The Best of Cambodia & Laos

Hotel Scandinavia This relaxed offering is firmly aimed at the boutique market
but does not take the aesthetic to extremes. The rooms are large, though the ones on the
ground floor are a little dark. The decor is simple but tasteful. It has a small swimming
pool with pleasant surroundings. The staff is relaxed but helpful. If you pay with a credit
card they add a 3% charge.
No. 4 St. 282. & 092/791-449. www.hotel-scandinavia-cambodia.com.16 units. $42 single; $53 double;
$66 double royal lower; $77 double royal upper. MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; Internet; outdoor
pool. In room: A/C, TV, fridge, minibar.
Villa Lanka Hotel A leafy hideaway, the Villa Lanka has a rustic style that
really works, especially considering it is right in the heart of the city. Warm ocher floor
tiles, draped muslin, and dark wood give it a feel that is half Mediterranean and half old
Indochina. It has a minimal but traditional interior, combined with an abundance of
light. This successful formula is topped off by a swimming pool large enough to swim
laps. It is also a pleasant environment for a cup of tea or cocktail, whether day or evening.
The restaurant at the Villa Lanka is excellent, with a chef who is decidedly French.
No. 14 St. 282. & 023/726-771. www.villalangka.com. 27 units. $44 single; $66 double; $88 deluxe; $121
suite. MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; Internet; pool; room service. In room: A/C, TV, fridge, minibar.
Inexpensive
Golden Gate Hotel For a rock-bottom price, you get rooms that are basic but clean
and quite livable. The Golden Gate also offers deluxe rooms that are larger but just as
plain. This is a popular spot for long-staying expat business visitors and NGO folks, and
the suites, with kitchenette and small living room, are like one-room apartments. Rooms
are done in either tile or office carpet and have mismatched but tidy cloth and rattan
furniture. The best choice is a deluxe room on a higher floor (with view). Be sure to ask
to see the room first, as they really vary.
No. 9 St. 278, Sangkat (just south of the Independence Monument). & 023/427-618. Fax 023/721-005.
www.goldengatehotels.com. $20 standard single; $28 standard double; $35 deluxe; $45 suite (monthly
rates available). MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; room service; Wi-Fi. In room: A/C, TV, fridge, Internet
(deluxe and suite only), minibar.
Goldiana A labyrinthine complex, the result of many construction phases, the
Goldiana is one of the best budget choices in the Cambodian capital. It is also another
top choice for NGO workers and those working in diplomatic circles. The hotel is just
south of the Victory Monument and a short ride from the main sites. It’s low-luxe but
squeaky-clean. Rooms are very large and have either carpet or wood flooring. The hotel’s
maintenance standard, unlike similar hotels in town, is meticulous. Although that newcar
smell is long gone, it’s low on the mildew and musty odors of similar standards in
town. Bathrooms are smallish but comfortable, with a tub/shower combo and granite
tile. The third-floor pool is a real bonus in this category. The lobby is a designer muddle
of heavy curtains, large pottery with fake flowers, mirrors, and bright-colored carved
wood, but there’s a certain appeal to it all once it becomes familiar. The staff is kind and
helpful and is used to the questions and concerns of long-staying patrons, tourists, and
business clients. A stay of any length will feel like you’re at home.
No. 10–12 St. 282, Sangkat Boeng Keng Kang 1. & 023/219-558. Fax 023/219-490. www.goldiana.com.
148 units. $48 double; $68–$98 suite. MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; gym; Internet; outdoor pool (rooftop);
room service. In room: A/C, TV, fridge, hair dryer, Internet, minibar.
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WHERE TO STAY