by

Whom are you sleeping with?

Whom are you sleeping with?

Would it be glitterati of the days of yore, Jacky Onassis? Or perhaps you prefer to mingle with royalty, a la Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon? What about with one of UK’s most famous writer of the era? No, not JK Rowling; I am talking about Somerset Maugham.

Given that they have all walked towards the light, save for JK Rowling, you would still be able to enjoy the luxurious traditional (read: old) surroundings where they have once slept in at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor. Like any grand dame, it has gone through several tumultuous moments throughout its history. This hotel was first opened in 1932 with 60 rooms. In 1970, Lon Nol and his military staff occupied it after leading a military coup against Prince Norodom Sihanouk. Five years later, the Pol Pot cadres occupied the hotel during his communist rule. When the Khmer Rouge was defeated in 1979, the Vietnamese forces occupied the hotel. It was only reopened again to the public on December 1991.

Raffles International Limited took on large scale restoration works of the hotel in March 1996. The hotel was then re-opened after a complete renovation on 30 December 1997. The four-story main building was preserved, but was refurbished with taste and imagination. Two low-rise wings in the same colonial style were added to double its room count to 131 keys. Traditional art deco pieces, antique photographs and posters from the 1920s were proudly displayed to convey elegance, glamour and sophistication of the golden days. An Otis cage elevator from 1932 was also preserved too add a touch of history to the place.

RGA Lobby

Lobby Area – The Otis 1932 elevator (or lift, whatever) is on the right; you’d probably need a license to operate it.

The 35-meter pool was the first pool in Siem Reap when it was added on to the complex. Inspired by the ancient bathing pools of the Khmer kings at the Phimeanakas Temple at Angkor, the pool is still the kingdom’s largest. Legend had it that in this temple, a naga, a dragon serpent-spirit, would take the form of a woman. All Angkor kings must sleep with her every night in the tower before he could join his wives and concubines, lest disaster befall him or the kingdom. How about that for personal sacrifices to fulfil one’s duty to the kingdom? In addition, this pool is rated as one of the world’s most spectacular swimming pools by MSN Travel Canada.

RGA Pool

A Gorgeous (with a capital G) pool with traditional Khmer-styled dome at the background; now, just watch out for the mythical serpent in the form of a woman…

Depending on the room that we are getting, we might be facing the pool or the 60 000 sqm Royal Crusade for Independence Gardens. Regardless of view, the rooms would be decorated with hand-carved wooden post and assembled with an eclectic mix of Cambodian and art-deco pieces that reflect the hotel’s inimitable history. For a little bit of pampering, Sarah could be interested in spending the nights at the two bedroom suites of Uma Villa or Kama Villa. I believe it would be available at a modest supplement of at least USD 2400 /night. These villas are equipped with a full pantry facilities and a private wine cellar. But if you are dropping that amount of money, why would you cook yourself? Call your personal 24-hour Butler to arrange everything for you!

RGA Four Post 2

“Every morning there’s a halo hangin’ from the corner of my boyfriend’s four-post bed… (Sugar Ray)” – Hand-crafted four-post bed, mind you…

The Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor would certainly not want Jacky Onassis or us to go hungry. It has plenty of options made available for dining: from exotic Royal Khmer cuisine at The Restaurant Le Grand to Noum Pang, a delicatessen serving traditional French pastries and Cambodian delicacies. Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast at Cafe d’Angkor with Asian and continental favourites. Try out the hotel’s signature dish of Khor Bangkong, braised fresh water lobster in ginger and caramel sauce, at the Le Grand. Princess Margaret and Wei would also be delighted to have a traditional afternoon tea at The Conservatory.. Yash and Tan-Chi could go ga-ga over Elephant Bar’s signature cocktail Airavata; a refreshing cocktail named after Indra’s, The King of Gods, multi-headed white elephant. This concoction is made of rum, coconut passion, lime juice, crème de banana and pineapple & coconut juice and a dash of Raffles’ magic.

