We loved our stay at the historical Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh and we were so exited to visit another Cambodian hotel full of history and culture. This time in Siem Reap; Raffles Hotel Grande d’Angkor. It first opened in 1932, finally giving Angkor Wat visitors a proper place to stay, replacing “The Bungalow”, the only option until then.
Visitors could enter the elephant back in the early morning, straight from the terrace next to the lobby, and ride to the ruins of Angkor Wat to enjoy breakfast as the sun was rising behind the temple. What an experience it must have been!
The hotel has been here ever since while the town of Siem Reap has grown around it. Withstanding wars and famines. The King of Cambodia, impressed by Raffles in Singapore and it’s ability to stay open and keep it’s style and atmosphere since 1887, wished for Raffles to take over the two historical buildings, as part of an effort to reestablish tourism and economic activity that had completely disappeared during the civil war. The chance to bring two of the few remaining grand historical hotels in the world back to it’s prime, at the same time, was an opportunity Raffles did not let pass. In 1994 restoration of Grand d’Angkor began and the 30th of December 1997 it reopened in a spectacular way as Raffles Grand d’Angkor. The opening continued with a New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner, followed by a New Year's Day Sunrise Picnic at Preah Khan temple, north of Angkor Wat. Just like the old days.
The effort put into the restoration can be felt wherever you find yourself in these two hotels. The tiles, the plants, the furniture and art in the hallways, the floors and doors in the rooms and the beautifully restored elevator, that has been ferrying guest up and down the floors since 1932, are all part of the Raffles experience, along with the exceptional service and sensational staff. The historical tour of the hotel puts it all into perspective in the most wonderful way.