Le Méridien Angkor

Arriving at Le Meridien Angkor, a circular garden area fronts the drive leading to the entrance of this low-rise, red and white building. Beautifully landscaped grounds surround the hotel and are full of tall palm trees, water features speckled with lotus leaves, and large swathes of manicured lawns. Inside, the gleaming white lobby features large columns and high ceilings that make the space feel light and airy. Teak and rattan chairs provide seating, while potted palm trees and vases filled with flowers add some greenery to the neutral hues. Immense hanging cloth lamps emit a glowing golden light at night, enhancing the atmosphere. This is a sophisticated luxury property with a tranquil environment and a definite sense of romance. Elsewhere, the Naga Bar is full of handsome wood furniture and polished wooden floors, while the Angkor Royal Cafe Restaurant is furnished with wooden tables and rattan chairs, with floor-to-ceiling windows filling the space with light and providing views of lush greenery. Guests come from all walks of life, though couples make up the bulk of those staying here and are drawn by the serene vibe.

The resort is located on Charles De Gaulle Road, the main thoroughfare running from the center of town to the temples at Angkor Wat. Throughout the day and just after sunset the road is busy with tourists, but at night it's quiet. The property sits on lots of private land, so there really isn't any street noise to deal with. Though not within walking distance of town and its popular attractions like Pub Street and the Old Market, these can easily be reached in under 10 minutes by taxi or tuk-tuk. There are several restaurants nearby that can be reached on foot, including excellent Mie Cafe (a five-minute walk away), plus there are shops aplenty in the neighborhood. Other nearby attractions include the Angkor National Museum and the Phare Circus, both about a 15-minute walk. Angkor Wat is a 10-minute drive from the hotel, and it's a 15-minute drive to the international airport from here.  

Le Meridien Angkor has 213 rooms, the majority of which are Superior and Deluxe, with a few Suites available as well. All rooms feature polished hardwood floors and have elegant contemporary Khmer decor, with Khmer art objects, framed photos, and old fashioned ceiling fans. Furniture is mostly teak wood, with suave writing desks, headboards, cabinets, and tables. Modern amenities include air-conditioning, minibars, large flat-screen TVs, electronic safes, irons and ironing boards, robes and slippers, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. Wi-Fi is only free for SPG members (the hotel's loyalty club that's free to join). Bathrooms are spacious and outfitted with separate bathtubs and walk-in showers, plus high-end Le Meridien toiletries. The only drawback to the rooms is that they don't have balconies, and the windows are locked so there isn't much fresh air to be had.

The hotel has a large outdoor swimming pool that meanders in many directions and is surrounded by recreations of Angkor-style architecture, with arches, bas relief walls, and other Khmer motifs, plus there's a kids' pool. Situated behind the hotel in its immense garden, it feels like a private world, far removed from the rest of the property. Here one can also find the small fitness center and the spa, which features a plunge pool as well as treatment rooms, and there are over 2,000 meters of lawn space that the hotel uses for weddings and other events. The hotel also has a ballroom and is well set up for conferences and business functions.Indoors, there are two restaurants and bars. L'Angelo is an upscale Italian lunch and dinner venue, serving pastas, pizzas, and traditional dishes along with an excellent wine list. Adjacent is the Angkor Royal Cafe, a Khmer and Western brasserie that's open for all day dining, offering buffet breakfasts with lots of varietyalong with a la carte menus for lunch and dinner. Breakfast is not included with most room rates. The Naga Bar is a sophisticated watering hole, with giant hanging cloth lamps, teak chairs, and handcrafted cocktails, while the Lobby Lounge has not only drinks, but an excellent selection of teas and coffees to go with the hotel's trademark eclairs. Free welcome drinks are offered, and Wi-Fi is free in public areas but only free in rooms to SPG members. The hotel does not offer free airport transfers.