Siem Reap: Hotel de la Paix (February 2009)

Hotel de la Paix (HDLP) was my favorite hotel during my trip to Cambodia and Thailand! We debated between HDLP, the Raffles, La Residence, the Sofitel, and the Le Meridien, but felt that we had made the right choice for us with HDLP. True, all those other named hotels were probably closer to the actual temple sights, but we were “in town”, making is simple, easy, and safe to walk to many restaurants and shops, as well as mini-marts to stock up on beverages rather than buying from the hotel and mini-bar (but those prices weren’t that exorbitant anyway). Service at the HDLP was outstanding! Even when we had a minor issue with our community trip to the local orphanage (which wasn’t even the hotel’s fault), they went above and beyond what was expected to make things right. I wish that we could get such acknowledgement and correction at home! The hotel is hip and stylish, with lots of lounging beds in the lobby/bar area as well as outdoors in the courtyard (which also has a neat water feature as well as the swinging bed at Meric) and by the pool. The pool area is lovely, but not overly large. While we didn’t have any trouble finding seats, the number of seats in the sun are limited and I could see this being a tiny problem when the hotel is at capacity. We were upgraded to a garden suite, which had an exterior courtyard area containing a large soaking tub. What a unique appointment! There are nightly turndown treats, as well as treats on arrival. Toiletries, robes, slippers are provided. The included breakfast was quite nice, with a cold buffet as well as hot, made-to-order items. Mimosas and Bloody Marys are included on the cold buffet. We had the 7-course Khmer tasting dinner at Meric one night, which was an interesting experience because we got to try a variety of Cambodian dishes (if there’s something that you just can’t eat--like me with the stir-fried eels--they will make a substitution). Each course was presented in an interesting manner with unique serving utensils/plates. We didn’t use the spa, but peeked inside when using the fitness center (which was small, with just a few pieces of equipment). The small cafe/deli at the hotel offers free wireless, which is also available in the rooms and public areas. It’s a good place for a quick, inexpensive lunch. Included in our “connect” package at the HDLP was a trip to the Sunshine Village orphanage to deliver food (rice and fish sauces). Unfortunately upon arriving, the orphanage was closed to visitors. This was not the fault of the HDLP, and they offered another trip to a different orphanage on another day, but we were unavailable to take it. Also included in our package was a trip to the local market with the hotel staff, which we found enjoyable. The types of food available for sale (and lack of refrigeration) was indeed interesting. I’m glad that I saw the local market, but I’m also glad that I’ve recently had my hep A and B shots!