Pavillon d'Orient Boutique-Hotel

The Pavillon d'Orient Boutique Hotel hides behind a fence and foliage, and in fact, despite a small sign outside, it would be very easy to miss the hotel. Even up the narrow entry path, there isn't much to show off of the property, which is made up of a large colonial-style yellow mansion, with hallways full of art posters and photographs, and old travel trunks, hat racks, and other vestiges of yesteryear throughout. The lobby features two areas; the front desk with the check-in area, and then a separate lounge space for relaxing. Both areas have stylish rattan chairs with colorful cushions, slow ceiling fans, plenty of tour and travel literature on the area, and an array of interesting Buddha sculptures, porcelain elephants, antique telephones, and other memorabilia. It's a very low key and chilled out hideaway, and guests staying here are those who appreciate classic boutique stays, as well as those who seek an escape from the hassles and chaos of central Siem Reap.

The Pavillon d'Orient Boutique Hotel is located outside of the town center of Siem Reap, on one of the routes into Angkor Wat. In the coming year, there are plans to make this the main entry route into Angkor, which means the hotel will be one of the best positioned lodgings in Siem Reap for temple visits. Pavillon d'Orient lies behind a gate just off of the busy Apsara Road, but it is very quiet here, and it's a great spot for those who want to escape the noise and bustle of town. That said, the hotel does not have any restaurants, bars, or shops around it, and it is far from the main restaurant area in downtown. However, the hotel provides a free tuk tuk taxi service for all guests throughout their stay, making it easy to get around. Downtown is a 10-minute drive away, and the airport is about 20 minutes from the hotel.

There are 35 rooms at the Pavillon d'Orient, divided between Deluxe Rooms and Junior Suites, with several connecting suites making up Family Suites. The rooms are stylish and both traditional and modern at the same time. All rooms have fine wood floors and art posters and paintings, plus elegant rattan furniture with colorful cushions, queen and twin beds with mosquito netting, wood desks, and terraces that have comfy chairs and cushions. Modern amenities include flat-screen TVs with cable channels, safe deposit boxes, minibars, electric hot water kettles for coffee and tea, and sets of bathrobes and slippers. The Deluxe Rooms have bathtubs with separate rain showers, while the Junior Suites only have showers. However, Junior Suites come with extra sofa beds, plus extra chairs and rattan tables, and these rooms have views of the swimming pool from the terrace. All room rates include free breakfast and Wi-Fi.

The hotel has two lovely swimming pools: Le Bains d'Orient, which is a 40-foot saltwater pool with a waterfall set in a garden, and the slightly larger Le Pavillon d'O, which is 50 feet, also salt water, suitable for some lap swimming, and has a small section blocked off that's shallow, which kids can use. The resort has a small spa with just a few rooms, and also a small restaurant, Le Planteur, which serves free breakfasts, along with Khmer cuisine and international dishes for lunch and dinner. The restaurant has a good wine list and plenty of cocktails, which can be taken poolside or in one's room, in addition to the restaurant. There are no other features at this boutique property other than the free tuk tuk taxi service offered to guests for all their transport needs.