Second Guessing Siem Reap Hotel (HDLP)
Jan 30th, 2008, 10:47 AM
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Second Guessing Siem Reap Hotel (HDLP)
We will be in SR for three nights in March. We have booked the Hotel de la Paix (HDLP), for $735 for three nights, including breakfasts and one Khmer set dinner.
Other hotels we're considering are the Shinta Mani (~$120/night), the Bopha Angkor (~$70/night), or the relatively new Viroth's Hotel (~$60/night). For some reason neither the Victoria Angkor or the FCC Angkor really appeal to me.
We want clean accommodation with nice bathrooms and prefer a place with wireless internet. We would prefer to avoid hotels with too many families with young children.
On one hand, I am second-guessing our choice of the HDLP. I do not know if it is socially responsible to stay in such an expensive hotel in a place like SR. (I don't know if "socially responsible" is the right term, but do you know what I mean?)
On the other hand, HDLP was our "splurge" hotel because we are staying at more moderate hotels in Tokyo (Park Hotel Tokyo), Hong Kong (Salisbury YMCA), and Bangkok (Adelphi Suites).
On the other-other hand, we are attending a somewhat-unexpected destination wedding in Italy in May/June and wouldn't mind saving some $$.
I don't know what to do. Any insight?
Thanks!
Liz
Other hotels we're considering are the Shinta Mani (~$120/night), the Bopha Angkor (~$70/night), or the relatively new Viroth's Hotel (~$60/night). For some reason neither the Victoria Angkor or the FCC Angkor really appeal to me.
We want clean accommodation with nice bathrooms and prefer a place with wireless internet. We would prefer to avoid hotels with too many families with young children.
On one hand, I am second-guessing our choice of the HDLP. I do not know if it is socially responsible to stay in such an expensive hotel in a place like SR. (I don't know if "socially responsible" is the right term, but do you know what I mean?)
On the other hand, HDLP was our "splurge" hotel because we are staying at more moderate hotels in Tokyo (Park Hotel Tokyo), Hong Kong (Salisbury YMCA), and Bangkok (Adelphi Suites).
On the other-other hand, we are attending a somewhat-unexpected destination wedding in Italy in May/June and wouldn't mind saving some $$.
I don't know what to do. Any insight?
Thanks!
Liz
Jan 30th, 2008, 11:25 AM
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The HDLP gives very large commissions to travel agents, so a lot of US travelers end up staying there because their travel agents get bigger commissions. IMO it's very over-priced, I looked at it but found it too 'trendy' for our tastes... very 'cold' decor & the restaurant ostentatious.
We get Conde Nast Traveler magazine & they just rated their GOLD LIST & TOP HOTELS, and Raffles Grand d'Angkor beats HDLP in every category (service, rooms, ambiance, value, etc.). Raffles Grand d'Angkor came in #6 for ALL Asian hotels. HDLP was way down the list.
We booked Raffles Grand d'Angkor DIRECTLY via the hotel (and got a better deal than AsiaRooms.com). For either a Landmark (canopy bed) or a poolside cabana room (we chose this category due to my handicap) we are paying $295 w/ 2 breakfasts for two nights & $225 w/ 2 breakfasts for the other nights, plus a dinner for two, drinks for two & hot air balloon over Angkor Wat for two one day & r/t transfer to the airport.
This was a special package I negotiated directly with them.
If you are going in mid-March the prices will be higher because Cambodian New Year is in mid-March & the hotel rates go up in REP during mid-March. We depart REP March 2.
For a more reasonably priced hotel think about Journeys-Within... they are a boutique hotel w/ lovely Khmer artifacts in the rooms, A/C, garden w/ saltwater pool, FREE laundry, also good food & massage... owned by a US woman & her UK husband. They also are involved w/ charitable work & you can donate funds for a well or other stuff. Checkout their website.
I remember reading in CNT magazine last year that some large, western hotel chains are 'green' & have policies that help the locals... Sofitel is one of them & they are in REP & have lower rates than Raffles & supposedly the best French restaurant in REP. It's too big for us & too spread out... a lot of walking.
But, if you want to stay at a hotel whose owners are involved w/ local charities, then Journeys-Within.com is what you want... they also do tours in Cambodia & Vietnam. CNT rated the US owner the top travel agent expert for Cambodia... she lives in REP part of the year & part of the year near Sacramento. Her husband is there all-year around.
It's a boutique hotel with duplex/quadraplex villas w/ really lovely furnishings.
