I cannot decide between Raffles and La Residence in Siem Reap. Has anyone stayed at both and have a preference? I like fabulous hotels with great service and the rooms must not be musty.

I haven't stayed there, but I know the La Residence is actually an old hotel. If you like fabulous, you probably should consider the De La Paix.

Thanks MichaelBKK. By a sheer coincidence I have just read some great reviews of De La Paix.

I generally can't afford it, but I *know* fabulous!

I second the rec for Hotel de la Paix. We stayed there in February and it is a truly fabulous, non-musty hotel.

Hotel de la Paix is one of the best hotel experiences we have ever had. Please consider it...the decor is gorgeous, just a stunning hotel. Wonderul staff, great location.

Thanks everyone. I have asked Fin of Angkor Explorer to book a nice room at the Hotel De La Paix. Am now rather looking forward to our trip in December.

Oops! FromDC, I've just found your spiel on the pool suite. That was the one which seemed the nicest and I've requested it. I'll just have to remember to be decently covered whenever I'm on the patio!

La Residence was built 4-5 years ago. Is that considered old these days?

La Residence and de la Paix are considered the 2 most "design conscious" hotels in Siem Reap. If you want wood-accented traditional design, go for La Residence. If you want cutting edge, go for de la Paix.

Don't you think it is kind of tacky and immoral to stay at a 5-star luxury hotel in a place where the Khmer people are so poor?

And, yes, I have been to Siem Riep.

I am a hotel junkie. Fabulous hotels anywhere in the world is my passion.
If there were no such hotels in SR then I may not visit and perhaps not contribute to its economy. HDLP so I'm told has a school which trains the poor from the countryside.
Some may say it's tacky and immoral to wear designer labels.

mm - maybe your comment would have more credibility if it was not the only post you have made on the Asia board.

Craig, that is REALLY funny since I have written extensive trip reports on Cambodia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, China, and Hong Kong for this forum over the last 6 years.

By the way, did I ever say I wore designer labels?

Have a great day.

mm - under another screen name perhaps? Clicking on your name only brings up 9 posts - all on other boards except for this one thread.

You got it, Craig.

Kathie and Cicerone will know who I am.

mm - well now we know that you are neither Kathie nor Circerone... I'm curious though why your only post under a new screen name would be a negative one...

I spy the return of someone!

No, she's not spygirl.

I haven't seen you on this board in ages! And the last few times I've seen you here, it's been with a different screen name each time. You must be traveling incognito these days. No Asian travel lately?

And Craig, she's just being provocative...

Its ThinGorjus, isn't it?

Yes, Craig.