Sofitel Resort, Angkor Wat

I got such a kick out of arriving at the Sofitel Resort in Angkor Wat via their car service. The car that picked me up looked like an antique from the 1930s or 40s but it ran very well. Of course my ride to the hotel was just the precursor because walking into the Sofitel is like stepping into the past. This recently refurbished hotel was designed to embrace Cambodia’s past. The lobby’s Indo Chine replica décor remind me of an era long gone.

Despite the lobby’s décor, this is a very modern hotel. My room was furbished with contemporary furniture with hardwood floors and the softest bed I’ve ever slept on. My bathroom was large and luxurious. All of the 214 rooms have 24 hour room service, satellite TV, WiFi, a mini bar and safe.

The hotel had numerous places to eat and drink. The Sofitel’s bars ran the gamut from a typical English pub or colonial style bar to a pool side oasis. And at night a DJ is brought in to turn Wayfarer’s Pub into a vivacious nightclub.

The restaurant Mahout’s Dream was truly a dream come true for me. The focus here was on French Cuisine. My favorite! If you’re looking for a something a little more traditional, you’ll want to go to the Royal Terrace. Here you will get to taste typical Khmer cuisine while watching Cambodian dancers. Other restaurants at the Sofitel include: the Citadel where you can get café and bistro dishes or the Leaf on the Stone Restaurant which specializes in Japanese Teppanyaki.

I loved walking around the well manicured gardens of the Sofitel and then ending my walk at their absolutely humongous pool. An extra bonus is their Jacuzzi. It was very relaxing. Of course that’s not the only way to unwind. The Sofitel Resort also has a complete fitness center and spa.

Before sunset I suggest that you head up to the Sofitel’s observation deck. From here you can see the temples at Angkor Wat. Getting an aerial view of the site really helped my daughter to better understand the layout of the temples which paid off when visiting the following day. When you stay at the Sofitel, you are at the closest hotel to the temples. At only 4 miles distance, you could even walk there.

In fact the Sofitel is so perfectly placed you could walk just about anywhere in Siem Reap. But I chose to take one of the local Tuk-Tuks from the hotel to the market and it was very enjoyable ride that only took minutes. When you’re leaving town, it’s only a short 15 minute drive to the international airport.

A convenient location, beautiful grounds and a colonial atmosphere, it’s no wonder the Sofitel Resort at Angkor Wat is a five-star luxury hotel and one of my favorite hotels.