Suorkear Boutique Hotel & Spa

Upon first impression, the Suorkear Boutique Hotel & Spa is reminiscent of a Mediterranean villa -- a whitewashed house seen through the rectangular portico entrance gate. A traditional teak wood ox cart sits on the lawn, and a walkway curves into the open-air lobby, which is stylishly decorated with a long corner sofa dotted with Khmer art-inspired accent pillows. There are a couple of traditional lounge chairs, as well as shelves filled with Buddha figurines, lacquerware, carved bowls, and other art pieces. The grounds include lush greenery, grassy lawns, and charming water features dotted with lotus plants. The hotel's attention to detail is easily apparent, and it’s a charming and tranquil spot for relaxing, away from the bustle in the center of town. There's a bit of romance here as well, and it's not surprising that couples make up the majority of guests, though expect to see families and small groups of friends as well, drawn by the reasonable rates for higher-end style.

The hotel is located outside of downtown Siem Reap, down a quiet road south of town. There isn’t anything out here save for a few other boutique hotels, so it feels quiet and remote, though Pub Street and the Old Market area are only an eight-minute drive away. The center of town offers a surprisingly cosmopolitan mix of restaurants, boutiques, tourist traps, and traditional markets, and is quite lively for its size. The hotel provides free tuk-tuk transport into town upon request. The temples at Angkor Wat can be reached in about 25 minutes. The airport is about a 25- to 30-minute drive. 

There are only 15 rooms at the hotel, most clustered around the garden swimming pool, although some are situated in the main building. Rooms are spacious, with contemporary decor that includes glazed concrete floors contrasting white walls. Traditional accents include bamboo mats, Khmer art and carvings on the walls, silk details in throw pillows and bed runners, and Buddha figurines. Bright pops of color are used sparingly, and the overall look is a local twist on minimalism. Rooms like the Family Suite have exceptionally stylish interiors, with bright yellow lanterns, dramatic shadow-puppet inspired wall art, and architectural flourishes like slatted pillars and platform beds. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, DVD players, minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and old-school wooden safes locked by key. There are also both ceiling fans and air conditioners. Sleek, gray stone bathrooms feature large walk-in rainfall showers, plus most rooms (besides entry-level Terrace Rooms) also have large stone bathtubs. Grand Suites and Studio Suites have balconies overlooking the pool, while Terrace Rooms and Family Suites have private patios in a small garden. Family Suites have a double bed and a pair of twins in an adjoining space, suitable for larger groups and families. The spacious Suorkear Suite has a private rooftop and an immense bathroom with a huge stone tub.

For a compact hotel, there's a good amount on offer here. One of the highlights is the lovely outdoor swimming pool surrounded by a sundeck lined with loungers and umbrellas. Next to it, the small open-air restaurant is rather charming, featuring red tile floors and hanging cloth lanterns that are softly lit at night. The restaurant serves free breakfast, as well as Khmer and Western cuisine for lunch and dinner. Breakfast gets rave reviews and goes well beyond typical area standards. A la carte dishes are chosen from a menu and include international and local dishes plus fresh fruits, tea, and coffee. The restaurant also does double duty as a bar, with happy hour specials and poolside drink service as well. There is a tiny spa offering massage services, body treatments, and facials. Otherwise, there are a substantial number of freebies available, including bicycles for guests' use (biking to and from the closer Angkor temples is a popular option for many travelers to the area). The hotel also provides free Wi-Fi, airport transfers, and tuk-tuk transport to town and back to the hotel upon request. Keep in mind that the hotel's tuk-tuks don't run super late for those who plan on indulging on Pub Street until late.