We get Conde Nast Traveler magazine & they just rated their GOLD LIST & TOP HOTELS, and Raffles Grand d'Angkor beats HDLP in every category (service, rooms, ambiance, value, etc.). Raffles Grand d'Angkor came in #6 for ALL Asian hotels. HDLP was way down the list.
We booked Raffles Grand d'Angkor DIRECTLY via the hotel (and got a better deal than AsiaRooms.com). For either a Landmark (canopy bed) or a poolside cabana room (we chose this category due to my handicap) we are paying $295 w/ 2 breakfasts for two nights & $225 w/ 2 breakfasts for the other nights, plus a dinner for two, drinks for two & hot air balloon over Angkor Wat for two one day & r/t transfer to the airport.
This was a special package I negotiated directly with them.
If you are going in mid-March the prices will be higher because Cambodian New Year is in mid-March & the hotel rates go up in REP during mid-March. We depart REP March 2.
For a more reasonably priced hotel think about Journeys-Within... they are a boutique hotel w/ lovely Khmer artifacts in the rooms, A/C, garden w/ saltwater pool, FREE laundry, also good food & massage... owned by a US woman & her UK husband. They also are involved w/ charitable work & you can donate funds for a well or other stuff. Checkout their website.
I remember reading in CNT magazine last year that some large, western hotel chains are 'green' & have policies that help the locals... Sofitel is one of them & they are in REP & have lower rates than Raffles & supposedly the best French restaurant in REP. It's too big for us & too spread out... a lot of walking.
But, if you want to stay at a hotel whose owners are involved w/ local charities, then Journeys-Within.com is what you want... they also do tours in Cambodia & Vietnam. CNT rated the US owner the top travel agent expert for Cambodia... she lives in REP part of the year & part of the year near Sacramento. Her husband is there all-year around.
It's a boutique hotel with duplex/quadraplex villas w/ really lovely furnishings.
Jan 30th, 2008, 11:26 AM
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Liz,
It all depends on your preference for comfort level.
We stayed at Bopha, which was nice enough...but far from very nice...and no wireless internet at all. In fact, using the prehistoric computer in the lobby was a bit unnerving at times when trying to get in touch with loved ones.
HDLP is a beautiful hotel...and if it's social reponsibility you're worried about, you needn't be there. They have many prominent programs in place that both support and foster the local workforce and economy. They pay back to the community and that's one thing I've always admired about that hotel, given how lush it is.
I think, if anything, you're choosing a very socially conscious hotel.
Sure, it's flashy, but it can be nice to have that respite in a somewhat frenetic, hot, and crazy city. It's a bit of an oasis right in the middle of the city--easily accessible to most everywhere you'd want to walk to.
I'm still a big advocate of the Bopha myself, but you certainly get what you pay for there. We spent about $65/night there and definitely found it to be really pleasant for the price--but you won't get any luxuries there if that's what you're looking for.
Maybe a better question is: do you want a rougher, local experience? Or are you looking for a little luxury there? Arguments can be made for both--and there are plenty of choices lodging-wise for both as well.
Good luck picking a place!
It all depends on your preference for comfort level.
We stayed at Bopha, which was nice enough...but far from very nice...and no wireless internet at all. In fact, using the prehistoric computer in the lobby was a bit unnerving at times when trying to get in touch with loved ones.
HDLP is a beautiful hotel...and if it's social reponsibility you're worried about, you needn't be there. They have many prominent programs in place that both support and foster the local workforce and economy. They pay back to the community and that's one thing I've always admired about that hotel, given how lush it is.
I think, if anything, you're choosing a very socially conscious hotel.
Sure, it's flashy, but it can be nice to have that respite in a somewhat frenetic, hot, and crazy city. It's a bit of an oasis right in the middle of the city--easily accessible to most everywhere you'd want to walk to.
I'm still a big advocate of the Bopha myself, but you certainly get what you pay for there. We spent about $65/night there and definitely found it to be really pleasant for the price--but you won't get any luxuries there if that's what you're looking for.
Maybe a better question is: do you want a rougher, local experience? Or are you looking for a little luxury there? Arguments can be made for both--and there are plenty of choices lodging-wise for both as well.
Good luck picking a place!
Jan 30th, 2008, 11:32 AM
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Interesting, but one thing I doubt that Raffles beats HDLP in is location. It's a bit outside the city center. Great if you want to be isolated--not great for exploring the city by foot.
Liz, you'll find the great HDLP vs Raffles debate alive and well on many other posts here, so you might want to check out some of those threads for some additional info.
