This will be extensive as it is truly the most memorable visit to any hotel we have had in Asia/USA/Europe/Canada/Russia, and I have to share it!
I read recently "there's a magic about Cambodia that casts a spell on many who visit this kingdom" - it certainly is true about any stay you will have in this hotel.....this is the most magical hotel, with unbelievable staff.
We planned a journey to Thailand, Cambodia and Dubai, and agreed to spend 3 nights in Cambodia - what a bad mistake!! Cambodia, plus this Hotel made us realise we should have spent much longer here. I am very selective when choosing hotels as I'm generally travelling for the majority of the year due to business commitments I would say this is the 1st time that I have stayed in a hotel which is perfect in every way.
We booked one of the rooms which included executive lounge access, plus Airport transfers. When we arrived we were greeted at the Airport with the smiling face of Jacky (who would prove to be the most invaluable of Hosts) and our driver Mr Prang, we were offered lovely cold towels and bottled water. On arrival at the hotel we were greeted with more smiles from staff and presented with a Jasmin garland. As we checked in we were giving a refreshing drink and a local delicacy to taste. We already felt like royalty. We were then taken to our room! The room included a wonderful terrace with a beautiful, swing bed - which was great to use while sipping wine while enjoying the sunset. It was a massive room with a huge comfortable bed decorated with fresh lotus flowers and an enormous bathroom again with fresh lotus flowers ,a beautiful welcoming note from the General Manager Mr Hang, together with a bottle of Champagne and a magnificent arrangement of fruit. Every night we'd be left fresh fruit and treats in our fridge, and one evening a lovely complimentary bottle of wine. The mini bar? did I mention this is free and daily re-stocked!!. When you arrive home after a day at the Temples you find your bath has been filled for you, with fresh lotus petals its absolutely breathtaking.
The package includes the following unbelievable complimentary perks: 1. Spa Treatment which was amazing. 2. Picnic - this was really the stuff of romance, the staff haven taken careful note of dietary requirements. 3. Dinner for two - again absolutely perfect - the chef is amazing, and how often does a chef come over and ask if everything is fine, and actually sounds like he means it? 4. Permanent driver on call Mr Prang was fantastic, ever so patient when we decided we would explore Pub Street and he would wait as long as we wanted. 5. Tour Guide - again Mr Sambock was the perfect guide. 6. Complimentary pre dinner drinks, and wow do these boys know how to make cocktails - never mind the Singapore Sling - the Cambodia Sling is the thing to have. What makes this place very special is the staff, how many places do you visit when a smiling girl greets you in the morning to ask if you have slept well? The staff remembr exactly how you like your eggs each morning, and everyone calls you by name?Our sincere thanks go to Jacky our personal Host, who was the perfect coordinator and provided suggestions for timings to Spa treatments to organising the temple visits, and the multitude of other things he organised, always with this most exceptional smiling face. Yes I would encourage anyone to stay here and meet the charming Chandra and his colleagues in the bar, the wonderful Heat Srong, who as Director of Food & Beverage ensures that the most amazing food is available. The wonderful staff who look after your room, the patient driver Mr Prang either waiting for us outside bars or handing out bottles of much appreciated water and cold towels at the temples, and of course Jacky - these are all very special people, who ensure you have a wonderful time. It is truly the most amazing experience we have had.
The touching parting gift of 2 beautiful silk scarfs which we will treasure.
Regrets/negatives: only one - that our flight was not cancelled on Xmas Eve and we could have stayed longer. It is the only time I have had tears running down my face as the plane took off, as I truly did not want to leave both Cambodia and this Hotel.
If you want to feel special, enjoy a wonderful place, meet fantastic people such as Mr Hang, Mr Hy, Mr Khoun, Mr Ry & Mr Srong who unlike other Management in Hotels actually take the time to meet you then this is definitely the place to go.
I cannot rate this Hotel highly enough - my only regret will be if after this review there is no vacancies when I return. You could stay at one of the International Chain Hotels - but having experienced this level of hospitality at this Khmer run hotel I would sincerely wonder why anyone would? It would be unfair of me to compare as clearly I have no knowledge of any other, however I can say you will have the most wonderful unique experience here.
Final note of sincere thanks to Jacky for arranging the very special private visit we made on Xmas Eve - thank you it meant so much to us.
My apologies to all the people who's name I did not manage to get a note of - and thank you to all.
PS Apart from the obvious Temples which are amazing, spend some time at night at the Night Market and meet more incredible people, finally join in the fun at Pub Street.