When I travel to Asia I always search for 5 star hotels first. I don’t want to offend anyone but the hygiene standard is a bit different in Asia compared to Europe (plus I am allergic to all kinds of shit), and usually 5 star hotels are quite affordable. Luckily this was also the case in Siem Reap, where you can get high quality hotels for less than 60 USD per night (2 persons, breakfast and airport transfer included). Grand Elsyee La Residence was the most reasonable and cheapest choice (by the way if you want to save 15€ with your next booking, make a reservation through this link), the reviews were fantastic and the location seemed ok as well. Once again it proved that I have chosen wisely 😉

Location

Grand Elysee La Residence is around 20 minutes’ taxi drive away from Siem Reap airport and less than 10 minutes’ tuk tuk ride to the popular Pub Street and Old market. Angkor temples, which is probably the reason you will visit Siem Reap in the first place, is about 20 minutes away with tuk tuk – so I can say the location is pretty convenient. If you are up to it you can also walk to some places, but for us it was too hot and we were tired after seeing the temples. Tuk tuk ride to Pub street only costs 2 USD so it’s not worth the trouble. The hotel provides one way airport transfer for free, and the ride back will cost you 15 USD by taxi or 10 USD by tuk tuk.

Rooms

We stayed in room 508 with pool view, and it was really nice. The rooms are spacious, with lots of light and very modern design. The bed and the pillows are comfortable, you are provided with bathrobes, complimentary tea and coffee, 2 bottles of water per day and of course all the necessary toiletries. We found the bathroom especially sexy, the design is simple and fantastic. The only thing I resent the architect is the separate toilet with no sink (you have to go to the bathroom to wash hands).

Breakfast and dining area

I also loved the dining area; it is located in the lobby with pool view, so you almost get to eat outside but under the roof. Again, very pleasant ambient and stylish design. The breakfast choice was very good, except for the bread, but this is the case in most Asian countries – they simply don’t eat bread so they also don’t offer a variety of wholegrain and all this healthy kind of shit. On the other hand you get lots of fresh tropical fruit, hot and cold choices and eggs any style. If you chose to eat lunch or dinner in the hotel, prepare yourself for rather high prices (beer 5 USD, while you can drink one for less than 1 dollar in town), but food is great as well – I especially loved the different choices of soups.

Pool and spa

The pool is decently large and there are lots of sunbeds provided for all guests. The rooms in the ground floor even offer direct access to the pool, which I haven’t decided whether it is romantic or a bit weird because people in the pool can see your room. Well, to each its own I say. Grand Elysee la Residence also offers a spa where you can get your massage, but again you can get much cheaper service downtown (we paid 6 USD for 60 minutes back massage in Old market).

Anda’s rate: 9 from 10

Bottom line: If it wasn’t for expensive beer and that toilet issue I would have given Grand Elysee La Residence a 10. It is a very nice hotel, the staff is extremely nice and I can highly recommend it to anyone who wants high standard and quality service for a very reasonable price.