Hotel de la Paix Siem Reap

Responsible Travel at Angkor Wat Luxury Hotel

© Shona Black

May 20, 2009
Hotel de la Paix Siem Reap, Kate Devine
The unique experience of touring Cambodia's world heritage site Angkor Wat is enhanced by a stay at Hotel de la Paix, a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Siem Reap.

Following the slogan “Respecting the past, embracing the future,” Hotel de la Paix beautifully combines modern art deco and traditional Khmer style in an enchantingly elegant decor. This ethos is carried throughout the hotel, creating an atmosphere of unparalleled serenity, comfort and chic.

Small Luxury Hotel in Siem Reap

A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Hotel de la Paix flawlessly delivers all the amenities of a world class hotel in a setting of unique style and beauty informed by Angkor tradition and local contemporary arts.

On arrival, guests are shown to the Arts Lounge where they can savour a signature Cocktail of Peace while their check-in and luggage are discreetly attended to, before being shown to exquisitely designed guest rooms. Hotel de la Paix excels in thoughtful individual touches, from the floral arrangements to gourmet turn-down treats, from bathroom amenities in beautiful sculptural pots to pre-programmed iPods featuring soothing soundtracks for the room as well as self-guided tours for outings to the temple complexes.

The hotel encloses a courtyard centred around the majestic banyan tree from which Hotel de la Paix takes its logo; both the Arts Lounge – which serves cocktails and afternoon tea in an airy modern hall showcasing local artists – and the award-winning hotel restaurant Meric overlook the courtyard, where Khmer dance and music performances are regularly staged. Outdoor seating options at Meric include suspended beds for a magical candlelit experience.

Other spectacular Hotel de la Paix features include the stylish wine bar AHA; a transcendent spa and pool area designed to emulate traditional Khmer water gardens; and the bustling streetside Cafe de la Paix.

Responsible Travel in Southeast Asia

The concept of responsible travel, increasingly important to the savvy traveller, is of paramount importance in Cambodia, a country emerging from a history of unfathomable atrocities and burdened with crushing poverty.

Unlike many of the large hotels catering to tourists visiting the spectacular temples of Angkor Wat, Hotel de la Paix is located within the town of Siem Reap, and provides more opportunity for engaging with the local Khmer community.

The hotel encourages ethical and responsible travel with donation, sponsorship and volunteer programmes aimed at improving local conditions, from supplying fresh water, sustainable food sources and hygiene packs, to providing training and education for high-risk youth. Their commitment to sustainable tourism includes the Hotel de la Paix Sewing Training Centre and the Shinta Mani Institute of Hospitality, which provide locals with the training and skills to participate in the burgeoning Angkor tourist industry.

Hotel de la Paix’s responsible tourism policy also extends to the environment, with a commitment to energy efficiency, conservation, recycling and organic products.


The copyright of the article Hotel de la Paix Siem Reap in Cambodia Travel is owned by Shona Black. Permission to republish Hotel de la Paix Siem Reap in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.


Angkor Wat, Shona Black
Angkor Thom, Shona Black
Hotel de la Paix Siem Reap, Kate Devine
   


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