Bambu Hotel is a peaceful, thoughtfully designed, 16 room boutique hotel in quiet Battambang, about a 15 minute walk from the centre of town or an even shorter tuk tuk ride.
Bambu’s British owner, Pat, strives to make your stay enjoyable. He provides a wealth of information and recommendations on things to do in and around the town.
Most of the rooms are in traditionally inspired wooden villas at the rear of the property. Exposed roof beams, rustic art deco tiling and wooden shutters complete the look. I loved the king or queen sized beds which are high enough to climb into and the showerheads which are bigger than me (with excellent water pressure). All rooms have a balcony or terrace to chill out and relax. Careful landscaping ensures the ground floor terraces are private. The environmentalist in me appreciated the solar panels used to provide most of the power for the hotel.
There is a restaurant (dinner was enjoyable) and bar onsite with a popular pre-dinner happy hour. I can recommend the passion fruit mojito! Especially while lazing around the salt water swimming pool. Straw hats are provided on the sun loungers for those who forgot to pack their own (environmentally friendly and sun smart).
Bambu connects with the community by supporting an English programme at a local village school, which guests can choose to visit.
From US70+ per night inclusive breakfast
– In the absence of a true tourist information office, we appreciated the information pack about Battambang. We’re inspired to return!
– The wifi was also very good, with much better than average connection speeds.
– The buffet breakfast had a good selection of cereals, fruit and cooked options but was prepared early and therefore not fresh at 9am. On our second morning, an a la cart menu was provided which was better.
Review by Simone
If you value privacy and design, you will love the One Hotel Collection. The collection features The One Hotel, yes, a hotel with just one suite; Hotel Be with three artist-designed rooms; and The One Villa Angkor, a new property just outside Siem Reap.
All but the villa are located on The Passage walking street in the heart of Siem Reap, yet are surprisingly quiet. They also feature great art:
– The current lobby installation is by Christian Develter, and inspired by the tattooed faces of Burmese tribal women.
– The sleek Saffron Room was designed by “visual poet” Loven Ramos.
– Sculptor Pich Sopheap created the serene Bamboo Room, the two level pied-a-terre where I stayed.
– The Sepia Room is by famed Angkor photographer John McDermott .
I loved my cool Bamboo suite, especially evenings on the roof terrace overlooking the old market. The One Hotel’s terrace is even nicer — it features a jacuzzi tub!
Just outside town is the sophisticated and serene rural escape at the villa; within two pavilions it features four terraces, a bedroom with sitting room, and an open concept living room, dining room and kitchen.
From US115+ per night inclusive breakfast
– Staff are excellent, and (seemingly) effortlessly engage you in conversation to check on your needs and preferences
– Come down for breakfast or have it delivered to your room
– Perfect sheets and a peaceful sleep
– The hallway outside the rooms off The Passage can get a little warm, so have your key ready before you climb the stairs.
Johanna Read
Contributing Editor
The Angkor Miracle Resort and Spa has 324 spacious rooms, with everything you’d expect of a resort this size.
Located on the way to the old town from the airport, the resort is set on extensive grounds with a large saltwater pool. The pool is long enough to swim laps and has a connecting shallow area for kids and a jacuzzi area for relaxing. There’s also conference rooms and a ballroom, a well-equipped gym, a large spa with sauna and jacuzzi, and the Sparkle Beauty Centre for hair, nail and skin care.
Rooms are large and all have a balcony or patio overlooking the pool or the greenery behind the hotel. Rooms have a place to lounge plus all the usual amenities.
With its many connecting rooms and big open spaces, the resort is geared toward families and large groups, but can also accommodate the independent leisure or business traveller. A new club area with special privileges opened in 2015.
From US220+ per night
– The spacious rooms are decorated with beautiful Cambodian rosewood
– First floor rooms have big balconies, and each ground floor pool-view room has an outdoor swing bed upon which to lounge
– Catering to both the western and Chinese/Korean markets, the restaurant was overextended during our visit; the new restaurant set to open in 2015 should help alleviate this.
Johanna Read
Contributing Editor
I’m not supposed to have favourites, but Heritage Suites is one of them. This hotel is both luxury and boutique and has what is, for me, the perfect combination of facilities, services and, especially, attitude.
Don’t be deceived by the modest street entrance, the buildings and grounds are all gorgeous. The stunning two-tired restaurant features the talented kitchen of Chef Vibol (to-die-for canapés, especially the quail’s egg with Béarnaise) and the staff at the zinc bar make creative and classic cocktails.
The spa is by Bodia, one of the best in the region. The saltwater pool, open 24 hours, has a chiller, which is very much appreciated in Siem Reap’s hot afternoons. You can order the full menu at the pool too.
Suites are immense — 75 square meters — and simply stunning. They are also perfectly lit, with a wall of windows and layered lighting, much with dimmers, so that you can have mood lighting or task lighting exactly as you want it. You’ll have a quiet sleep, despite the location in a real Cambodian neighbourhood.
Each suite has a gigantic bathtub in which you can float gazing through your picture window to your own private garden (lit beautifully at night), where you can also take an outdoor shower. Your other bathing options include an indoor rain shower plus a steam room.
There are six classic rooms, 17 bungalow suites, and an additional three extra special suites.
Heritage Suites’ approach to guests hits all the right nuances of friendliness, service, knowledge, fun and sophistication. You simply feel wonderful staying here.
Bungalow suites from $345, classic rooms from $155, both inclusive of breakfast.
– Live jazz and cocktails on Thursday nights; Tuesday Khmer barbeque and apsara dancing.
– Little gifts with turn down service, especially the soothing Bodia Spa balm.
– Best wifi in Siem Reap.
– Part of the Relais & Châteaux association of the world’s finest hoteliers, chefs and restaurateurs.
– The big bathtub takes a long time to fill. So I took a steam shower while I waited.
Johanna Read
Contributing Editor