RGA Elephant BarThe Elephant Bar – Notice the details on top of the pillars?

After all the temple tours and 5AM wake-up call for yoga at Angkor Thom, you could use some pampering. Raffles Amrita Spa would be a perfect place to benefit from a traditional Khmer therapeutic massage, chab ta shai: a vigorous, firm pressure point, rubbing, kneading and rocking massage for effective pain and tension relief. The massage complete with heat herbal pack to enhance healing and soothe aching & painful muscles. A 55 minutes treatment is priced at USD 65 while an extended 80 minutes version is available at USD 80.

So, whom are you sleeping with?

1,382 thoughts on “Whom are you sleeping with?”

  1. The rooms are gorgeous!!! I didn’t realize it was such an old hotel–I assume that presents all sorts of challenges with maintenance and the need to preserve the traditional feel. Also, interesting that various military forces occupied the hotel for that long (at least they had good taste!). I hadn’t really thought about it before, but a number of older hotels (Raffles here in Singapore being one of them) have had various military forces move in.

  2. The Hotel is next to the Royal Crusade for Independence Gardens, which I’m very interested to check out! There is a bridge dating back to 1928 that was restored by Fairmont that spans the river, and the garden is HUGE. 60,000 square meters, 4 different gardens, I say we spend sunset here taking gorgeous photos.

  3. A friend (actually, my boss’ boss) commented that when he went there in his younger days, he could see bullet holes in the ceiling and several other area. It was unnerving, he said. Of course, it did not help that he could still hear gunshots in the distance as the Vietnamese forces were still fighting the Khmer Rouge in some pockets. Yes, he is quite old…

  4. Yep. 60 000 sqm. That’s about, ummm… nine football fields? Go and spend the sunset there, Wei. I’ll enjoy my Cambodian coffee with delicious cucumber sandwich, pastries and classic English scones at The Conservatory. 😉

  5. Wow, this is so nice. I love the hotel design and teak floor!
    I can’t believe this 35-sqm pool is the biggest one in Cambodia. Isn’t the standard one already 25-meter or 50-meter long?

  6. As one of ‘Conde Nast Traveler Gold List (US Edition) World’s Best Places to Stay’ for consecutive 9 years since 2001, the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor is definitely a gem that stands the test of time!

  7. Pingback: History of Siem Reap’s Tourism | CNI Master Class in Siem Reap

  8. Do we know how profitable this hotel is? (/ what type of margins they operate on). I know cost of labor is cheap, but w/ moderate occ levels, what in particular drives Revenue?

    This hotel looks amazing, btw!

  9. It’s the best time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I want to suggest you some interesting things or tips. Perhaps you can write next articles referring to this article. I wish to read more things about it!

  11. I have just checked out this site and gone through the booking process- its $350 dollars a night each. I think I might have a cocktail in the Elephant Bar!

  12. Thank you for all your effort on this web site. Ellie enjoys working on internet research and it is obvious why. We all learn all regarding the powerful tactic you render very helpful information on your blog and as well inspire participation from some others about this matter and our simple princess is certainly learning so much. Take pleasure in the rest of the new year. You’re the one doing a fantastic job.

  13. A lot of thanks for every one of your labor on this site. Ellie really loves getting into internet research and it’s easy to understand why. Almost all notice all relating to the dynamic medium you make invaluable steps via your blog and as well attract participation from other ones on that content plus our princess is undoubtedly discovering a whole lot. Take pleasure in the remaining portion of the new year. Your carrying out a stunning job.

  14. Great post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m inspired! Extremely useful information specially the final phase 🙂 I maintain such information much. I was seeking this particular info for a very long. Thank you and good luck.

  15. After study a few of the blog posts on your website now, and I truly like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Pls check out my web site as well and let me know what you think.

  16. Halo Admin,

    Actually I’m come across on Google and then Typing “Snoring” and I got your website. I think Your website contain Great article.

