Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor

Reopened after a big renovation in 2019, the Raffles is set within 15 acres of beautifully landscaped French gardens and retains an old-world classical ambiance.

• The retro-elegant façade and historical heritage
• The hotel's lush pool area and pristine gardens
• Cocktails at Elephant Bar in the evenings
• Strategic location between the temples and Siem Reap’s blossoming nightlife
• The expansive pool villas with patios

Set within 15 acres of beautifully landscaped French gardens, the town’s colonial grand dame hotel remains elegant and spacious. First opened in 1932, the Grand Hotel d’Angkor hosted the earliest travelers to the Angkor Temples, including luminaries like Jackie Onassis. A recent renovation, completed in 2019, spruced up the common spaces, including the legendary Elephant Bar, making everything look polished and updated but without sacrificing any of the old-world ambience.

The lobby abounds with such charming retro touches as a wrought-iron elevator built in 1929 and black-and-white marble floors. Elegant four-poster beds add to the aura. Surrounded by frangipani trees, the pool offers relaxing relief after morning excursions to the temples and more of a resort/oasis vibe than some of the newer properties that don't have such expansive grounds. In fact, sports enthusiasts should note that in addition to the fitness center, there are two tennis courts on-property. Recline on the sun loungers then wander through the aromatic tropical gardens before sunset cocktails in the Elephant Bar or drinks and bites in the Conservatory, followed by Royal Khmer Cuisine at 1932 or a more casual meal of Asian and Continental dishes at Cafe d'Angkor.

Note: There is a wide range of accommodation from basic rooms to signature suites. The top options are the two-bedroom villas in the garden.

Travelers who want a lot of space around their pool or who are seeking out Colonial heritage hotels throughout their Asian travels. Families will appreciate the large swimming pool and gardens.