Best hotels in Siem Reap

Amongst the elegant mansions of Siem Reap's French Quarter, Shinta Mani is in refined company - and it holds its own with signature aesthetics to make Bill Bensley proud (each room has bespoke artwork from his studio). Greeted with a sunny 'welcome home' after meandering through the bustling Old Market streets or the iconic temples of Angkor Wat, you'll feel well looked after but never smothered. Sheltered by leafy gardens, the boutique hotel centres around a pinstriped pool (but more on that later) and every room has an airy veranda for enjoying those quiet mornings just outside of enticing Siem Reap.

If the walls at Raffles could talk... First opened in 1932, the hotel is a matriarch in the leafy French Quarter of Siem Reap and has played host to famous names like Charlie Chaplin and Michelle Obama. A grand figure in white, the colonial-style hotel is a short stroll away from the Royal Palace and the city's art scene, and there are always vespas at the ready for a trip to see the incredible Angkor Wat. In between historical wanders, there's afternoon tea as a pianist tickles the ivories and evening festivities of traditional Apsara dance. And a personal butler who sees to your every wish!

Just a few minutes outside Siem Reap's bustling centre, Jaya House has a peaceful location overlooking the river. Inside, the design is chic and monochromatic and the atmosphere is relaxing and sanctuary-like; there are always beautiful vases of fresh flowers too. The hotel offers a number of different tours and activities, from the greats of the Angkor Archaeological Park to boat trips on the Tonle Sap Lake. On your return, you'll be greeted with a cold, jasmine-scented towel and iced herbal tea, followed by a complimentary massage if you fancy it.

Jaya House's passions are made very clear from the moment you set foot inside. The interiors are entirely crafted from sustainably-sourced wood and stone, every wall and surface adorned with artwork made by local artists. As Cambodia's very first plastic-free hotel, being green is at the top of Jaya House's priorities, alongside the celebration of the city's thriving arts scene. When you're not admiring the handiwork of the artisans or lazing beside one of the hotel's two pools, Angkor Archaeological Park will be calling your name. The hotel also has a variety of tours on offer to show you a different side to Siem Reap.

With a name that means 'green village', you wouldn't expect anything less than acres of wafting palms, lemon grass meadows and a rice paddy where water buffalos can be seen dozing in the shade as you cycle by. Designed to mirror a quintessential Cambodian village, Phum Baitang is blissfully rustic. Leave your quaint wooden villa to take a dip in the tropical pool (with drinks at the bar) or saunter over to the Spa Temple where ancient rituals bring you back to life. Tucked away from any sign of busyness, the resort provides a bevy of cushioned spots to sink into and simply enjoy the tranquil surrounds and when you're re-energised, Siem Reap is just a tuk tuk ride away.

Set along a tranquil stretch of river, Treeline is an oasis of peace and greenery in the middle of Siem Reap. The brainchild of Brown Coffee co-founder, the hotel is full of creative details inspired by the traditions of Cambodia's countryside. The simplistic, square architecture is adorned with ledges of hanging foliage and potted plants, and as the name suggests, most of the hotel gazes over the treetops. While it would be tempting to spend all day on a lounger beside the pool, the ruins of Angkor will likely pull you away - but on your return there will be cocktails on the rooftop waiting...

From not-so-humble beginnings as the guest house for King Sihanouk, the hotel was transformed by the renowned Aman group into a chic and calming oasis in Siem Reap. Built in the understated New Khmer style, there's little to distract from pure relaxation. After arriving in a royal 1960s Mercedes, enjoy pampering treatments at the spa and retreat to the blissful seclusion of your suite before cocktails on the candlelit rooftop. Intricate sandstone reliefs drop hints about the sights waiting just outside the garden walls - you'll have a private entrance to the striking Angkor Wat temples and plenty of opportunity to immerse yourself in the city.

