Hi,
I've looked at Trip Advisor, but no one has mentioned the deluxe river view rooms, which are the least expensive option. Most people seemed to have taken the garden view or pool area rooms. Is there something wrong with the river view rooms? Generally, a river view room would beat out a garden view room. Thanks for the expert opinions.

Plus, their Discovery package includes a guided tour of Angkor Wat...has anyone taken this and what is your opinion of the guide quality?

We stayed at what I presume (from their website) was a river view room, although I think it was called something else back then. In any case, our view was definitely of the river rather than of the pool or garden.

Friends traveling with us stayed on the ground floor overlooking the garden. The major distinction was indeed...the view.

I assume most visitors to Siem Reap are there for the temples, so will be outside most of the day. Thus the view from the room is fundamentally what you will see on getting up in the morning, and at night. The gardens and pool were really quite dramatic to look at, and the river view is easily seen from the hotel's upstairs terrace lounge (can't remember the name, but the food was superb!)and best during daylight hours.

We did not use a guide whilst there (and one wasn't included..) but judging by the hotel's overall standards I'd recommend you take them up on the offer. And do discuss when you should visit what...a better guide will not only be a mine of information but will be able to point you to the right temples at the right time (crowds, sunsets, etc!)

Do have a good trip!

Thanks Janeasia....it really helps to hear from someone who's been there!

Actually, the hotel rooms are all 45m2 in design and very similar in decor and amenities. The main difference is the location, river side (does not necessary imply that you have the view of the river unless you are on the 1st floor), garden side or pool side. No room is facing another one and the entire property has luxurious garden to ensure privacy. Regarding excursions, all the guides have been specially chosen to work with La Residence d'Angkor and I personally ensure that the service provided are in accordance with our standards to ensure a full cultural experience to my guests. If you have any other specific questions, I am more than happy to answer them. Kind regards, from the General Manager

Thank you Pascal/Deyrolle,
We look forward to our visit with you. We are waiting to book until we hear what your package rate is for the Cultural Discovery, which includes the day tour with the guide. Apparently, you don't have these rates for April yet.

I stayed in a top floor pool view room in 07 on the recommendation of my agent who had visited the property. It was lovely and quiet so if noise is an issue, you may want to check into that.

Dear Barefootbeach,
You can contact me directly at [email protected] if you need more information or would like to correspond directly. This is correct, our rates for the discovery package have not beeen loaded yet for April, but this will be done before X-mas. I look forward to welcoming you to the hotel. I just finished a complete make over of the property (US$4million investment)on the 1st of October this year. The property is now quite spectacular. Kinds regards, Pascal Deyrolle

barefoot, We just came back from spending a few days in Siem Reap and La Residence D'Angkor. We had originally reserved a river view room but then were upgraded to pool view. Because of the dense foliage (which makes for a lovely pool) the pool view room was very dark, and we actually preferred the river view room. We were told that noise could be problematic in the river view rooms but on the scale of urban noise Siem Reap hardly moves the needle. In other words not an issue.

After looking at several regular room, we ultimately opted to pay more for a suite. We (husband and I) were traveling with our 25 year old son. Although the regular room was large enough for three it had a design quirk that made it unsuitable for a family. The shower/bathtub are fully visible from the bedroom. There's a rattan curtain of sorts, but it's not opaque.

The suite was absolutely superb. If you can afford the extra US$$$ or so, go for it. Big room, spacious balcony, one of the best bathrooms I've had ever, anywhere.

I really liked this hotel and would return in a heartbeat. The design aesthetic is sophisticated, elegant; the ambience intimate and serene. Lovely breakfast, good service, very nice pool.

We took tuktuks just about everywhere. Mi Rith, a driver who is in someway associated with the hotel, became "our guy." He was terrific. We chose not to use a guide. Within walking distance of several restaurants and the old part of the town.

We took a look at the Hotel de la Paix which made us really glad that we had chosen La Residence. Modern and art deco yes, but architecturally somewhat "off".

Marmot,
Thanks for updating me on your experience at Residence. I'll have to look at the cost for the suite, but otherwise, I'd ask for a river view room because I don't like dark rooms. Glad you liked the place.
On another topic, I saw you comment a few years back on the Tagu Hotel in Bali...have you seen it recently and if so, do you like it any better? This just surfaced to my attention today as a beach alternative in Bali. We're only going to spend 2 nights at the beach just after we arrive in Bali, so just will probably hang out at the hotel...so all the shopping/restaurants in the Seminyak area may not be needed. I really appreciate all your comments you've made.