzzi; saltwater outdoor pool;
room service; small spa. In room: A/C, TV, Wi-Fi, no phone.
Steung Siemreap Hotel This brand-new hotel in two separate buildings
in a pretty square does a great job of looking aged. Although this is not a new or even an
uncommon concept, at the Steung Siemreap they manage it rather well. Downstairs,
attractive checkered red and cream tiles that appear to have been purloined directly from
the south of France (and may well have been) are complemented by muted dark-wood
furnishings. The rooms are large and very bright with floor-to-ceiling French windows
facing on to the balcony, shaded by crisp curtains. The furnishings are uncluttered and
the feel is spare but not spartan. The space, light, and location make this hotel a real
contender in the higher echelons of the midrange category.
St. 9, Psar Chas. & 063/965-169. Fax 063/965-151. www.steungsiemreaphotel.com. 76 units. $80 superior
double; $90 deluxe single; $100 deluxe double; $130 triple; $180 junior suite; $200 colonial suite;
$250 Steung Siemreap suite. MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; concierge; small health club; Internet;
outdoor pool; room service. In room: A/C, TV, fridge, minibar.
INEXPENSIVE
The downtown area of Siem Reap, on either side of the main road, is brimming with
budget accommodations.
Auberge Mont Royal D’Angkor Down a lazy lane just to the west of the town
center, Auberge is a cozy choice for budget travelers. This comfortable hotel is Canadian
owned and managed. Terra-cotta tile covers all open areas and rooms, and there are
atmospheric touches like canvas lamps, carved wood beds, cushions, and traditional
hangings, curtains, and bedspreads. The walls could use a fresh coat of paint, but the
hotel is neat and tidy overall. The traditional decor is pleasant and inviting. Bathrooms
are done in clean tile and have tiny bathtubs. Pool villa rooms are well worth the upgrade.
West of the town center. & 063/964-044. www.auberge-mont-royal.com. 26 units. $30–$50 double;
$60 pool villa. AE, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; bar. In room: A/C, TV, fridge, minibar, no phone.
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WHERE TO STAY