RAFFLES GRAND HOTEL D’ANGKOR: THE JEWEL OF SIEM REAP
When it comes to luxury in Siem Reap, the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor stands unrivalled. A beacon of French Colonial elegance, this grande dame has perfected the art of hospitality over decades of refinement.
Since its inception in 1932, the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor has been more than just a rest stop for archaeologists and adventurers exploring the ancient wonders of Angkor Wat. It’s a living testament to history, where the lush green grounds, royal gardens, and marble staircases whisper tales of a bygone era.
Luxurious Accommodation with Colonial Charm
Spanning 15 acres of verdant lawns, orchards, and gardens, the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor boasts 119 rooms and suites. Designed by architect Ernest Hébrard in the French colonial style, the hotel’s interior seamlessly blends Khmer art with Art Deco influences, featuring black and white marble floors and a celebrated wrought iron elevator in the lobby.
The hotel has hosted a veritable who’s who of early archaeologists, foreign explorers, and celebrities, including Charlie Chaplin, French President Charles de Gaulle, and Jacqueline Kennedy. In 1997, Fairmont Raffles Hotels International took over the property at the invitation of Cambodia’s King Sihanouk, alongside its sister heritage hotel, Le Royal in Phnom Penh. A major renovation ensued with a grand reopening in October 2019.
For modern-day travellers to Cambodia, the hotel is perfectly located. Just a 15-minute scenic stroll along the river to the markets and bustling bars is a great base to explore the ancient temples or to enjoy city life.
Elegant Rooms with Timeless Appeal
The rooms effortlessly blend contemporary comforts with timeless colonial elegance. Our Landmark Room Pool View King features a balcony with double wooden doors, offering stunning views of the iconic swimming pool. Temple images adorn the walls, and an old-fashioned rotary dial telephone evokes nostalgia for a bygone era. With hardwood floors, ceiling fans, and bespoke furnishings, you’ll be transported back to the Golden Age of Travel.
Strolling through The Conservatory, where guests can savour traditional afternoon tea or enjoy live piano music before dinner, you’ll find yourself at the poolside terrace. The swimming pool, inspired by ancient royal baths, nestles within the resort grounds and lush tropical gardens. The terrace boundary wall mirrors the intricate patterns of Angkor’s temples, creating a serene oasis of tranquillity throughout the day.
Exquisite Dining at 1932 Restaurant
Dining at the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor is a treat, with the recent introduction of exclusive multi-course Khmer tasting menus at the 1932 restaurant. These menus, crafted by Executive Sous Chef Dorn Doeurt—affectionately known as Chef DD—offer a tantalising introduction to Cambodian cuisine.
A Historical Culinary Journey
Chef DD, a Siem Reap native and veteran of Khmer culinary arts, has designed these menus to spotlight premium fresh local produce. “We source local meat and fish, spices, chocolate, and other ingredients to create distinctive dishes that even the most discerning foodies will agree to make them a new ‘must-experience’ on the culinary map of Southeast Asia,” Chef DD says.
The tasting menus, categorised by decades, offer a historical culinary journey as well as a history of the hotel during that decade. They include:
- The Reign of King Sisowath Norodom (1930s)
- The Grand Renaissance (1950s)
- The Golden Age (1960s)
- The Raffles Grand Legacy (1990s)
The menus offer a delightful mix of seafood and meat dishes, with the exception of the 1950s menu, which is entirely vegetarian. With such enticing options, making a choice can be challenging. We decided to start at the beginning with the 1930s menu. This era harkens back to when the Paris International Exposition in 1931 featured a replica of Angkor Wat, attracting wealthy European travellers to Cambodia. By the end of the decade, the hotel had become a favourite of Charlie Chaplin and his co-star Paulette Goddard.
The 1930s menu includes seared scallops with a lotus salad, lobster with spiced sour coconut and pineapple, steamed snow fish with asparagus and snow peas, and grilled lamb chop, culminating with a pumpkin custard.
“The extraordinary new tasting menus at Raffles’ 1932 celebrate the vibrant flavours and cultural heritage of Cambodian cuisine, providing it with a global stage where it will surely attract many new fans,” says General Manager Joseph Colina.
A national treasure at the doorstep of ancient Khmer archaeological sites, the 92-year-old Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor continues to enchant guests with its blend of historical grandeur and modern luxury.
For more information on staying at or dining at the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, the jewel of Siem Riep visit www.raffles.com/siem-reap.
