Help-I'm having 2nd thoughts about HDLP even though I'm booked there for Dec. La Residence just looks like it has much more local ambiance rather than a trendy "W" type look and I've since read another good report on it. What do you recommend for a single woman who, after seeing the temples, would like to use the pool/spa and shop? La Residence looks so romantic that I thought it might be all couples/honeymooners.

Hmm... La Residence is a bit further from the main shopping area around the old market than the HDLP, but I would say it's still walk-able.

You're right that it looks like it has a bit more local flavor, but I haven't stayed there and it has a big wall around it (kind of like the Aman) so I don't know what it's really like inside.

Hi There.
I stayed at La Residence 2.5 years ago and really liked it. It ranks very highly in my list of hotels I am very fond of. It is very well designed and decorated, very tasteful, lovely large rooms with huge marble tubs, lots of wood and linen - trés naturelle et chaleureux.
I did not get the impression it was all honeymooners/couples. Pretty sure there were some single women.

Did not try the spa but loved the restaurant and if I have any complaint it is that once when we wanted to eat there it was full up. It is however within easy walking distance to other restaurants, shops etc.
The pool is lovely and it does have a lovely ambiance, more like a boutique hotel with someone every evening playing music in the courtyard. It seemed fairly low key with a rather quiet bar- maybe just the time when we went to it though. Did not compare it to others though except in pre-trip research.

Bon Voyage!

don't get all excited about the SR shopping....it is very limited...

Thanks for the replies and it does look great from the website and the TA I ended up using is visiting this week and likes it a lot, more than HDLP. There is no spa but you can get in-room treatments.