Where to Stay in Siem Reap, Cambodia: Luxury Hotel Guide

For One Planet Journey, hospitality expert Andre Battah investigates where to stay in Siem Reap and comes away impressed by this ancient city and gateway to Angkor Wat. Siem Reap and its luxury hotels define subtle luxury, not concerned with showy excess. Instead, authenticity and respect for local artisan craftsmanship take centre stage. This hotel guide will help you find the best stay for meaningful moments, cultural immersion, and a nod to heritage.

Searching for luxury hotels in Siem Reap

When I searched for a new destination in Southeast Asia, my curiosity about Cambodia eventually took me to Siem Reap, with the express purpose of finding suitable luxury hotels for my clients at Le Travelogist.

If you look beyond its status as a tourist hub and Cambodia’s second largest city, the name itself offers a fascinating clue to its history. It translates to “Siam Defeated” in the Khmer language, commemorating a 16th-century military victory that solidified the Khmer Empire’s dominance. There’s more hidden beneath the surface as well. Archaeologists using LiDAR technology have revealed a vast urban complex, possibly one of the largest pre-industrial cities in the world with up to a million inhabitants.

As a deep traveller, I always make sure the hotels are more than a place to stay. Beyond comfort, they have to reflect the soul of the destination, blending authentic experiences with a genuine respect for local culture and heritage. I have to admit I had a stereotypical image of Siem Reap, ranging from tuk-tuks zipping through dusty roads to bars filled with backpackers. And of course, Angkor Wat sunrises.

But once I arrived, I took the time to look deeper and came across what I call subtle luxury, besting my expectations.

Subtle Luxury in Siem Reap 

In Siem Reap, subtle luxury in hotels means a more modern interpretation of luxury, where traditional opulence like marble floors gives way to meaningful encounters, artisan craftsmanship, and infusion of local culture and heritage. I experienced a warm Khmer welcome, gardens blooming with lotus, and getting lost in the different tones of grey on temple walls during my sunrise walks.

Siem Reap honours history, not hidden away but out in the open, pairing comfort with cultural depth. It doesn’t really matter if you’re a first-timer, a seasoned traveller, or on a slow travel adventure seeking connection over convenience. Siem Reap will give you a taste of something deeper at the intersection of culture and subtle luxury.

Here is my researched guide to luxury hotels in Siem Reap, where you can experience the rich heritage of this ancient city. The perfect place to live a life of subtle luxury.

Luxury Hotels in Siem Reap 

1. Courtyard by Marriott Siem Reap 

Located on the main airport road, minutes from Angkor Wat, the Courtyard by Marriott Siem Reap combines modernity with a sense of place.

You’ll find immense rooms, bright and well-designed, complete with balconies overlooking a tranquil saltwater lagoon. I recommend the rooftop bar if you’re looking for that perfect sunset spot with sweeping views of the temple-dotted horizon. During my stay I had dinner at Lok Lak, the main hotel’s restaurant. It introduced me to Khmer cuisine with a contemporary twist, the Kampot pepper sauce a highlight.

Best for: seamless comfort near Angkor Wat, especially for first-time visitors seeking reliability from a recognised brand, a central location, and easy temple access.

2. Angkor Village Hotel – A Living Tapestry of Khmer Craftsmanship

Step inside Angkor Village Hotel and you’ll feel like you’ve wandered into a handwoven story. Find this urban resort tucked in the peaceful Wat Bo neighbourhood. It’s a small luxury hotel in Siem Reap, now linked to the Hilton portfolio, which presents local culture at its core in a secluded luxury setting.

I adored the lotus ponds, carved teak walkways, and silk-draped villas that together created an atmosphere that felt both sacred and serene. I tried their evening dinner at L’Auberge des Temples, with its glowing lanterns and traditional recipes. My morning tea by the lily ponds was a daily ritual I didn’t know I needed. Another example of subtle luxury that helped me experience tranquillity in the middle of the city.

Best for: culture-seekers, romantics, and anyone craving calm with character.

3. Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra – French Elegance in the Tropics

Blending colonial French charm with Khmer sophistication, the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort feels like a refined tropical retreat.

This ALL Accor property has immense manicured gardens, soft jazz, and attentive hospitality that would make any international luxury traveller wonder why they didn’t know about this property before.

My executive room featured polished teak floors and views over the lotus pond, while the spa’s L’Occitane treatments offered a blissful pause from the day’s explorations. 

Dining at Mouhot’s Dream was a multi-sensory experience in French-Cambodian fusion, another demonstration of culture meets subtle luxury. They source all ingredients locally, and some recipes have a local twist without the extravagance of visually impressing guests, instead simply promoting the local ingredients.

Best for: Travellers with a love for gourmet dining and garden serenity.

4. Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor – Timeless Grace

Since 1932, the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor has welcomed dignitaries, politicians and celebrities alike. You don’t come here merely for a stay. It’s a landmark hotel where you step into the golden age of travel.

From the very first impression of this luxury hotel in Siem Reap, you get Cambodia mixed with the French colonial flair, royal gardens, and an aura of elegance.

I especially loved the Vespa tour curated by the hotel, which whisked us through the quiet ruins at sunrise. To elevate your dining, I would recommend Restaurant 1932, which offers a rare experience with royal Khmer recipes passed down through generations.

Best for: lovers of history, heritage, and five-star nostalgia.

5. Kandal Village – Boutique Stays Meet Artisanal Soul

More than a cultural attraction, Kandal Village is a community. It’s a creative cluster of boutique stays, artisan cafés, wellness studios, and fashion-forward galleries all located in one of Siem Reap’s most photogenic neighbourhoods. The sense of belonging, collective spirit, and partnerships for local owners made this project a true gem and success. This experience helped me to understand subtle luxury in its simplest form.

I found every street corner offering something unexpected, from handmade ceramic shops to concept cafés with local cold brew and minimalist design. This is the perfect spot if you want connection and creativity on your doorstep.

Best for: independent travellers, digital nomads, and lovers of local art and design.

Siem Reap – Luxury Hotels and Culture in Perfect Harmony 

I came away genuinely surprised and impressed by Siem Reap’s selection of luxury hotels that offered a deep sense of connection to the local culture. A rare feat indeed. Subtle high-end experiences didn’t feel disconnected from the Cambodian way of life; instead, they added to the comfort, service, and attention to detail.

You can literally start your day at sunrise exploring ancient temples. And with Angkor Wat around the corner, we are talking about world-class UNESCO heritage sites. Or why not relax in a private pool for lunch, followed by drinks made with local ingredients by sunset? Throughout my visit in Siem Reap, the hospitality felt sincere, not rehearsed, with the overall experience genuine and grounded.

If you value deep travel, where quality and culture go hand in hand, Siem Reap offers a version of luxury that still feels authentic, and refreshingly under the radar.

Have you been to Cambodia? Did you stay at any of these luxury hotels in Siem Reap? Let us know in the comments. Subscribe to our newsletter and benefit from travel guides, sustainable tourism and luxury travel tips, insightful interviews, and inspirational places to visit. One Planet Journey – The World’s First Deep Travel Magazine.