The Villa Paradiso

The Villa Paradiso is in a stately old colonial building that sits behind a wall with rectangular molding. The building, once a government member's home, has some lovely features, such as teak staircases, high ceilings, and a hallway lined with black-and-white photographs of Phnom Penh. Most rooms are housed in this building, whereas the lobby is located in a small hut adjacent to the front gate, with additional seating in an open-air hut next to that. The lobby has a few armchairs, a polished wood floor, and a shelf displaying the resort's spa products, which it does push, as the spa is known for its treatments. The adjacent overflow area has rattan chairs and bamboo walls, and blends harmoniously with the lush garden setting, set off from the street outside. It's a relaxing spot, and the absence of young children running around make Villa Paradiso a quiet urban escape for adults.

The Villa Paradiso is located in the center of Phnom Penh's main tourist district. It's on a quiet side street, although it can get noisy. (When we visited in August 2015, there was some nearby construction underway.) The hotel is within walking distance of many restaurants, bars, and shops, especially along Street 240, which is around the corner from the hotel. It's a 15-minute walk to the Royal Palace and riverside, which can also be reached by tuk-tuk. Phnom Penh International Airport is a 30-minute drive from the hotel.

The 14 rooms at The Villa Paradiso are designed around ethnic or geographic themes. The Khmer Influence Room is the least expensive. Like the other rooms, it comes with a four-poster bed, plus artsy furniture and decor such as a beautifully carved wooden cabinet. All rooms come with such modern amenities as flat-screen TVs, mobile phones, safes, minibars, free Wi-Fi, and electric mosquito zapper rackets. The next category up are the Pool Pavilion Rooms, which are small with large sliding glass doors that face the pool. While they aren't as fancy or stylish as some of the other rooms (which are in the old colonial house), these rooms have the only real views in the hotel. But they're also the only rooms without double sinks in the bathrooms. The Island Room, with pastel-blue colors, several rattan rocking chairs, and cushioned hammocks (a true simulation of island life), is particularly nice. The large Balinese Garden Suite is also lovely, as it features a raised sala cabana with cushions on a daybed for lounging, in addition to the regular sleeping area.

The Villa Paradiso has a lovely small garden swimming pool, with a mix of sun and shade (there's an awning over it at one end), and loungers and umbrellas set around it. A hot tub is adjacent to the pool. There's also a small open-air restaurant, where the free breakfast is served. While it's pretty much breakfast-only here, the restaurant will prepare other meals for guests, and the open cafe also serves as a bar throughout the afternoon and evening. The resort has an excellent spa, which it promotes by leaving samples of its products in the rooms for guests to try out. A small business area with a few computers, a scanner, and a printer is in the hallway. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.