Lotus Blanc Resort

From the outside, the Lotus Blanc Resort makes a strong impression. A path of Angkor temple-style archways lead up to the hotel's crisp white building fronted with lotus ponds. Inside, the expansive lobby area is centered around a cushioned seating area sectioned off by a brass filigree curtain. The area surrounding the check-in desk is brighter, bathed in natural light from tall open windows looking out on the lotus ponds. Clusters of dark wood tables and chairs topped with cobalt blue cushions give a spot to linger. Another atmospheric touch -- the staff are all adorned in traditional royal outfits. Yet despite this statement-making decor, public spaces lack luxurious details, such as artwork, photos, or something to give the lobby some life, and the result feels a little cold and corporate. 

The Lotus Blanc Resort sits out on the national road heading into town from the airport. While it offers excellent airport access, it isn't that convenient otherwise. It's too far to walk into town to Pub Street, the Night Market, and other popular tourist areas. Guests need to take a five- to 10-minute tuk tuk drive to go anywhere. It's about a 15-minute drive from here to the temples at Angkor Wat. Due to the Lotus Blanc's location near lots of large Asian-oriented hotels, most of the spots around here are packed with Chinese and Korean tour groups. The benefit is that there are Korean and Chinese restaurants galore around the hotel. But that's all that's nearby. The national road outside is full of traffic all day and isn't pleasant, but the hotel is set back from the road in its own oasis, so noise isn't a problem.

Thanks to Lotus Blanc's status as a newer hotel for the area (opened in 2007), rooms are in excellent condition. Polished hardwood floors and white walls look fresh and pair nicely with contemporary, dark wood furniture. Little spots of color come in with turquoise bed runners and decorative cushions plus orange-and-brown upholstered couches. All rooms have writing desks, rain showers, double vanity sinks, and amenities like flat-screen TVs, safes, minibars, and electric kettles. Most rooms also feature small balconies with wrought-iron tables and chairs. Landmark Rooms have lovely pool views. Oddly, the Elegant Suites have no balcony. But they do have almost 800 square feet of living space, a separate living room, and a large bathtub. (Landmark and Deluxe Rooms are showers only.)

Considering its location away from Pub Street, it's a relief to know the Lotus Blanc has plenty of dining and drinking options. The downstairs restaurant, Le Blanc, serves free breakfasts along with Khmer and international dishes for lunch and dinner. The restaurant has an open kitchen and a large, airy dining room topped with white drum-shade chandeliers. There's also an outdoor dining area by the pool bordered by palm trees. Next door, the Lemon Bar provides an intimate spot for cocktails and cakes, with polished wood floors, cushioned sofas, and tables looking out at the lotus ponds. The upstairs restaurant, Damnak Fine Dining, proudly features a chef who won the Mekong Culinary Challenge. They do Western and Khmer upscale cuisine and guests can choose from the elegant air-conditioned dining room or the open-air terrace with red leather sofas and low coffee tables overlooking the pool. 

Lined with tan-colored loungers, the large rectangular pool, complete with poolside bar, is punctuated with a teardrop-shaped kiddy pool at one end. There's also a fitness center with cardio machines, free weights, even a punching bag. And a small spa provides a spot to try herbal body treatments. The Lotus Blanc has a meeting room for functions, and there's an on-site boutique for guests that want to nab souvenirs without taking a tuk-tuk ride.