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Journeys Within B&B and Bungalows Siem Reap, Cambodia

Of course this is one of our Signature Hotels. In fact it is THE signature hotel! Opened by Brandon and Andrea in 2003, Journeys Within started as simple rooms in the main house, but in 2005 to include bungalows and a beautiful pool as well. The true beauty of Journeys Within…beyond the crystal clear pool, unique showers, delicious food and lovely landscaping…are the staff. Genuine, kind and fun, the Journeys Within team from cooks to guides, are what make the stay such an amazing experience.

Rating: Socks Off
Upside: The service and the experience of being at a hotel that truly cares about the community. Being able to talk to westerners living in the country.
Downside: A little ways out of town so you can't walk to restaurants or shopping.
Insider Tip: Ask Narla to tell you how he came to be a university graduate managing Journeys Within and don't go home without trying the caramel corn.

Karma: Nirvana

We like to think that Journeys Within B&B can be an example for other hotels as they start to integrate local community projects into their business plans and budgets. Journeys Within Our Community was founded by Andrea and Brandon Ross in 2005 and has since then provided scholarships, clean water, microfinance, and free classes to communities in Siem Reap Province and beyond. Journeys Within takes it to the Nirvana level by involving their guests in projects and volunteering and giving them the opportunity to see where their donations are going.

Reviewed by: Andrea Ross

Read comments from guests: Journeys Within B&B and Bungalows

Hotel de la Paix Siem Reap, Cambodia

We watched this hotel get built in Siem Reap and then saw the excellent results that followed, from our guests included. This year we spent our anniversary here and really enjoyed it. The location is fantastic right downtown, with the plus of that being the rooms are amazingly sound proof so despite the town just below you, you wouldn't know it from the room. The rooms are a nice size, simple in décor and the beds are lovely.

The pool is a highlight, with an amazing design that makes it usable in the rain and shine…a real plus in Cambodia. We had dinner at their restaurant and it was excellent with delicious food and a nice atmosphere. Breakfast was also good with a big selection menu as well as a buffet. All in all this is an excellent and trendy choice in the middle of Siem Reap.

Rating: Everything Off
Upside: The location is great and they do a lot of good in the community
Downside: The hotel is a bit pricey and the spa is as well, especially when you can pay $5 across the road!
Insider Tip: There is a dance performance put on by the hotel free of charge, get there early to get a good seat. If you want to have dinner after make sure to make reservations for dinner, it fills up. The spa, though expensive, has a steam room that is free for guests, first come first serve.

Karma: Nirvana

This is a newer hotel in Siem Reap and right from the start they built community action and involvement into their business plan. They encourage their guests to get involved in the projects they support and they come up with clever initiatives to help the community and involve big business. Guests are encouraged to find out about and visit the Hotel de la Paix Sewing Training Center. For just $250 you can support a young woman to attend the school for six months, teaching her a skill that will last a lifetime.

The most interesting initiative Hotel de la Paix had last year was their partnership with MasterCard for Purchase With Purpose. For every stay paid for with MasterCard a bicycle was donated to a local family or student in need. This year they are doing a similar program but giving a bicycle and school supplies. Hotel de la Paix has definitely seized the idea of community involvement and run with it, the best part is they have taken their guests along for the ride.

Reviewed by: Andrea Ross

Read comments from guests: Hotel de la Paix

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Rating: Complete Review Coming Soon

Pavillon d'Orient Siem Reap, Cambodia

First things first, it is located in a pretty out of the way place which is why I think I had never noticed it in my wanderings. It is off road number six, but well past Psah Lure and on the back road to the temple. The bad news is that it is a longer drive to get into town. The good news is that the hotel knows this and to make it a little easier they offer complimentary tuk tuk's from their hotel to town from 6 to 10pm. So really, how can you complain when you can get a free ride?

The distance to town is really the only drawback to this hotel, otherwise it is just fantastic! With beautiful gardens that evoke the same oasis quality we are often getting recognized for, the Pavillon feels like a lovely escape as soon as you walk through the front gate. The lobby is open air, and while I do wonder how they handle the rainy season, this time of year it feels cool and serene. The staff were lovely and polite and seemed genuinely happy to be working there. When asked about her boss, the front desk woman went on and on about how hard he works and what a good job he does. I think staff loyalty says a lot about a place and they were obviously fans of the manager.