Set in a bucolic scene where the smell of spices fill the air, there's a village of villas perched on stilts - each a traditional home from across Cambodia lovingly given a new lease on life. Sala Lodges is green in more ways than one with refillable metal bottles, bamboo straws, and menus crafted from grass and banana plants. You can keep enjoying the charms of the countryside on a birding boat trip or visit the pride of Cambodia, the temples of Angkor Wat. After a day of soaking up every sight in Siem Reap, the cooling stone pool is where we'd like to be.

Before you've had time to set foot in a temple, you'll likely hear of the design genius, Bill Bensley. Artfully created with his signature monochrome accents and bold murals, the hotel is Siem Reap at its chicest. You can even pick up an original Bensley piece from the in-house gallery! From its leafy lane in the French Quarter, Shinta Mani is minutes from the tempting stalls of the Old Market area and Siem Reap's famous emblem, the temples of Angkor. The hotel is by no means just a place to rest your head, rewarding a day of adventuring with a floral footbath or G&Ts as you watch the streets in full swing.

With its tapestry of ageing pagodas and 1920s shop houses, Siem Reap feels like a postcard come to life, although not without a vibrant side. Viroth's Hotel somehow blends the two with a tropical design (there are few walls where greenery doesn't grow) and an easy flow between every space, while a vintage Mercedes wait out front to deliver you in style to your next 'X' on the map. There's no shortage of those, from markets of delicate, handmade textiles to the sprawling Angkor Wat temples that never cease to amaze. When you're all walked out, the foliage-fringed pool sits in floating distance of the bar!

Foreign correspondents, archaeologists, royalty – they all gather here at the FCC Angkor, a peaceful sanctuary shaded by banyan trees right in the centre of the Old French Quarter of charming Siem Reap. Formerly the residence of the French governor, the historic mansion has been renovated with modern comforts, but retains its cosy, intimate vibe. Set out and explore the legends of Angkor Wat each day, then return to Scribe, the city’s go-to for cocktails and conversations.

Located in the Krous Village, surrounded by lush vegetation, Anjali by Syphon is surrounded by restaurants and activities. The hotel houses sophisticated rooms and suites, ranging from a superior twin room to a deluxe rooftop suite. Each room type is thoughtfully decorated and features modern amenities which include Wi-Fi, air-conditioning and a mini-bar. The hotel is home to the Hunkaar Table & Lounge which serves both Asian and western fusions and innovative cocktails. The hotel offers various packages which include accommodation and activities such as the Cambodian temples, a tour through Angkor as well as visiting Angkor Wat's UNESCO World Heritage sites.

A luxury hotel in the heart of the city, Park Hyatt Siem Reap has been completely reimagined by award-winning designer Bill Bensley to blend Khmer architecture with art-deco. Once the Hotel De La Paix, an iconic heritage landmark in Siem Reap since 1957, this luxury hotel takes inspiration from Cambodian art and historical significance of the ancient Angkor Wat ruins

The Bensley Collection is a group of private villas shaded by the gardens of the royal residence, ensconced within the vibrant streets of Siem Reap, near the magical Angkor Wat temple complex. There are 10 private villas with custom designed furniture and a private pool. Each villa offers 1562 meters across two pavilions including a floor to ceiling glassed bathroom with views over the garden and outdoor bathtub and rain shower. Inside the living space, three dimensional murals have been carved to render the romantic folds of Jayavarman’s robe – one of the Khmer Kings known for his powerful pioneering spirit – the perfect complement to such exquisite surrounds. Try the seasonal, seven-course Khmer Tasting Menu (inspired by the local harvest) at Kroya, pause for a sundowner at Bensley’s Bar, or sample a selection of fine Khmer beef farmed and aged locally at The Steakhouse.

The temples stand nearby. Serenity is in the air. A secret lake by itself, the swimming pool reflects majestic palm trees. Nestled in a vast expanse of tropical flora, 50 living spaces, most with private pools, invite to rest, relax and contemplate. Your own oasis. One of a kind.