MotherHome Inn

MotherHome Inn is a fairly low-key property that resembles many of the budget-friendly hotels lining Siem Reap's streets; the four-story building is shrouded in greenery, with lots of lush trees and tropical plants flanking its entrance and filling the front yard. The small lobby is classic and pleasant, full of teak wood furniture, large pillars, and wooden wall and ceiling panelling, plus there are cushioned seats to relax on and computers available for guests' use. What does stand out here is the service -- while most guesthouses and hotels in the area give guests cold towels and welcome drinks upon arrival, but guests at MotherHome Inn receive an ice cold, fragrant towel every time they step inside, a much appreciated gesture in the constant steaming heat of Siem Reap. Overall, the inviting atmosphere makes this value guesthouse feel like something more, with couples and groups of friends coming here in droves.

MotherHome Inn sits on a quiet lane just off of National Road 6, near its intersection with Sivatha Road, the main drag that runs through Siem Reap. Head one way for about 15 minutes by car or tuk-tuk and you're at the airport, while the same distance in the other direction leads to Angkor Wat. Pub Street and the Old Market are about five minutes away by tuk-tuk, but are a bit of a hike to reach on foot -- expect walks to take over 15 minutes. Thankfully, there are plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops much closer. The guesthouse's small lane sees little traffic and is far enough off of Highway 6 to be quiet, yet it's just a few minutes up to the busy route, with tons of tuk-tuks, motorcycle taxis, and everything else one could want just steps away.

The hotel's 39 rooms are all more or less the same, and there's not much difference between the two categories offered, aside from the fact that Deluxe Rooms offer views of the pool, while Superior Rooms do not. Rooms are bright and spacious -- especially for a budget guesthouse -- with cream-colored walls and floors, as well as some decorative features that include Khmer golden elephant bed runners and oil paintings on the walls. Simple wooden furniture includes writing desks and cabinets, and all rooms have modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, tea- and coffee-making facilities. Bathrooms are basic and small, with just a hot water heater/shower unit on the wall and a small shower curtain separating it from the adjoining toilet and sink, although there are hairdryers and bottles of shower gel and shampoo.

MotherHome Inn is a small property, but it does have some pleasant facilities that include a small outdoor swimming pool that's great for a dip, although it doesn't have a tremendous amount of space around it and can get very crowded during the high season. There is a small bar next to the pool, the only place at the guesthouse that stays open late. A small on-site restaurant serves buffet breakfasts (included in rates) as well as a la carte lunches and dinners, with both Khmer food and Western items available. The hotel has an excellent tour and travel setup as well, with an extensive array of temple and area excursions that are available in all sorts of different combinations and at fair prices, and most guests utilize these services more than once. Wi-Fi is free throughout, and guests that book more than two nights receive free airport pickup.