Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor

Rooms and decor

The white French colonial building wraps around a shady garden and a classic pool, and the rooms run large, furnished with high-quality teak in colonial style. Guests single out the room size, the cleanliness and the soft beds. The entry-level Grand Room starts at about $357 and still looks the part, while the higher suites add a private balcony over the pool or garden. More than one guest has said staying here feels like stepping back into the golden age of travel — a feeling you will not find at another hotel in town.

Food and amenities

Raffles service leans on the details: a butler on each floor, evening turn-down, and a concierge who handles everything from Angkor tours to restaurant bookings. Amrita Spa runs traditional Khmer massage and wellness therapy that draws some of the warmest reviews in Siem Reap. There are three restaurants, including the main Dining Room with a strong international breakfast buffet and the 1932 Bar serving colonial-era cocktails. Afternoon Tea is something visitors recommend even if they are not staying. The colonial garden pool is lovely for an afternoon swim, and a tennis court and fitness center round out the grounds.

Location and getting there

The hotel sits in the heart of Siem Reap beside the Royal Gardens, a 10-minute walk from Pub Street and the Old Market. Angkor Wat is about 6 km out, roughly a 15-20 minute tuk-tuk ride, and the hotel runs a tuk-tuk every morning — guests heading out for the Angkor sunrise can sort it with the concierge on the spot. Siem Reap International Airport is around 7 km away, with an airport transfer available for an extra fee.

Things to know before booking

This is the most expensive hotel on the list, from about $357 a night up to roughly $800 for the top suites. Some rooms keep an older period style that a few guests find dated, so it is worth asking for an updated or garden-facing room. Parking is limited, which is worth knowing if you plan to arrive by car.

Our take

The Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor is the name everyone reaches for when they think of Siem Reap. Open since 1932 through the French Indochina years, war, and Cambodia's recovery, it still stands with its grand colonial looks on the main avenue, and the 9.2/10 score reflects a standard that has not slipped in over 90 years. If the budget allows and history is the point of your trip, nothing else in town comes close.