Liz, you'll find the great HDLP vs Raffles debate alive and well on many other posts here, so you might want to check out some of those threads for some additional info.
Jan 30th, 2008, 12:10 PM
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We stayed at the HDLP shortly after it opened two years ago and enjoyed it very much. $735 seems like a good rate especially with breakfast and one dinner included. I assume it does not include the additional 12% in taxes. Everyone deserves a splurge while on vacation so I say go for it. As filmwell says, the HDLP is a good citizen of the community and the location is excellent.
On tripadvisor.com, HDLP is the #1 ranked hotel while the Raffles is ranked #25. I have neither seen nor stayed at the Raffles but I do know that it is about twice the size of HDLP. Shinta Mani and Viroth's are ranked #7 and #8 respectively.
Even if you don't stay at HDLP, do try dinner at Meric there - you'll get a good feel for the hotel as well as enjoying a fabulous meal.
On tripadvisor.com, HDLP is the #1 ranked hotel while the Raffles is ranked #25. I have neither seen nor stayed at the Raffles but I do know that it is about twice the size of HDLP. Shinta Mani and Viroth's are ranked #7 and #8 respectively.
Even if you don't stay at HDLP, do try dinner at Meric there - you'll get a good feel for the hotel as well as enjoying a fabulous meal.
Jan 30th, 2008, 12:55 PM
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As far as social responsibility goes, the HDLP is pretty good imo. They have quite a few options for tourists to contribute to the local community if desired. Bed Management, the group that owns/operates HDLP and Shinta Mani, provides hospitality industry training at Shinta Mani.
The price you got at the HDLP is quite good as well. The location is very good - you'll be able to walk to restaurants and the market/river area in a very short amount of time.
The price you got at the HDLP is quite good as well. The location is very good - you'll be able to walk to restaurants and the market/river area in a very short amount of time.
Jan 30th, 2008, 12:59 PM
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I loved the HDLP...I thought both the design and service were lovely.
That being said when/if I go back to SR I will likley stay at the Shinta Mani or FCC for a lot less $$$ and donate the difference to the Ponheary Ly foundation for cambodian school children. Not anything against the HDLP, its just that after I visited the school with Ponheary, I saw everything in terms of $12 increments....which is what it costs to send a child to school for one year....and I wish I could have donated more than I did.
Just my 2 cents...
That being said when/if I go back to SR I will likley stay at the Shinta Mani or FCC for a lot less $$$ and donate the difference to the Ponheary Ly foundation for cambodian school children. Not anything against the HDLP, its just that after I visited the school with Ponheary, I saw everything in terms of $12 increments....which is what it costs to send a child to school for one year....and I wish I could have donated more than I did.
Just my 2 cents...
Jan 30th, 2008, 02:32 PM
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Thank you for all of the responses!
Oksana-- I think that Raffles looks lovely but it's even more than HDLP. Thanks for the recommendation. Same with Journeys Within. How far from the town center is it?
filmwill-- you seem to understand our struggle. We don't need luxury but we want to be comfortable. We don't <b>need</b> internet but it's so nice to have! You only paid $65/night at the Bopha, but you had an amazing upgrade, lucky you!
Craig and Kim- Thanks for your comments as well. I think that we did get a good price, and it looks so nice, <b>but</b>
cruisnred's comments outline exactly how I suspect we'll feel.
I wish the Shinta Mani's website was working! Ugh.
The FCC isn't pricing out much lower than HDLP, so if the prices are close (under $100 difference/night) we'll most likely stick with HDLP since it's our "splurge" hotel.
Thanks again, all!
Oksana-- I think that Raffles looks lovely but it's even more than HDLP. Thanks for the recommendation. Same with Journeys Within. How far from the town center is it?
filmwill-- you seem to understand our struggle. We don't need luxury but we want to be comfortable. We don't <b>need</b> internet but it's so nice to have! You only paid $65/night at the Bopha, but you had an amazing upgrade, lucky you!
Craig and Kim- Thanks for your comments as well. I think that we did get a good price, and it looks so nice, <b>but</b>
cruisnred's comments outline exactly how I suspect we'll feel.
I wish the Shinta Mani's website was working! Ugh.
The FCC isn't pricing out much lower than HDLP, so if the prices are close (under $100 difference/night) we'll most likely stick with HDLP since it's our "splurge" hotel.
Thanks again, all!
Jan 30th, 2008, 02:37 PM
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Also, Bill, your comment below sums up what drew me to HDLP.