    I try to read your article related About Snoring and I think your article is really Good article, I get usefull information from you.

    so Thank u so much admin for your information and I waiting your another article.. ^_^

  17. Thank for your blog post. I know that within today’s complicated world, everyone has many beliefs and this has made it to be extremely tough for learners like me. However, you have made the subject very easy for me to understand and I now have the awareness of the correct thing. Your own continued reputation as among the top experts on this topic may be improved through words with appreciation from followers like me. Thanks, just as before.

  19. Thank you for the effort, keep up the good work Great work, I am going to begin a small Blog Engine course work utilising your site I hope you love blogging with the famous BlogEngine.net.The ideas you point out are actually brilliant. Wish you will write even more content.

  20. Today, I went to the beachfront with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I had to tell someone!

  21. Hello! I’ve been reading your site for a long time now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Lubbock Texas! Just wanted to tell you keep up the fantastic job!

  23. Hey there, just needed you to know I have added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But honestly, I believe your website has 1 in the best theme I’ve came across. It extremely helps reading your blog a lot easier.

  24. Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything like this before. So nice to search out any person with some unique ideas on this subject. realy thanks for starting this up. this web site is something that is needed on the net, somebody with a bit of originality. helpful job for bringing one thing new to the internet!

  26. Hey there, just needed you to know I have added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But honestly, I believe your website has 1 in the best theme I’ve came across. It extremely helps reading your blog a lot easier.

  27. Thank you for sharing to us.there are many person searching about that now they will find enough resources by your post.I would like to join your blog anyway so please continue sharing with us.

  32. Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article. I will make sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I will certainly return.

  33. Once I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a remark is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any means you’ll be able to take away me from that service? Thanks!

  34. When I initially commented I clicked the -Notify me when new feedback are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any way you may remove me from that service? Thanks!

  35. There are definitely loads of particulars like that to take into consideration. That is a great point to deliver up. I supply the thoughts above as normal inspiration but clearly there are questions like the one you carry up where the most important thing will be working in honest good faith. I don?t know if finest practices have emerged around things like that, however I’m positive that your job is clearly recognized as a fair game. Each girls and boys really feel the affect of just a second’s pleasure, for the rest of their lives.

  36. Good post. I be taught something more difficult on completely different blogs everyday. It will all the time be stimulating to learn content material from other writers and observe just a little something from their store. I’d choose to make use of some with the content on my blog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll offer you a link on your internet blog. Thanks for sharing.

  37. I am also commenting to let you be aware of of the amazing encounter my wife’s daughter undergone viewing your web page. She picked up too many details, not to mention what it is like to have a marvelous giving spirit to make other people just grasp specific very confusing subject matter. You actually surpassed visitors’ expected results. Many thanks for churning out these effective, safe, educational and as well as fun tips about this topic to Kate.

  39. I am also commenting to let you be aware of of the amazing encounter my wife’s daughter undergone viewing your web page. She picked up too many details, not to mention what it is like to have a marvelous giving spirit to make other people just grasp specific very confusing subject matter. You actually surpassed visitors’ expected results. Many thanks for churning out these effective, safe, educational and as well as fun tips about this topic to Kate.

  40. Hey would you mind letting me know which webhost you’re utilizing? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most. Can you recommend a good internet hosting provider at a fair price? Many thanks, I appreciate it!

  41. Pingback: Producing Your Male Blissful – Techniques Uncovered | Blog Link BIE

  43. Is your failure to sleep tormenting you? This is not an uncommon problem. Many people find themselves stress-ridden during the day, engaged in petty fights with their partner simply because they didn’t sleep very well for the past several nights. He wants it this way while she wants it the other way! Maybe you really just need a good night’s sleep!
    cheap flowers toronto delivery

  44. Aw, this was a really nice post. In concept I want to put in writing like this additionally – taking time and precise effort to make a very good article… however what can I say… I procrastinate alot and in no way seem to get one thing done.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *