Checking In: Anantara Angkor Resort for Affordable Luxury

by  Anne Roderique-Jones | Apr 21, 2017
Anantara Angkor Resort
Anantara Angkor Resort

If there's a single recommendation we can make for visiting Cambodia's Angkor temple ruins, it's to book a hotel where you can feel totally relaxed and at home. We suggest something clean, comfortable, and maybe even a bit luxurious; you'll need the respite after long days of outdoor touring. The Anantara Angkor Resort offers that -- and so much more. We checked in, and here's what we loved most.

What's Hot

The hotel recently underwent a renovation that included upgrades to the suites, restaurants, and common areas, and some new amenities and services were added.

Best Feature

The gorgeous rooms are hard to beat, but the massive saltwater swimming pool is the heart of the hotel. Located in the central courtyard, it's inspired by ancient royal bathing rituals. It's long enough for laps and comfortable enough to lounge; poolside service comes courtesy of Salt. Its servers buzz around with fresh cocktails and light bites.

Anantara Angkor Resort

The Rooms

Each of the hotel's 39 rooms is a suite, and they've all recently undergone a complete upgrade. You'll find lounging space, incredibly comfortable bedding, and decor that's accented with teak wood trimmings and sandstone sculptures. The premier suites and premier terrace suites each have private plunge pools. Included are high-end bath amenities, with special touches like fresh fruit and daily sweets, a soap and pillow menu, a personal mobile phone (handy when you need a tuk-tuk back to the property), and your very own butler.

The Food

Chi Restaurant and Bar is impossibly sleek, but you'll feel comfortable here in a casual sundress or khakis. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the restaurant's progressive Khmer cuisine utilizes the resort's garden for menu ingredients. In fact, the word "Chi" derives its name from the Khmer word for "herb." Recommended dinner options include the charcoal eggplant, followed by a braised lamb shank curry. The restaurant also hosts a nightly cocktail reception with complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres. But it's the breakfast (also included in the room rate) that stuns. You'll find rows of starters, from cured salmon, to charcuterie, to salads, along with fresh-squeezed juices and Champagne. A hot menu follows for the main course.

Anantara Angkor Resort

Who Will Love It

For those who want a seriously indulgent retreat after temple touring, and guests who appreciate luxury and design.

Who Might Not

Party animals. While we did see a large group on this trip, those who prefer the backpacker style that's common throughout Asia might want to head elsewhere for a more social scene.

Nearby

Located just 10 minutes from the Angkor Archaeological Park -- a UNESCO World Heritage Site of ancient Khmer ruins -- the hotel is an ideal home base. The central location between downtown and the temples allows guests to peruse the town's street food, markets, and nightlife.

Deals and Offers

We love that this incredibly chic hotel includes so much for the price. We found suite rates at $180 per night, and a premier terrace suite (with private plunge pool) for $225. With an included breakfast, in-room bar and treats, airport transport, tuk-tuk service, bicycles, and a nightly wine and hor'dourves reception--it's a steal.

Connect

Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Getting There

The Siam Reap International airport is a zippy 7-minute drive from the hotel; complimentary pick-up and drop-off is included in the rate.

Find The Best Cruises
Find a cruise

Find the best deals!

Click on multiple sites to get the lowest prices

Click on multiple sites to get the lowest prices