The rooms are big with a French feel. The bathrooms have showers and bathtubs and all the rooms have a balcony. The pool is nestled in the gardens and has a lovely waterfall you can hear from the balconies. When I first arrived there was a rather rowdy volleyball game happening across the wall and while I'm all for local ambience it proved to be a bit much for even me, but with the doors closed the noise was shut out and peace and quiet ranged.

We had dinner in the restaurant that night and the food was very good, another plus when you're a little ways from town…just stay in! I had the spaghetti and friends had fried rice, curry and ginger chicken, all enjoyed. Breakfast the next morning was also good, though a touch French for me :-). I did get some bacon though so I was happy!

Karma: Novice

This is a great hotel and whenever I meet the staff they are very happy and appreciative of their work environment, so the management does get credit for creating a great team. Though Pavilion doesn't support many community projects they are getting guests involved by recommending ConCert, a local organization that helps match donors and volunteers with local projects that need their help. Visit ConCert to find out what they're doing. While  the hotel doesn't help on any projects, we do applaud them for partnering with an organization that allows their guests to get involved.

Reviewed by: Andrea Ross

This hotel was built by a wealthy Cambodian business man in honor of his wife, Ms. Sothea. I love that the hotel then celebrates her, women, and Cambodian culture in both its architecture and decoration. The rooms are large and include private butler service. The landscaping, pool and even rooftop gardens are lovely and peaceful and I think this hotel is a great honeymoon or anniversary option, but might not fit in everyone's budget.

Rating: Everything Off
Upside: Beautiful architecture and lovely big rooms.
Downside: A very pricey option compared to similar properties.

Karma: Novice

This hotel loves events and they do a good job of incorporating community outreach into each event: from fashion shows of local fair trade products, to art exhibits featuring local children's art to music put on by non profit bands, they find a way to hold a lot of events and all their events have a community angle. They are a part of ConCert, so guests are pointed in the right direction if they want to give back.

It's also worth saying that this hotel is Cambodian owned and is a real celebration of Cambodian culture. This is a new hotel so I hope that as it grows and becomes a more permanent fixture in Siem Reap they are able to broaden the scope of what they do.

Reviewed by: Andrea Ross
November 2009

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While I generally avoid any hotel with Angkor in its name, this hotel is surprisingly different. Located on the road to Angkor Wat, it has a great location for heading out to the temples and, unlike the other “Angkor” hotels, it has real heart and a very warm atmosphere. The rooms are pretty standard, but very clean and very good value for money. The pool is lovely and I thought their breakfast was very good. When we stayed here we ate dinner at their restaurant which was very good. Overall, this hotel is one of the best “Angkor” hotels out there.

Rating: Socks Off
Upside: Near the temples and a great staff. The family rooms are perfect for ummm…families.
Downside: Still a little generic
Insider Tip: Try the BBQ restaurant nearby. It's delicious. Also a quick walk to the National Museum, which is well worth a visit.

Reviewed by: Andrea Ross
2009

La Villa Battambang, Cambodia

I haven't had a chance to stay at La Villa yet because all my trips to Battambang have been last minute and they're always fully booked! I have had a chance to meet the manager and check out the property and it is a lovely boutique hotel. Located on the river road in an old French colonial building it oozes charm and history. The swimming pool is lovely and I love the glass atrium dining room. Like every other property in Battambang there is construction going on next door, but I think its worth ignoring for the overall charm of this property.

Rating: Socks Off
Upside: It's the best in town…no question.
Downside: Everybody knows it so it can be hard to book

Reviewed by: Andrea Ross
January 2010

This hotel was abandoned by the previous owners and is now being run by a great Cambodian and Australian team. The rooms are a good size, as are the bathrooms and the new managers are getting them clean, but our shower leaked and the grounds of the hotel could use a manicure. The staff were very sweet, but needed uniforms and when the manager was gone it was hard to find someone who spoke English or could solve problems. My kids loved the pool and we really enjoyed our stay here, but I think it needs another six months of finessing before it gets up to par.

