A destination in its own right

The renovation carried out in 2019 is deeply sensitive to the building’s original architecture. Period architectural details abound, from the ironwork surrounds of the original timber elevator to the floral-motif Art Deco railings on the staircase, all restored to their former pristine condition. The wide eaves of the huge tiled roof are supported at regular intervals by large, tiered concrete supports. These brackets emulate those made of wood that are usually seen bearing the immense weight of Chinese palace roofs.

Guest rooms are wonderfully brighter with new spotlights and window treatments, while hardwood floors imbue them with warmth. Each one opens up to a view of charming street scenes or the plantation style grounds. Easily accessible power ports, USB charging stations and high-speed internet are installed for optimum connectivity. All rooms are outfitted with new Segafredo coffee makers and the beds are updated with Simmons pillow-top mattresses for a good night’s sleep. The bathrooms have had the biggest makeovers, with new Italian tiling and fixtures, including oversized rain showers. Guests can enjoy more space, with cabinets replaced by built-in wardrobes; and true to Raffles tradition, there is a writing desk in every room.

When Grand Hotel d’Angkor first opened its doors in Siem Reap, there were no other buildings to obstruct the view of the temples at Angkor Wat, 8 km away. The French explorers who opened a gateway from the temples to Western civilisation – Henri Mouhot and Henri Marchal among them – knew Siem Reap the way it was before tourism arrived, when it was a simple fishing village with easy access to one of the world’s most phenomenal religious monuments.

The town grew with the burgeoning interest in all things exotic. First came the bungalows, then the grand hotels, along with restaurants, bars, merchants and all the other businesses that go into a thriving holiday resort. Nor was Angkor Wat the only attraction: travellers started coming to see the sunsets over Tonlé Sap Lake, the smiling faces at Bayon temple and mystical Ta Prohm, which early explorers likened to Sleeping Beauty’s impenetrable castle.

Today our Raffles Butlers can guide you to discover some of Siem Reap's treasured secrets, such as the Kandal Village neighbourhood for shopping and, for culinary aficionados, some hidden foodie gems.