Jun 20, 2011
Opened in 1932, this charming Raffles outpost is one of Siem Reap’s most established properties; it also boasts the town’s first cage elevator—an elegant, hand-operated structure that continues to ferry guests till this very day. Housed in a restored French colonial building, the historic grande dame is surrounded by 60,000 square meters of manicured greenery, which lends an air of grandeur to the low-rise property. The 119 guest rooms and suites are decked out in the Art Deco style, with polished mahogany floors, four-poster beds and Cambodian artifacts lining the expansive interiors. Plenty of diversions lie within the hotel: take a dip in the 35-meter outdoor pool, savor a signature Airavata cocktail at the Elephant Bar, or enjoy afternoon tea amid the quaint ambience of The Conservatory. The indulgent Amrita Spa, which offers holistic massages and Khmer treatments, is the perfect antidote to a day of temple exploration.
