This month, the venerable Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor in Siem Reap reopened after receiving a renovation that was finished just before lockdown.
Travelers visiting Southeast Asia for the first time in a few years appreciate how empty the destinations are, especially at popular destinations like Angkor Wat. The famous Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor in Siem Reap has reopened this month, showcasing a refurbishment finished just before lockdown, as tourism to Cambodia has resumed.
Modern amenities like USB charging stations, coffee makers, and pillow-top mattresses have given all 119 of the guestrooms a lighter and brighter appearance.
This month, the venerable Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor in Siem Reap reopened after receiving a renovation that was finished just before lockdown.
Rich in Cambodian history and full of original treasures
Travelers visiting Southeast Asia for the first time in a few years appreciate how empty the destinations are, especially at popular destinations like Angkor Wat. The famous Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor in Siem Reap has reopened this month, showcasing a refurbishment finished just before lockdown, as tourism to Cambodia has resumed.
Modern amenities like USB charging stations, coffee makers, and pillow-top mattresses have given all 119 of the guestrooms a lighter and brighter appearance.
Italian tiling and rain showers have been installed in the bathrooms as upgrades. Redesigned French windows and new writing desks with rotary-dial phones have been added. The hotel's exterior has been painted a bright white.
Combination of classic and modern design
The hotel, which combined elements of Khmer and French colonial architecture and opened in 1932 to accommodate the growing number of visitors to Angkor Wat, was created by renowned French architect and archaeologist Ernest Hebrard. It also featured amenities that were considered cutting-edge at the time, such as ensuite bathrooms.
Charles de Gaulle, Jackie Kennedy, Princess Margaret, and Charlie Chaplin are all listed in the guestbook like a Who's Who. Many of these well-known tourists would still be able to recognize the hotel's beloved original elements, which were kept as part of the renovation, such as the renowned teak and wrought-iron cage elevator, which was quite the technological advance in 1932.
Gourmets will delight in a variety of dining options, including the popular Raffles Afternoon Tea and the Apsara Terrace, Siem Reap’s best cultural dance performance and dinner in the poolside gardens.
Both the renowned Elephant Bar and the tiled foyer still exude an old-fashioned charm. Anyone for a Femme Fatale cocktail? The UNESCO-listed temple complex is 20 minutes away by car from the hotel, which also offers a number of specially crafted activities like early entrance and Vespa tours.
The cost of a room starts at US$350.