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Monuments to ancient gods abound in Southeast Asia
Cambodia Hotels
PHNOM PENH
Phnom Penh caters to its large ex-pat community, international-aid workers, and tourists by offering a variety of hotels in every category. The city's most atmospheric Old World choice is the five-star Raffles Hotel Le Royal (92 Rukhak Vithei Daun Penh) a colonial Art Deco-style property that has hosted many celebrities since its opening in 1929, including Jackie Kennedy who even has a suite named after her. More affordable luxury is at the Hotel InterContinental Phnom Penh (296 Boulevard Mao Tse Toung), a sleek tower a short cab ride away from the center, with a distinguished marble lobby and standardized rooms jam-packed with plush perks. For value, we recommend Juliana Hotel (16 Juliana 152 Rd, Sangkat Vealvong, Khan 7 Makara), a resort-type property away from the center with a sparkling pool surrounded by lush landscaped gardens. The best midrange downtown option is Foreign Correspondents Club (363 Sisowath Quay), with a string of large swanky rooms, many sporting splendid river views. Of the cost-efficient spots with trimmings such as a/c, the best is the 45-room King Palace Hotel (Corner of Street 214 & 63, Sangkat Boeung Reang, Khan Daun Penh), steps from the Independence Monument.
SIEM REAP/ANGKOR WAT
You won't be strapped for choice in Cambodia's tourist haven, whether you're after five-star or budget lodging. The swankiest spot is the classy Hôtel de la Paix (Sivutha Blvd.), a designer oasis in the town center, with a blend of Khmer and Art Deco elements that extends to the set of gorgeous units set around a lush courtyard, each of which comes with soaking tub, an iPod, and other deluxe extras; an on-site spa offers innovative treatments like a chocolate body wrap, a great way to unwind after a day spent trekking around Angkor. For a tropical resort feel, stay at the Angkor Village Resort (Phum Trang), where smart rooms come in wooden cottages, each with a private balcony that overlooks a winding narrow pool surrounded by overflowing greenery. For a feel-good stay, Shinta Mani (Junction of Oum Khum and 14th St.) is your best bet, with a lauded restaurant and an exotic spa offering excellent value; this stylish spa hotel also doubles as a vocational facility for underprivileged local kids and uses much of the profits to fund their education. The best moderately priced option is Angkoriana Hotel (No. 297 Phum Boeng Daun Pa Khum Slakram), featuring traditional Khmer decor with a contemporary twist. If funds are limited, stay at the budget-oriented French-owned Pavillon Indochine (Wat Thmei), a traditional guesthouse with a lovely garden, very close to the temples.
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