Our contributor checks into the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor to experience why it has been a favourite of travellers to the Angkor temples for almost 100 years. (Left and right images by Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor.)
I recently experienced the world of grand hotels when I checked into Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap. This 93-year-old Cambodian property has been the hotel of choice for discerning travellers to the famous Angkor archaeological site for decades. The property has undergone thoughtful renovation, preserving historic elements and maintaining its heritage, while incorporating modern amenities designed to enhance the guest experience.
A little property history
Opened in 1932, the hotel occupies an important chapter in Cambodia’s history and the golden age of travel. Located next to numerous archaeological sites in Cambodia, the hotel was designed by French architect Ernest Hébrard, who incorporated both Art Deco elements and Khmer architectural features. He created a sophisticated tropical oasis that wasn’t only close to the temples, but also to the waters of Tonle Sap. Over the decades, the hotel has hosted celebrities like Charlie Chaplin, Jacqueline Kennedy, Princess Margaret, and Michelle Obama.
Travel in the golden era from the 19th to the early 20th century was mostly for the well-to-do, as it involved long voyages on ocean-going steamers. Myths and legends about the hotel spread via books and articles written by noted authors who stayed at the property.
Historical accounts from 1909 detail how travellers departed from Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) on the steamer Messageries Fluviales to Phnom Penh, and then on to Siem Reap. From here, it was a bullock cart to their hotel, and from there, guests explored the temples on elephants.
These days, Siem Reap is a flight of a little over two hours on AirAsia from Kuala Lumpur. Raffles staff greet arriving guests and can arrange a variety of comfortable transportation to visit the temples.
Rooms with personality
A hallmark of the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor is the Personality Suites, named after famous guests who have graced the hotel. My suite was named after Henri Marchal (1876-1970), the conservator of the Khmer monuments for many years. All 119 rooms and suites here are elegantly fitted out with period furnishings, including some original detailing.
Afternoon tea, champagne breakfasts & Khmer cuisine
The Conservatory, just beyond the lobby, is home to the Raffles Éclair Afternoon Tea, served with optional flutes of champagne.
During my visit, I attended an exhibition featuring two prominent contemporary painters. The exhibition is part of Raffles’ ongoing art and cultural series. Titled ‘Harmony’, it pays artistic homage to the delicate balance of Cambodia’s natural world, featuring vibrant new works by Siem Reap artists Morn Chear and Nak Noy.
The Conservatory overlooks the pool and gardens and is an ideal space to read, admire the art, savour a drink, enjoy evening piano recitals, or participate in the Raffles Gin Craze.
The Elephant Bar, located next to the lobby, is an atmospheric experience that attracts outsiders seeking a more refined drink than that offered in Siem Reap’s popular Pub Street.
One of my favourite encounters was the gin experience specially curated by Nisha, the hotel’s gin butler. While the hour-long activity cost USD20, it included sampling several gins and concluded with a gin and tonic or martini. The gin and tonic served was made using the hotel’s Elephant Bar Dry Gin, Franklin tonic water, and a pomelo peel garnish, rather than following standard preparation. The bar has an amazing global gin-ventory of 30 gins with an emphasis on locally made interpretations.
The hotel serves Cambodian dishes along with international favourites. Champagne breakfasts, served in Raffles’ Café d’Angkor, are part buffet and part à la carte.
Charles Mignon Premium Réserve Brut is served, alongside Raffles’ famous pancakes and other à la carte breakfast options.
Lunch is also served here with a spicy and fresh salad, the perfectly healthy way to snack before a more substantive dinner.
1932, the in-house fine dining restaurant at the hotel, features Khmer Cuisine, allowing guests to enjoy curated menus that showcase classic Khmer dishes. Several set menus from the hotel’s illustrious past are offered. It was a big decision, choosing between the menus, but I opted for the ‘1960s – The Golden Age’ menu. Cambodia underwent immense growth from 1955 to 1965 under King Sihanouk’s reign. Soon after, in 1967, the former US First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy, visited Cambodia to fulfil her dream of seeing Angkor Wat.
My menu included Cambodian favourites and showcased local ingredients like Kampot pepper, Banteay Srei vanilla, palm sugar, organic rice, and banana flowers. All courses were paired with a superb selection of wines, including champagne.
Relaxation
The 35-metre pool, inspired by Angkor architecture, was a welcome sight after visiting the temples. For something soothing, book a Khmer Boran Massage treatment at the Raffles Spa.
Curated journeys
Guests can join specially curated experiences, such as a sunrise tour of the famous Angkor Wat temple. I joined a Vespa tour, and despite the early wake-up call, the journey and the sun’s rays were both illuminating.
Luxurious & immersive
Raffles Grand d’Angkor is appealing for its personalised service, attention to detail, uncluttered interiors, refined and decadent offerings, and sense of elegance and splendour. It offers more than just luxury; it provides an immersive journey into Cambodia’s storied past, making it an essential destination for discerning travellers seeking both comfort and cultural enrichment.
Getting there: AirAsia is the only airline operating direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and the new airport in Siem Reap. The flight duration is approximately two hours, and booking a hot seat provides additional comfort for passengers.
Visas: Malaysians don’t require a visa to visit Cambodia, but some other nationalities do, and these can be arranged online for USD 30.
Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor
Address: 1 Vithei Charles de Gaulle, Khum Svay Dang Kum, 17252 Siem Reap, Cambodia
Phone: +855 63 963 888