Rating: Socks On
Upside: A fantastic Cambodian manager that values customer service.
Downside: The rest of the staff are very sweet, but their English is lacking and it's a bit unorganized.

Reviewed by: Andrea Ross
January 2010

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Amanjaya Phnom Penh, Cambodia

My favorite hotel in Phnom Penh, Amanjaya is a wonderful oasis located on the banks of the Mekong River, walking distance to restaurants and shopping. All the rooms are spacious and have balconies overlooking the street and the river – my highlight stay was during the water festival when we sat on the balcony watching a million people celebrate below and the boats race by on the river. The staff at Amanjaya are wonderfully trained and highly professional, but they have great smiles and a real desire to please. They remember guests names and are a wonderful example of how a boutique hotel should be run.

Rating: Socks Off
Upside: Location is fantastic and the very well run front desk makes life easy.
Downside: Only has double beds and no pool or fitness center

Reviewed by: Andrea Ross

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Under the same ownership as The Pavilion, this property is designed with families and kids in mind. Toys by the pool, big rooms with two double beds, bicycles in the courtyard and all of this on a quiet street away from the hustle and bustle of Phnom Penh. The rooms and bathrooms are very simple, but for families it's the perfect option.

Rating: Socks Off
Upside: Designed for kids.
Downside: No frills. What you see is what you get, and the breakfast is limited.

Reviewed by: Andrea Ross
May 2009

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We've been booking this hotel since it opened and long before the New York Times started raving about it! The rooms are basic, but very clean and the staff is friendly. This is not a luxury hotel and doesn't try to be, it is a charming retreat in the middle of Phnom Penh, nothing more and nothing less.

Rating: Socks Off
Upside: A nice quiet hotel with a pretty pool.
Downside: The beds are hard and breakfast could have more variety.

Karma: Novice

The hotel itself is a great start, a beautifully restored building in Phnom Penh that highlights historical preservation. Pavilion also hires a lot of local staff that they pay fair wages to. They put a lot of money every year into renewable energy solutions and work to keep their hotel environmentally friendly. They don't work with any community programs which is a shame as Phnom Penh is clearly a place that this kind of social support is possible and needed.

Reviewed by: Andrea Ross
2009

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The Quay Hotel Phnom Penh, Cambodia

This is the latest property managed by the FCC and is my favorite so far. At times the room is a bit too trendy for its own good....“How do you shut the curtains and turn on the lights?” The beds though are incredibly comfortable and the view over the river is superb. Enjoy a drink on the roof in the evening or just step outside the front door for all the best restaurants and nightlife in Phnom Penh.

Rating: Socks Off
Upside: Great location right on the river and a trendy rooftop restaurant.
Downside: The front panoramic rooms are great. The back rooms are a bit claustrophobic.
Insider Tip: They only have double beds, no twins. So make sure you're traveling with a bed buddy.

Karma: Nirvana

The FCC properties are a staple of the Cambodian tourism scene and they are also leaders in environmental policy. The Quay Hotel is a perfect example with their commitment to offsetting 100% of their carbon footprint. These calculations are made using established methodologies compliant with international environmental protocols and guests also have the opportunity to calculate their own carbon footprint and learn more about the system of carbon offsets. In addition, The Quay makes an effort to educate guests about carbon friendly efforts they can make to go green.

I tend to dwell on the community aspect of giving back, but I appreciate that The Quay has decided to focus on their environmental impact and not only make an effort to be environmentally friendly, but to help the guests get involved and educated as well.

Reviewed by: Andrea Ross
March 2009

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We spent Mother's Day 2009 at the Sokha Beach and thoroughly enjoyed the family escape. With definitely the prettiest beach in Sihanoukville outside your back door this is a nice hotel to just relax and enjoy the sun, but it does lack some sophistication and class. This is pretty evident at check in thanks to the large dolphin statue looking down over the lobby. The breakfast was good and we enjoyed playing in the pool, but for me this resort is better for a family escape and not ideal for a honeymoon or other more romantic retreat.

Rating: Socks Off
Upside: The beach is beautiful and the children's playground is great for families.
Downside: A bit less chic than Thailand resorts and not that much to do, but then again maybe that's the point.

Reviewed by: Andrea Ross
May 2009