As I landed into hot and humid Siem Reap, a representative from Le Méridien Angkor took my luggage, offered me a cold towel and water, and got me hooked on mobile wi-fi in a jiffy. I was then asked if I wanted to drive slowly by the picturesque Angkor Wat area to soak it all up en route to the hotel, and so we did. The Le Méridien brand is all about discovering the locale, so for three days, the hotel helped me see clearly what the ancient Cambodian city has to offer. Read more…
Located a few minutes away from both the Angkor Wat and the city center, the Le Meridien Angkor is nothing like the typical boxy city hotel. The three-floor property sprawls across a big parcel of land, amid gardens, lawns, and courtyards, and it exudes a charming heritage appeal.
The Le Méridien is part of the renowned Starwood Hotels and Resorts portfolio, alongside esteemed brands like the W, St. Regis, Westin, and Sheraton. The style of its luxury and upscale properties worldwide is a blend of contemporary culture and European heritage that “creates a culturally refined, meaningful, and stimulating atmosphere.” And the one in Siem Reap is no exception—they were able to successfully integrate Khmer culture with European flair.
I was billeted in a spacious Superior Room reserved for Starwood Preferred Guests; thus, the room commands a full view of the hotel’s beautiful courtyard. The room is described as:
Rich timber floors, vibrant colour silks reflect Le Méridien’s European DNA, while Khmer stone motifs reflect the amazing civilization that once existed in Cambodia. Le Méridien Angkor Hotel features 101 Superior Rooms with 36 square meters, a peaceful garden view, and a choice of king or twin beds. In-room electronic safe, complimentary tea + coffee making facilities, refreshment centre, relax sofa, bathrobes, and slippers are provided.
In this era of hotels edging out one another in terms of modern design, I surely welcomed how the room had elements of the local culture and a total classic appeal. I’d like to note, however, that the room, by no means, felt old—it felt like the contrary, actually. The comfortable bed, the soothing shower, and its other features are what to be expected of upscale hotels.
Breakfast is served at the Angkor Royal Café, the hotel’s main restaurant that offers a splendid garden view. Its selection, fit for a five-star hotel, includes Western, Asian, and Khmer food.
Aside from a total of six restaurants and bars that serve “the best cuisine in Siem Reap,” the hotel boasts of a business center, a fitness center, and meeting and events facilities. What I loved most among its facilities was the scenic swimming pool inspired by Angkor architecture.
Another admirable aspect about the hotel is that it offers a wide array of services geared towards travelers. The concierge is especially helpful in arranging excursions to the Angkor Wat and other attractions, as well as making reservations for the shows in town. Likewise, the hotel offers free entry to the factory of Sombai Infused Rice Spirit as part of Le Méridien’s Unlock Art Program, which provides access to contemporary cultural centers around the world.
Spending two nights at the Le Méridien Angkor was nothing short of wonderful. Apart from the traveler-oriented services and facilities it offers, the hotel’s impressive style, design, and architecture make it the most fitting base for exploring Siem Reap.
LE MERIDIEN ANGKOR
Vithei Charles de Gaulle, Khum Svay Dang Kum, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Telephone: +855 63 963 900
Email: reservations.angkor@lemeridien.com
Website: www.lemeridienangkor.com
Social Media: Facebook and Instagram