<i>Sure, it's flashy, but it can be nice to have that respite in a somewhat frenetic, hot, and crazy city. It's a bit of an oasis right in the middle of the city--easily accessible to most everywhere you'd want to walk to.</i>
<i>Sure, it's flashy, but it can be nice to have that respite in a somewhat frenetic, hot, and crazy city. It's a bit of an oasis right in the middle of the city--easily accessible to most everywhere you'd want to walk to.</i>
Jan 30th, 2008, 05:46 PM
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I stayed at the Bopha Angkor 18 months ago, and found it delightful, despite the lack of wireless internet (but what do you expect for $60-70 a night?). The pool area was wonderful and secluded.
But I also checked out the FCC, which is just down the road. Best food in Siem Reap, in my opnion, and at night it is very romantic, especially outdoors with candles, water features and paper lanterns.
The accommodation varies, but all the rooms are good - and the pool is wonderful.
It's also very centrally located, so you can walk everywhere.
But I also checked out the FCC, which is just down the road. Best food in Siem Reap, in my opnion, and at night it is very romantic, especially outdoors with candles, water features and paper lanterns.
The accommodation varies, but all the rooms are good - and the pool is wonderful.
It's also very centrally located, so you can walk everywhere.
Jan 30th, 2008, 07:33 PM
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Liz,
Glad I could provide some inspiration...I think you should stick there--you guys will really enjoy it.
Also, follow Mitch's suggestion and have dinner one night at FCC--it's really pretty and the food, some of which was hit or miss for us, was still pretty good.
When do you guys leave? So exciting that it's almost here!
Just got back last night from a quick 24hr stopover in Minneapolis for work--and I couldn't believe it was actually negative 20something last night! Keep warm!!
Glad I could provide some inspiration...I think you should stick there--you guys will really enjoy it.
Also, follow Mitch's suggestion and have dinner one night at FCC--it's really pretty and the food, some of which was hit or miss for us, was still pretty good.
When do you guys leave? So exciting that it's almost here!
Just got back last night from a quick 24hr stopover in Minneapolis for work--and I couldn't believe it was actually negative 20something last night! Keep warm!!
Jan 31st, 2008, 07:32 AM
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Thanks, Bill. You are making me feel more confident about our choice (as are the others). I think since we gave up the Peninsula in Bangkok for a hotel more than $200 less per night, we'll stick with our SR splurge.
I am so sorry you had to visit the Twin Cities in this cold spell. We don't see windchills of -40F (also -40C for the non-American readers) very often. It's horrible!
Cicerone mentioned weather 48F in HK and how it seemed cold... That's 50 degrees warmer than it is in Minneapolis right now!
Hopefully when it's warmer and you're in town for longer we can meet up.
Liz
I am so sorry you had to visit the Twin Cities in this cold spell. We don't see windchills of -40F (also -40C for the non-American readers) very often. It's horrible!
Cicerone mentioned weather 48F in HK and how it seemed cold... That's 50 degrees warmer than it is in Minneapolis right now!
Hopefully when it's warmer and you're in town for longer we can meet up.
Liz
Jan 31st, 2008, 02:01 PM
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Michael,
According to the Khmers who work at Raffles, the Cambodian New Year is in mid-March this year... this is NOT from the French or Arabic managers, but the Khmers who work in reservations. Their calendar may not be the same length as ours, similar to the Rosh Hashannah falling on a different day each year.
Tim & Liz,
Journeys-Within has a toll free 800 number on their website, call them & ask them how faraway they are from what you want. I don't know if you want close or faraway... Check out their website & call them... for free.
Raffles is across the street from the Royal Gardens & is on 15 acres of gardens... and it's close to Angkor Wat... Also, I like the historical ambiance of the hotel (the history of the Elephant Bar, Jackie Kennedy, the Landmark Rooms w/ canopy beds) from its colonial heyday... and the fact that the whole hotel is enclosed, so there's A/C when walking from one's room to the dining areas & the front desk (unlike the Sofitel which is open air).. it's also handicapped accessible for me... The HDLP is a nightmare of stairs; in the restaurant (w/ seating cushions on the floor-- impossible on my back injury), in the lobby, in some of the suites & horribly all over the pool area, including having to climb up to a platform to access a chaise. Stairs to the spa... IMO, it's an architect's fantasy & serves only to keep disabled, handicapped, injured or elderly away. I hope you like stairs.
Craig,
As far as a Trip Advisor rating... hmmm, how do I say this diplomatically? I think one needs to consider the source of who is rating/posting on T/A... lots of people who are looking for a bargain & some who have not traveled very much.
