If my memory doesn’t fail me, it was 2007. It was my second trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia, and I was staying at this exquisite property, Hotel de La Paix. I had enjoyed my stay so much that it became my favourite accommodation for my subsequent next few trips to Siem Reap. The hotel was  reopened recently after a year of refurbishment and a change of hotel management. Now, it is known as the Park Hyatt Siem Reap.

It was like returning home when I arrived at Park Hyatt Siem Reap. The exterior is still the same and the statuesque Cambodian lady was there to welcome me at the entrance. That beautiful lady is a stone sculpture that has been the favourite subject of many photographers.

The Living Room

When my partner and I arrived at the hotel, we were ushered to the new Living Room. While the front desk staff was handling our check-in, we were offered a complimentary drink of our choice from the bar menu. I’m impressed that it was not just an ordinary tea or juice. You can choose any alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink from the extensive drinks menu.

The Living Room was previously an open-concept bar. After the renovation, it has been converted into a cosier lounge. It helps when the designer used a pastel pink and chocolate brown colour palette. It’s warm but not overly girly. The Living Room serves high tea during mid afternoon and drinks throughout the day. I spent so many nights there enjoying a cocktail or my favourite Ginger and Mint Iced Tea.

Room 138

To my surprise, my partner booked the only pool suite in the hotel for my birthday! I could not hide my joy and happiness when I saw how beautiful the redecorated suite is.

The powder room was immediately on the left when I entered the suite. A small kitchenette is just next to it. It is equipped with a Nespresso coffee machine, kettle and some snacks. The living room is decorated in smoothing mustard yellow and brown.

But the jaw-dropping moment was when I opened the sliding door. The suite has direct access to the swimming pool! I almost wanted to jump into the seductive pool immediately. The best part, no direct sunlight!!! This for me, a guy who has a phobia of direct sunlight, is heaven! I can laze by the pool and not get dark! Loving it already.

Although the suite went through a major refurbishment, the accent of the old Hotel de La Paix remained. I appreciate that the new hotel management has retained the Mulberry tree sculpture above the headboard. That silver artwork has inevitably become the signature look of all the rooms.

I love the walk-in closet… yes, I need that because I brought 6 different sets of clothing and 4 pairs of shoes for my 4-day trip (not much right?).

The revamped powder room and bathroom were lined with white pristine marble slabs. This is the major difference as the old walls had a more granite look. The huge white bathtub and luxurious Bergamote 22 toiletries from New York City.

Frankly, I can just stay in this room without going out! Am I in heaven? Quick, pinch me.

The Spa

The spa on the level 2 is probably the only area that has the least work done. I remember that the look and feel remains the same. Even the treatment rooms look similar. When you are there, do book a treatment and pamper yourself. I was so impressed with the treatment on my first day that I booked a second treatment on the third day. I love the fact that the treatment room is clean, luxurious and huge. Click here to read more about my spa treatment.

The Dining Room

The Dining Room is exactly where the old restaurant was located. The hotel management has moved the open-concept kitchen and refreshed the look with a more artistic vibe to it. This is the main dining hall where breakfast and dinner are served. The kitchen serves an ala-carte international and local breakfast menu and a gorgeous Khmer cuisine menu for dinner.

The new swimming pool

Besides the main pool on level 2 (which I have direct access), there is a new pool on the ground floor nearer to the new wing. It’s a small lap pool and is great for those who love the sun. Without a doubt, your highness here didn’t even dip in this more private pool.

Oh! Another good reason to use the pool on level 2 is that it’s a huge Jacuzzi pool! The water jets lined the pool’s perimeters.

The gym

I was so mesmerised by the pool that I didn’t use the gym although I brought my fitness attire. Having said that, the gym is pretty well equipped with cardio machines and weights. Located just next to the spa, it is pretty inviting if you must work out your biceps and chest.

The Glasshouse

Park Hyatt Siem Reap also kept the café. The café serves breakfast from about 6am to 11am. A sandwich and dessert menu takes over after breakfast. The ice cream macaroons are simply out of this world. I strongly recommend that especially during the summer!

A gorgeous hotel is nothing without a pool of dedicated employees. Throughout my stay, the staff were courteous and always eager to address whatever needs that I might have. By the second day, nearly all of them knew who we are (in a good way).

I just cannot say how much I love this property. Hotel de La Paix or Park Hyatt Siem Reap has brought me so much beautiful and intimate memories that it will be one of my all-time favourite hotels.

Park Hyatt Siem Reap
Sivutha Boulevard
Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia
Tel: +855 6321 1234
www.siemreap.park.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html