Mr & Mrs Smith

Hôtel de la Paix

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Appealing to the inner cool-hunter in all of us, Hôtel de la Paix is architect Bill Bensley’s shrine to style in Siem Reap. The look is at once contemporary and Cambodian, dreamt up to make the discerning traveller feel instantly at home. The inner courtyard and Boddhi tree will bring harmony to your Angkor experience; the Khmer cuisine at in-house restaurant Meric will bring a smile to your lips.

Need to know

• Rooms 107, including 20 suites.
• Rates Double rooms from $220.00, excluding tax at 17.81 per cent.
• More details Rates include à la carte and continental buffet breakfast for all rooms except the Deluxe Urbanview rooms.
• Facilities Free WiFi throughout, spa, gym, gardens. In rooms: LCD satellite TV, DVD player (in suites), preloaded iPod, minibar, fridge, evening turn-down treat.
• Poolside The seductive second-floor pool is flanked by lofty columns and sunken seating, and offers a covered section for those who are shy of the scorching sun.
• Check-out 12 noon, but flexible (later check-outs may incur an extra night's fee). Check-in, 2pm.
• Children Trendy though it is, kids are welcome with free baby cots or extra beds for children under 13 (if older, it's US$54 a night). Fancy breaking out in the evening? A babysitter costs a very reasonable US$5 an hour but must be booked in advance. More...
• Eco-friendly The hotel’s award-winning ‘Connections’ programme brings visitors closer to the real Cambodia with project visits and community experiences to meet the people.
• Hotel closed The hotel will be closed for renovations from 30 June 2012.
• Also Guests receive a signature welcome drink in the sublime Arts Lounge, worth returning to for something with a little more kick. Smoking is allowed in dedicated guest rooms and open-air areas, such as the garden, only.

Food and drink at Hôtel de la Paix

• Hotel restaurant

  Named after a pepper, Meric is a journey to the inner sanctum of Khmer cuisine. French executive chef Joannes Riviere has helped revive the lost art of traditional Cambodian cooking, whipping up a daily-changing, seasonal Khmer tasting menu (US$31) along with Gallic-influenced fare. Overlooking the magically lit courtyard garden, dinner should last forever in a place like this.

• Dress code

  Fashionista, as the beautiful people are here.

• Top table

  Sway from side to side on one of three elegant swing chairs, essentially giant day-beds suspended on twisted textile ropes, with spiritual views of the central courtyard's Boddhi tree and reflection pool.

• Last orders

  Meric serves breakfast, lunch and then dinner from 6pm to 10.30pm. Cute little Café de la Paix is open from 5.30am for a caffeine fix for those braving sunrise at the temples. The Arts Lounge bar closes at 11pm, but the minibar can take up the slack.

• Room service

  24-hour room service spans everything on the delectable all-day dining menu, including aromatic Khmer chicken curry.

• Hotel bar

  The Arts Lounge, home to a revolving showcase of local and regional artists, doubles as the hotel's central bar. Time a visit with an exhibition launch and you may find yourself surrounded by ice sculptures or sipping cutting-edge cocktails while paddling in a pool.

Also worth knowing

• Weddings This property is suitable for weddings. More...

Hôtel de la Paix Sivutha Boulevard, Siem Reap,