Quite frankly, I started asking for advice here & stopped on T/A, as I was tired of nasty posts (the sort you'd expect on ThornTree) telling me I should 'go eat street food' when I asked for highend French/international restaurant recommendations in BKK.
I love Kris' quote on her trip report website about staying in a decent hotel & eating good food because 'she can AFFORD IT.'
Amen.
According to the Khmers who work at Raffles, the Cambodian New Year is in mid-March this year... this is NOT from the French or Arabic managers, but the Khmers who work in reservations. Their calendar may not be the same length as ours, similar to the Rosh Hashannah falling on a different day each year.
Tim & Liz,
Journeys-Within has a toll free 800 number on their website, call them & ask them how faraway they are from what you want. I don't know if you want close or faraway... Check out their website & call them... for free.
Raffles is across the street from the Royal Gardens & is on 15 acres of gardens... and it's close to Angkor Wat... Also, I like the historical ambiance of the hotel (the history of the Elephant Bar, Jackie Kennedy, the Landmark Rooms w/ canopy beds) from its colonial heyday... and the fact that the whole hotel is enclosed, so there's A/C when walking from one's room to the dining areas & the front desk (unlike the Sofitel which is open air).. it's also handicapped accessible for me... The HDLP is a nightmare of stairs; in the restaurant (w/ seating cushions on the floor-- impossible on my back injury), in the lobby, in some of the suites & horribly all over the pool area, including having to climb up to a platform to access a chaise. Stairs to the spa... IMO, it's an architect's fantasy & serves only to keep disabled, handicapped, injured or elderly away. I hope you like stairs.
Craig,
As far as a Trip Advisor rating... hmmm, how do I say this diplomatically? I think one needs to consider the source of who is rating/posting on T/A... lots of people who are looking for a bargain & some who have not traveled very much.
Quite frankly, I started asking for advice here & stopped on T/A, as I was tired of nasty posts (the sort you'd expect on ThornTree) telling me I should 'go eat street food' when I asked for highend French/international restaurant recommendations in BKK.
I love Kris' quote on her trip report website about staying in a decent hotel & eating good food because 'she can AFFORD IT.'
Amen.
Jan 31st, 2008, 03:58 PM
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According to every source I've checked, Khmer New Year holidays in 2008 are April 13 - 16.
The HDLP gets very good reviews. While we were in Siem Reap, we met a couple who was staying there. They really enjoyed it, especially the breakfasts. They said the pool was nice enough, if a bit small and designed more for dipping rather than swimming. You will appreciate having a retreat from the heat that is nice.
In terms of proximity to Angkor Wat, hotel location is moot because you aren't going to walk there from any of the hotels...it's too hot and too far. The HDLP has a great location very near to the old market area...walkable in 3 minutes...with lots of shops and restaurants.
I think you will enjoy the HDLP...it's a very nice splurge, and an affordable one, too. You got a great rate.
The HDLP gets very good reviews. While we were in Siem Reap, we met a couple who was staying there. They really enjoyed it, especially the breakfasts. They said the pool was nice enough, if a bit small and designed more for dipping rather than swimming. You will appreciate having a retreat from the heat that is nice.
In terms of proximity to Angkor Wat, hotel location is moot because you aren't going to walk there from any of the hotels...it's too hot and too far. The HDLP has a great location very near to the old market area...walkable in 3 minutes...with lots of shops and restaurants.
I think you will enjoy the HDLP...it's a very nice splurge, and an affordable one, too. You got a great rate.
Jan 31st, 2008, 04:56 PM
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AskOksana, I have been a regular here since 2000, probably longer than almost anybody. I recognize that there are other sources of information. Conde Naste is one of those but they tend to be behind the curve and also tend to be very narrow in their sampling of travelers - primarily upscale and not very independent. Most on this forum are moderate to upscale and post here because they are independent travelers. Tripadvisor tends to be more oriented toward European travelers BUT there are 151 reviews of HDLP and 47 of Raffles which tells me that there is a reasonable cross-section. It is just one source but a relevant one that is worth paying attention to. I was just providing this info to help the OP in their decision-making process, not to criticize your comments.
Jan 31st, 2008, 05:45 PM
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AskOksana, you have so much advice for people getting ready to go to Cambodia and Thailand! While I expect you are just trying to be helpful, your posts will have more credibility (and be more accurate) once you have been to these places. After you've stayed at Raffles, tell us what you liked and didn't like. That will be useful information for readers/writers on this board.
