Popular Residence Hotel

Popular Residence Hotel sits in a white building with an open-air courtyard, both of which are complemented by potted plants and tropical trees. The modern lobby features gray-tiled floors, bright lighting from floor-to-ceiling windows, a few benches for seating, and a cherry-wood reception desk topped with statue sculptures. Open-air hallways create a relaxing vibe, though it also welcomes mosquitoes to the area. The pool and restaurant are the main public spaces for guests (mostly couples and groups of friends) to interact. The restaurant is small with indoor and outdoor seating, and decorated with simple furnishings and windows that look out onto the courtyard. Guests report a generally quiet atmosphere and intimate service from staff. 

Popular Residence Hotel is a seven-minute drive from the city center, which focuses heavily on the Old Market. Guests can use the hotel’s free shuttle -- which is generally a tuk tuk ride -- to the city center daily. The hotel itself is surrounded by mostly hotels and a few restaurants that are within a 10-minute walk away. As for attractions, Angkor Wat is a 27-minute drive away, Banteay Srei takes an hour by car to reach, and it’s a 35-minute drive to the Bayon Temple. It takes 25 minutes by car to get to the Siem Reap International Airport, and guests can use the hotel’s free shuttle if they like. 

The rooms at Popular Residence Hotel are spacious and clean, with a modern and minimalist design. They have a mix of wooden and cement floors, white beds, gray accents, pops of color in blue pillows or yellow statement walls, and cherry-wood furnishings. There’s some slight wear and tear to the wooden furniture, but mostly just nicks and scratches here and there. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, safes, minibars, kettles, free Wi-Fi, free bottled water, and balconies with pool or street views. The Cabana Room has additional perks like a private garden patio and an outdoor tub. Bathrooms generally have white tile and gray sink countertops. Some have pops of yellow or blue in divider walls. Toiletries, separate showers and tubs, and hairdryers are offered. 

It’s hard to determine what the star of the show is here: the outdoor pool or the impressive set of free perks. Yes, the pool is small, but it’s chic and placed in the courtyard and is easily accessible for first-floor guests. Loungers and umbrellas surround the pool and guests can be served alcoholic drinks while enjoying the quiet. As for free perks, there are plenty. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a tropical drink, cold towel, and a fruit platter in their rooms. Bikes are free to use if guests prefer those over the free shuttle rides to the Old Market. A free shuttle to the airport is also available. The made-to-order hot and cold breakfast comes at no cost to guests. Wi-Fi is also included in the room rate. Lunch and dinner, consisting of Khmer or international cuisine, are available in the Residence Cafe Restaurant. Massages and cooking classes can be arranged on-site.