Angkor Safari Hotel

Karavansara Retreat & Residences is a cute and quiet boutique property that lives up to the "retreat" in its name -- this is one of the more peaceful locales to be had in central Siem Reap. The hotel comprises two properties across the street from one another -- the long-term residence with a charming antique car out front, and the building housing the traditional rooms, which holds the hotel's actual reception area. Guests can sit here or out in the front yard, a quaint space where there are bamboo plants and the owners have created a Zen-style rock garden. The hotel's restaurant is particularly chic and atmospheric, and sits adjacent to the reception desk. It's housed within a traditional Khmer house and is filled with dark timber and soft and dim red lights. Latticed partitions leading to the rooms are filled with Buddha sculptures and other statuary in various Southeast Asian styles. Given the compact nature of the guest rooms, the majority of guests here are couples and solo travelers, though families pass through as well.

This hotel is located on the more up-market east bank of the Siem Reap River, which is lined with trees and quieter than staying right in the middle of town. There are plenty of trendy restaurants and bars located in any direction on foot, including some great vegetarian options, yet the Old Market area and Pub Street are super close as well. It's a five-minute walk across the river to access these lively areas, packed with bars, massage parlors, market stalls, and cheap eats. Angkor Wat is a 15-minute drive from here, though the other temples in the complex will take longer to reach. The airport is also an easy 15-minute drive from the hotel.

Aside from the long-term apartment rentals, which range from one- to three-bedroom options, there are only 12 rooms to choose from at the hotel. These comprise Garden Court and Heritage Rooms, with the former serving as the entry-level digs. The rooms at this hotel are some of the more contemporary to be had in Siem Reap -- with patterned tile floors, bright white walls hung with sharp photography, and large wooden cabinets -- but they are tiny and lack many amenities beyond air-conditioning, safes, and free Wi-Fi. There are no mini-fridges or electric kettles, and the televisions are small and mounted to the walls at awkward angles in some rooms. Heritage Rooms are just slightly bigger, coming with an extra table and chair, and they do have small terraces with views of the goings-on in the street below. Bathrooms are sleek and modern, with a pedestal sink carved from solid blocks of marble, attractive burgundy tiling, and walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads.

Like many of the small boutique hotels in Siem Reap, the list of features here is short, though there are a good amount of freebies and a few amenities worth noting. There is a small swimming pool on the roof, decent enough for a dip or some sunbathing in the handful of loungers adjacent. The main attraction at the hotel is its chic restaurant, Taberu, which serves a mix of Khmer and Western dishes, and is set in a beautiful old Khmer house, which is dark and atmospheric, enhanced by dim red mood lighting and a cool vibe at night. The restaurant looks out on the Zen-like rock garden that fronts the hotel, and it is open all day and evening, and also serves as a bar, with a few signature cocktails and happy hour specials. Breakfast is free and includes a mix of Western and Asian options. Other freebies include airport pickups and Wi-Fi. Tours can be booked through the hotel.