HOTELS: BEST

Still on my preps for my coming trip to Cambodia next month. I know there are countless accomodation possibilities in the most touristy places, but wanted to hear about your favourites.

I am usually a mid-range person but can splurge once in a while in a great hotel, if it's really worth it. I am looking for something with lots of character and normal confort.

I still don't know exactly where I shall go, but looks like Phnom Pen, Siem Reap, Battambang, Banlung, Ratanakiri, and maybe Sihanoukville and Kampot (if I got time)

What are you favourite hotels in those places? Need to book in advance or I can just show up?

These are ones I've stayed at:
PP- I think the GHes are ok. I usually stay in very tourgroupy places when I'm there.
SR- I'd recommend Casa Angkor as a hotel, otherwise some very nice GHes as well.
BB- only ever stayed at Star Hotel. The hotel was ok, nothing special, not that good location, must be able to find better.
Banlung- I stayed at Terre Rouge Lodge (nice!, no good location) one night then moved to a different one beside the (very small) lake with little chalets (ok, also farish out of town).
S'ville- Crystal Hotel and Golden Sand Hotel, both ok, nothing special.
<blockquote>Quote
<hr>Need to book in advance or I can just show up? <hr></blockquote>
Should be ok next month. Low season.

Hey I am not sure of your price range so Iam not sure what you would like.

In Phnom Penh one cant go past places like California 2 along the river or The Red Fox just off of it. Prices are around the $15 - $20 a night.

There are literally hundreds of places to choose from in Kompong Som. The Oasis is a great place for around $15

In Battambang check out the Western managed Bus Stop bar and guesthouse. The rooms there are currently still being made but are really looking great for the sub $10 range.

#2 - Bus Stop bar & GH, Battenbang ???? I've never heard of it & I pass through Battenbang fairly regular. Any hints on it's location???
I used to stay at the Royal but found it was always full recently & now I stay at one of the Park Hotels across the bridge. A new option is always welcome though.

Phnom Penh, Spring GH in 111 ST is a really well managed, clean & secure option as is their sister hotels - Sky Bark & Burley in the same street. From $5 to $15.

Try Verandah at Kep. Near Kampot (bout 45 minutes).

Just beautiful. Great place to stay, great sunsets.

g

If you're up for a splurge in Siem Reap, then I'd highly recommend the Victoria Hotel.. It's just lovely. Great rooms, service, food, and ambience. I really enjoyed relaxing by the pool, especially after a hot day visiting ruins. I typically don't stay at hotels quite like this (more of a budget traveller), but was visiting Cambodia on a family vacation. The entire time there, I felt like I was in a photo spread of Conde Nast Traveller magazine or something :)

Siamdaze, bus stop bar and guesthouse is next door to the white rose restaurant on 2nd road near psar nat. Its only been open for 2 weeks and the rooms are not yet finished however the bar and restaurant is open. They have wifi internet and a huge movie library which they put on all day for people to watch.

Bus Stop Bar and Guesthouse
#149 2nd Road
053 730 544
info@busstopcambodia.com

Two Dragons in Siem Reap gets consistently good reports here, and I happily recommend the place.

#6 - BattambangHelper. Thanks for that, I'll have a look next time I pass through.

Last November, I stayed at California II in Phnom Penh, and Two Dragons in Siem Reap.

Both are excellent mid-range flashpacker-style places. My wife and I paid $25 for top-end rooms at each one, although most rooms were less. They both have very good restaurants, and the owners are great sources of advice and information as well.

California II is on Sisowath Quay in PP, and Two Dragons is in the Wat Bo area of SR. I would recommend both places.

Why not have a look at the country home stay my husband and I run? It's on the way to Kratie and Phnom Penh, just a little beyond
the bridge in Kampong Cham. See rana-cambodia.blogspot.com for full info.

Siem Reap - Auberge Mont Royal. Charming place with an affable Khmer owner who has lived in (iirc) Montreal, Canada for many years before returning to Cambodia. You'll probably like it there even better if you speak French. Auberge website

Why not have a look at the country home stay my husband and I run?

With Deperate Don? A sinister couple you are, anyone would be mad to stay there.

Just to say that I have since been back from Cambodia and posted my own hotel recommendations on my blog.