Amansara, Siem Reap, Cambodia (combined thread)
We fly JFK-HKG-PNH (CX F then KA J) on the 19th and arrive in Cambodia on the 20th. We're in Phnom Penh from the 20th to the 24th. In addition to the Water Festival, we're planning visits to the Royal Palace and the National Museum of Cambodia. Neither of us know much about the country or its past, so we're looking to experience its culture and learn its history. We haven't booked a hotel for Phnom Penh yet, we're looking at both the Sofitel and the Rosewood. Anyone recommend one over the other?
On the 25th we head to Siem Reap for 4 nights at Sara, and of course to take in Angkor Wat and the many other temples. We're booked in a Pool Suite, a decision I'm happy about after reading some Ericka's review at the top of this thread.
On the 29th we fly home, PNH-HKG-LAX-YYZ (KA Y, CX F, and AC J). With the two transpacific CX F flights for this trip, I'll requalify for Marco Polo Club Diamond which is great.
Any suggestions for Phnom Penh/Siem Reap/anything else to make the most of the trip?
We fly JFK-HKG-PNH (CX F then KA J) on the 19th and arrive in Cambodia on the 20th. We're in Phnom Penh from the 20th to the 24th. In addition to the Water Festival, we're planning visits to the Royal Palace and the National Museum of Cambodia. Neither of us know much about the country or its past, so we're looking to experience its culture and learn its history. We haven't booked a hotel for Phnom Penh yet, we're looking at both the Sofitel and the Rosewood. Anyone recommend one over the other?
On the 25th we head to Siem Reap for 4 nights at Sara, and of course to take in Angkor Wat and the many other temples. We're booked in a Pool Suite, a decision I'm happy about after reading some Ericka's review at the top of this thread.
On the 29th we fly home, PNH-HKG-LAX-YYZ (KA Y, CX F, and AC J). With the two transpacific CX F flights for this trip, I'll requalify for Marco Polo Club Diamond which is great.
Any suggestions for Phnom Penh/Siem Reap/anything else to make the most of the trip?
Plus they have a high percentage of pool suites so there's a good chance of an upgrade... though if you absolutely need/want a pool suite then book it...
FDW
Plus they have a high percentage of pool suites so there's a good chance of an upgrade... though if you absolutely need/want a pool suite then book it...
FDW
Amansara
Road To Angkor Siem Reap, KH
Amansara (November 2018) (0 Photo)
Amansara
Stayed 4 nights at Amansara in a Pool Suite as part of a 9 day trip to Cambodia (first time in the country).
Check In
Astrid (the GM) greeted us with a smile on her face as we arrived. We were given drinks and shown around the property while learning some history of the area, which was a great start to our Amansara experience. We were then taken to our room and took some time to unwind and take a swim in our pool. Astrid was always present and visible during the stay, and she is so, so friendly. As usual with Aman properties (if you aren't already familiar), you are never asked for a credit card throughout the stay and you aren't asked your room number. Aman staff members just no, and that is part of what makes Aman service so great.
Room
We stayed in a Pool Suite and it was hands down one of the nicest rooms I've ever stayed in from an aesthetics perspective. It is just so simple and beautiful. From the shapes that make up the room itself to the interior design, everything is so clean and sharp. It's spacious and functional, but at the same time it's cozy and private. We spent a lot of the in-room down time in the courtyard, either in or beside the pool. The concrete wall didn't seem very appealing to me at first, but I grew to enjoy it, oddly enough. It fits with the design of the room and gives the privacy I look for in rooms. WiFi was fairly fast which was nice. Both the main pool (not an infinity pool like many Amans) and our private plunge pool were very nice.
Location
Amansara is very central in Siem Reap, and a short drive from Angkor Wat. For such a central location, the whole property was still very tranquil, which impressed me (but at the same time, is what you expect at an Aman). During our stay, we visited Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, Neak Pean, the Angkor National Musuem, and downtown Siem Reap (crazy busy as expected).
Service
Service was consistently great, and exactly what I would expect from an Aman. As I've already mentioned, Astrid is an absolute gem. All the staff members we interacted with had a smile on their face and were actively trying to help us have a great experience. Having an English speaking guide when out and about exploring during the day is a huge plus, and makes navigating and planning the day to avoid large crowds quite simple. Dining service was exactly what I expect at an Aman, though nothing was above and beyond.
Overall
Amansara serves as a tranquil and beautiful haven in the middle of Siem Reap. My fiancé and I both loved our room, and really enjoyed the tailored experience we got when visiting the many temples in the area. I wouldn't hesitate to stay again if I ever end up in the area, and I definitely recommend it. It lands itself in the middle of the pack in terms of Aman properties I have stayed at, but that speaks to how spectacular some of the other properties are, and not that this property is bad in any way.
Still the standard practice?