Cambodia’s fast-growing luxury-tourist destination witnessed the defeat of the Thai Empire, the French colonists and the Khmer Rouge. But the Victoria Angkor betrays nothing of the region’s former struggles. Instead the hotel reflects the best of the past, including the peaked roofs and heavy wooden frames signifying the French influence on Asian architecture.
Management keeps a few vintage Citroën cars out front, to heighten the 1930s vibe (and they’re available for use with one of the hotel’s drivers). Off open-air corridors, the rooms and suites have wooden floors and framed Cambodian prints; each has a balcony too. Le Bistrot de Siem Reap serves “cuisine du marché,” whatever’s local and fresh prepared in a classically French style, while another in-house restaurant, Le Jardin de l’Apsara, features Khmer specialties.
At night the hotel’s own dance troupe performs Aspara (Angkorian) classics in the garden, whose palm trees and indigenous foliage heighten the feeling of seclusion and relaxation. There’s also a large saltwater swimming pool as well as a separate, smaller crocodile pool (emphasis on separate). For other types of entertainment, guests may enjoy an open-air massage at the Le Lotus Blanc Spa, walk across the street to the precisely landscaped Royal Gardens, or take a motorized tuk-tuk to a little-known local landmark known as Angkor Wat.
author watson@mouselink.net, source www.tablethotels.com