Bunwin Boutique Hotel

In a town filled with many hotels that claim "boutique" status without offering much in the way of decor and design, the Bunwin Boutique Hotel is a welcome change of pace. Situated in a Khmer style house, sporting a triangular red-tiled roof, this is an intimate property with art-filled interiors that fits the boutique bill. Angkorian figures guard the entrance gate, and a short walkway through towering trees and tropical plants leads into the lobby. Underneath tall ceilings, sit large stone busts and statues of Buddhas and Khmer kings plus traditional Cambodian instruments and ceramic bowls. Many of the items are for sale, and there are a few places to sit and relax, maybe while perusing a book or free newspaper. The hotel is extremely low key and laid back, and there aren't many facilities to speak of aside from the small pool, bar, and casual restaurant upstairs. Couples make up the majority of guests here, which isn't surprising given the hotel's romantic charm and tranquil setting away from the busy center of town.

Bunwin Boutique Hotel is located outside of the Siem Reap city center, on a hard-packed red dirt road that feels more remote than it actually is. There are no other restaurants or shops around the resort, and the street here is quiet and empty -- a fact that some travelers will love and others will not. It's a six to seven-minute tuk-tuk ride to wild Pub Street, the restaurants and boutiques of the Old Market area, and downtown Siem Reap. The hotel provides free round-trip tuk-tuk service to town, plus a phone to call the driver. Expect a 15 to 20-minute drive to Angkor Wat, though the other temples of the heritage park will take longer to reach. The airport is a 15-minute drive from the hotel and it will take over six hours to reach Phnom Penh by road for those traveling overland. 

There are only 11 rooms to choose from at Bunwin Boutique Hotel, the majority of which are Deluxe Rooms plus two Suites. All rooms start at a spacious 42 square meters (452 square feet), and despite Suites being even larger, the rooms here have an almost identical style. Expect to see gray stone tile floors, a chic white-and-black motif, modern pendant lighting, and tastefully deployed Khmer art on the walls. Louvered cabinets cleverly provide storage and hide the air-conditioning units, and there are generous seating areas with contemporary furniture next to the tan-curtained windows. One of the more romantic features of rooms is the in-room soaking tub, set in a glazed concrete banquette that gives the room an urban-chic look. 

Modern amenities include flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, minibars, electronic safes, and electric kettles for making free tea and coffee. Fruit baskets are also provided on arrival. Bathrooms have chic vessel sinks on generous vanities with spacious counters outside the main bathroom. Large rainfall showers and toilets are separate from the main room. The only slight drawback to the rooms is the lack of a patio or balcony, but other than that, these are some of the nicer rooms to be had in the Siem Reap area.

This compact property offers enough facilities to keep travelers happy. The garden pool is pleasant, with a couple of elephant statues on one side, and a choice of shade or sun. It's long enough to swim a few short laps as well. There is a small spa just off the garden -- the charmingly decorated rooms are set up for massages or limited salon services. Those looking to relax can head to the sitting room just off of the pool, which is a comfortable chill-out spot packed art pieces and a few games up on the shelves. 

For dining, Anich Restaurant is reached up a spiral staircase from the lobby and has views out to the pool. It's a bright spot, full of plants, and the restaurant serves free breakfasts along with Cambodian and international dishes for lunch and dinner. The chef also runs a cooking class for guests that includes going to the market together to pick out ingredients. Downstairs, the Srey Yath bar has wooden ceiling fans plus a couple of chairs, tables, and stools looking out to the pool. It serves a selection of cocktails, wine, and other beverages, with happy hour specials in the afternoon and early evening.

Other freebies include a free round-trip tuk-tuk shuttle into town along with a free cellphone to contact the driver. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel as well, and round-trip airport transfers are also provided without charge.