The Privilege Floor by LOTUS BLANC

The Privilege Floor is an exclusive part of the Lotus Blanc Resort -- think: exclusive club-level status within a mid-size resort. From the outside, the resort makes a smart impression. A path of Angkor temple-style archways lead up to the crisp white building fronted with lotus ponds and cabanas, and the welcoming staff wear traditional royal outfits. Guests staying on the Privilege Floor get to bypass the main lobby (which is slightly cold and impersonal) and head up to a secluded first-floor hideaway, with a separate VIP lobby for check-in. The overall vibe on the Privilege Floor is understated elegance, with a minimalist French-Cambodian design, partly wood-paneled corridors, and a lot of dark wood in general. Guests here are paying extra for the service, and the super attentive staff hovers around each guest tending to their needs. It's a jet-set crowd here, with guests that are seeking personalized attention like individual hosts and an intimate stay, alongside the benefit of wider resort facilities.

The Lotus Blanc Resort sits on a busy highway that runs between the airport and center of town. While it offers excellent airport access, it isn't that convenient otherwise. It's too far to walk to Pub Street, the Night Market, and other popular tourist areas. Guests need to take a five- to 10-minute tuk tuk drive to get anywhere, including the center of town. 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. While the road outside is full of traffic all day and isn't pleasant, the hotel is set back from the road in its own oasis, so noise isn't a problem.

The guest rooms here are similar in decor to the rest of the hotel; large and bright, with minimally adorned traditional decor and lots of handsome hardwood details. Pops of turquoise and traditional artwork on the walls completes the look. All rooms have small balconies that overlook the garden or pool. Large bathrooms have soothing rainfall showers, and toiletries, hairdryers, robes, and slippers are provided. Standard amenities include air-conditioning, TVs, free Wi-Fi, and coffee- and tea-making facilities. Aside from their first-floor setting and guaranteed balcony, the Privilege Rooms are set apart by services. They come with tons of free package perks, including limited free refills of water, soft drinks, and beer in the minibars; laundry service (2 sets per day); use of local mobile phones; extended hours at breakfast; and on-call drivers. Each room also has a personal host. Privilege Landmark Rooms are 430 square feet (40 square meters), while the Privilege Suites are 775 square feet (72 square meters) and include a one-time spa treatment.

For dining and drinking, Privilege Floor guests can make use of the Damnak Lounge, which serves an extended-hours breakfast as well as free cocktails in the evenings. At night, it opens to all guests and serves up Western and Khmer fine-dining cuisine. Diners can choose from the elegant air-conditioned dining room or the open-air terrace overlooking the shared swimming pool. At the main Lotus Blanc Resort, Le Blanc serves Khmer and international dishes for lunch and dinner, while the Lemon Bar provides an intimate spot for cocktails, with tables looking out at the lotus ponds. There's a fitness center with cardio machines and free weights plus a small spa. The resort also includes a pool and a boutique selling high-end souvenirs. Privilege Floor guests have a car and driver at their disposal, who are on-call at any time of day (or night) -- this includes for trips to Angkor and airport transfers. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.