Hotel de la Paix in Siem Reap Cambodia

Hotel de la Paix, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Cool yet elegant, hip but with more than a subtle thread of Khmer history running through its very contemporary design. Hotel de la Paix is swanky, stylish, romantic and luxurious. This is the place to be in Siem Reap for those wanting to visit the past safe in the knowledge that they will be fully restored to a very à la mode present, to slip-on khakis by day with a definite chic elegance anticipated in the evening.

A creation by Bill Bensley, a renowned hotel and landscape designer in Asia, Hotel de la Paix is a clever, post-modern blend of art deco and traditional Khmer design. The entrance is temple-like, the foyer bathed in natural light flooding in from its 20 metre high atrium to create an ethereal Apsara. Archways and statues frame corridors and walkways reminiscent of the Angkor Temples that you visit but with an unmistakable art deco accent.

Water, the life-blood of the ancient Khmer empire, is omnipresent and represented by reflection pools, fountains and ponds not to mention the ever beckoning swimming pool flanked by suspended day beds. The main courtyard features a reflection pool with a gnarled ficus tree at its centre which is the idyllic setting for romantic dinners at Meric, Hotel de la Paix’s signature restaurant. For private dining experiences and functions, the fountain garden is also available.

Inside the tones are a palette of blacks, whites and silver offset by the gentle pastels of freshly cut lotus flowers. Caste pewter artwork inspired by 13th century artifacts displayed at the National Museum of Cambodia in Phnom Penh, dot the bedrooms and corridors. The hub of Siem Reap nightlife is just a short walk from the front door but you may find that you are more inclined to stay put in this haven and celebration of style.

Sleeping Arrangements

• Duplex Spa Suite
• Pool Suite
• Courtyard Garden Suite
• Deluxe Suite
• Deluxe Guestroom

Even the Deluxe Guestrooms have more than enough space and all rooms come with all modern toys including Widescreen LCD TV’s, complimentary Wifi Internet access, pre-loaded iPods, ensuite bathrooms with terrazzo soaking tubs and separate rain showers.

Floor to ceiling windows, wooden floors, caste pewter ironwork, a large seating area and inviting bed atop a wooden frame sets the theme throughout the guestrooms which grow in floor space to include outdoor living as you move up the scale. Deluxe Suites become completely open plan for more intimate soaking in the terrazzo tub.

Courtyard Garden Suites provide absolute privacy and a pebble and marble relaxation area. Pool Suites have their own private pool deck so that you can plunge directly into the Khmer inspired Swimming pool. Then there is the Duplex Spa Suite . . .

Awards and Accolades

• Travel + Leisure - 500 World's Best Hotels - 2011
• Condé Nast Traveler - Top 10 Asia & India Spas - 2009
• Condé Nast Traveller - No. 7, Best Hotel Spas in Asia - 2007

Book Rooms at the Hotel de la Paix, Siem Reap