Hotel Review: Belmond La Résidence d’Angkor, Siem Reap.

Just a ten minute tuk-tuk from Angkor Wat and the huge temple complexes, the oasis of Belmond La Résidence d’Angkor is a welcome haven away from the hustle and bustle of busy Siem Reap. Before I even left Australia to fly to Cambodia I was spending my days staring wistfully at the swimming pool on my computer screen hoping the beauty of it wasn’t just a trick of the photographer. Well, I can tell you straight away…it definitely wasn’t.

Swimming pool at Belmond La Résidence d'Angkor Siem Reap in Cambodia

 

We arrived at Belmond La Résidence d’Angkor to find a low-key wooden entrance way, with smiling staff waiting to greet us with refreshing towelettes soaked in the most joyous fresh scent. We gratefully took them, and slowly walked towards the lobby, in awe of the beauty around us. The ponds flanking the wooden walkway that led from the entrance to the hotel felt so peaceful, and you instantly feel world’s away from the dusty city.
The whole of La Résidence d’Angkor is made from gorgeous dark wood, giving it the most luxurious traditional Cambodian feel. After a swift check-in complete with freshly made mocktails, we were shown to our gorgeous Pool View Junior Suite via the courtyard and swimming pool. We walked past another pond, a few bikes free for guests to use, and then we saw the pool ahead of us peeking out through the trees.
As we got closer we both gasped in unison. The inky water was beautiful, and it looked just like it did in the photos.
We arrived at our room, which was absolutely stunning, with the same dark wood throughout, and crisp linens on the super comfortable beds.
There was plenty of space, with a huge set of drawers, a gorgeous large desk nestled in the corner by the big french doors that opened onto the private balcony that overlooked the pool. There was also a dining table with a platter of fresh fruit.
The bathroom was absolutely huge, and pretty much perfect. Double sinks, a huge bathtub, and two different choices of showers (a rain shower and a normal one). There was a large window from the bathtub into the bedroom, but you could close it with the big wooden sliding door. Inside the bathroom was a large walk-in closet with super cute dusky pink bathrobes.
I loved that they provide full-sized shampoos and conditioners, plenty of bottles of water (the tap water isn’t safe to drink in Cambodia), flannels, and a cute little package filled with different scented bath salts.
At night time the turndown service installed the mosquito nets, which were a little bit of a pain and a little pointless as I kept waking up in the night to find huge gaps in them. Luckily I only got a couple of bites though and so far *touch wood* I haven’t had any dengue or malaria symptoms!
After unpacking we decided to get changed and check out the pool. It was so tranquil and peaceful, and they have a great food and drinks menu. As well as the yummy food and drinks they also bring round complimentary little treats, such as bananas covered in frozen chocolate, mini frozen cheesecakes, and mini mojitos!
Provided next to every sunbed is a hat, fan, a bottle of water, cold flannel, mosquito spray, and sunscreen. I really love it when hotels do this, it’s so simple but makes the experience so much more special! The pool was the perfect place to cool off and relax after our mornings exploring the temples, and on our last day the serenity of it was very welcome after our crazy 4am start for the sunrise over Angkor Wat! We also tested out a couple of the massages, which were excellent, and the spa even has a gorgeous indoor swimming pool for you to relax in after your massage.
The breakfast was one of my favourite things about the hotel, and while they had an excellent selection of fresh fruit, pastries, and cheeses & meats…the a la carte menu was where it was at! I tried the Waffles on the first day, and the Crepes on the second. But because I like to mix my sweet with my savoury I also ordered hash browns with each on the side. Clare had the Waffles one day and the Cooked Breakfast the next. Each dish was so incredibly delicious! I think the crepes were definitely my fave though.
You could choose to either sit inside the gorgeous restaurant for breakfast, or outside by the ponds. We tested both, and outside was our favourite despite the insane 37 degree C heat. It was just so peaceful and lovely.

I also want to just give a special shout-out to the amazing staff at the Belmond, during our five nights in Cambodia everyone we came across was so SO nice. The staff honestly couldn’t do enough for us, and everyone always had a friendly smile on their face and a hello. When we checked out they kindly gave us a red friendship bracelet that had been blessed by a monk for safe travels, and a small bag of Cambodian pepper. Unfortunately I couldn’t take the pepper back to Australia with me because they’re super strict about that sort of stuff, so I gave mine to Clare as the UK are a little more lenient!Our entire stay at Belmond La Résidence d’Angkor was so relaxing, and from start to finish the staff were just incredible. There’s no doubt that this is a very special hotel, their hospitality was some of the best I have ever experienced, and the hotel really is perfect for getting away from the busy streets of Siem Reap and the crowds at the temples of Angkor.

If you’re heading to Siem Reap soon and want to stay at Belmond La Résidence d’Angkor, check out the prices for your dates here*!

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Pin For Later: A relaxing stay at the stunning oasis, Belmond La Résidence d'Angkor in Siem Reap, Cambodia!

 

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Our stay was complimentary, however we paid for our own food and massages


*I use affiliate links with Skimlinks and Booking.com, this doesn’t cost you any extra, the company just give me a few pennies every time you book something through one of my links 🙂

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Catherine Lux
Catherine Lux

Catherine Lux is a veteran travel blogger by night and the Head of Content Marketing at Amazon by day. Originally from Surrey, she spent four years living in Australia (2007-2009, and 2016-2018), and now lives in London. An ex-party girl sometimes prone to relapses, she loves nothing more than sharing her fine dining and luxury travel experiences with her loyal readers.

Find me on: Web | Instagram

12 Comments

  1. angloyankophile
    May 18, 2017 / 9:50 am

    the pool looks beautiful! I've always wanted to visit Cambodia – bookmarking this for when we finally get aruond to it!

  2. Reena LifestyleEnthusiast
    May 18, 2017 / 11:28 am

    This looks incredible! I went to Siem Reap in 2012 but reading your post made me so keen to go back, Belmond hotels are consistently wonderful but this one looked especially pretty! Cambodian people are so kind and warm and it seems like you have really experienced that. Oh and THAT pool is stunning!!

  3. Emma @ AdventuresofaLondonKiwi
    May 18, 2017 / 11:51 am

    This not only looks beautiful, but those little touches like the sunscreen really make this so special!

  4. MummyTravels
    May 22, 2017 / 5:59 pm

    Oh wow this looks amazing – all your posts are getting me so excited for my Cambodia trip. Not staying anywhere quite so swanky I'm afraid though…

  5. Angie SilverSpoon
    May 25, 2017 / 9:43 am

    Looks dreamy especially the pool!! I'd love to go to Siem Reap one day.

  6. Catherine Lux
    July 6, 2017 / 10:48 am

    It's such an incredible hotel – the pool was just absolute perfection! x

  7. Catherine Lux
    July 6, 2017 / 10:48 am

    Yup! We seriously struggled to leave haha x

  8. Catherine Lux
    July 6, 2017 / 10:49 am

    So true, I love it when hotels provide the little 'by the pool' kit, it's so simple but make the visit so much more special! x

  9. Catherine Lux
    July 6, 2017 / 10:49 am

    I'm wanting to go back myself now haha! The hotel really was stunning, it's made me want to stay in more Belmond properties now! x

  10. Catherine Lux
    July 6, 2017 / 10:50 am

    Doooooo it! Such an amazing place! x

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