“Sala Lodges stands out with its stylish approach to Cambodia’s architectural heritage. The saltwater pool, outstanding on-site restaurant and lovingly maintained traditional Khmer homes are seductive reasons to stay put – even with the world-renowned Angkor Wat a short drive away.”

Hotel review

For tourists seeking an authentic taste of Cambodia, Sala Lodges offers a glimpse into rural life but with the amenities of a luxury hotel. Eleven traditional Khmer houses, dating back from 1956 - 1985, sit on stilts in the midst of lush foliage, each one sourced by the hotel’s Swiss owners, transported to the hotel grounds and then reassembled to form a charming village compound. Expect stylish simplicity that emphasizes local furnishings and stripped wood, plus roomy bathrooms and wraparound porches. In contrast, the sleek, open-air restaurant boasts concrete flooring, modern design and a menu offering Cambodian cuisine. Snacks and tapas, Western and Cambodian are available in the Lounge or through room service. At the far end of the property, a saltwater pool provides welcome respite from the heat. Early morning temple-goers can request takeaway breakfast goodies, which are thoughtfully packed in a wicker picnic hamper.

Pip Usher
Pip Usher Review published: 2024-02-25

Recommended for

  • Local markets

    • The 'Made in Cambodia market' is great for picking up curios and honing your haggling skills
  • Families

    • Private villas, babysitting services & heaps of activities make this a top family choice
  • Romantic Break

    • Couples will adore the historic houses with private terraces and romantic guest rooms
  • Learning

    • Stroll to the Angkor National Museum, just a 15 minute walk away
  • Historic

    • Stilted wooden houses, built in the traditional Khmer style, date back to the 1950s
  • Riding

    • The hotel staff can help to arrange scenic riding excursions
  • Sights nearby

    • The Angkor Wat temples are a must-see!
  • Romantic

  • Mountain biking

  • Views

  • Quiet

  • Family Suites

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Intimate

  • Barefoot Luxury

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Full of character

  • Good wine list

  • Restaurant

  • Great walks

  • Boutique

  • Cycling

  • Chic

  • Antiques

  • Child friendly

  • Wellbeing

  • Traditional

  • Charming

  • Luxury

  • Birdwatching

Facilities

  • Rooms

    11 rooms in this hotel
  • Cots available

  • No pets

  • Outdoor dining

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Bar

  • Family Suites

  • Parking

  • Bath robes

  • Safe

  • Views

  • Massage

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Good wine list

  • Babysitting

  • Laundry

  • Room service

  • Restaurant

  • Swimming Pool

  • Garden

  • Child friendly

  • Sitting Room

  • Suites

  • Private villas

  • Concierge

  • Air conditioning

  • Wifi

Activities

  • Local markets

    • The 'Made in Cambodia market' is great for picking up curios and honing your haggling skills
  • Learning

    • Stroll to the Angkor National Museum, just a 15 minute walk away
  • Riding

    • The hotel staff can help to arrange scenic riding excursions
  • Sights nearby

    • The Angkor Wat temples are a must-see!
  • Mountain biking

  • Birdwatching

  • Great walks

  • Cycling

Map & Location

See what they say

Why do people love staying in your hotel? We offer an authentic Cambodian experience with real houses which have now been re-purposed and dating back from 1956 to 1985. Our luxuriant garden with fresh fruits, vegetables, and spices are also a highlight. Our genuinely caring and professional team is often praised for making the experience extra special. What is there to do in the area? Visiting Angkor Wat and its archeological site, Tonle Sap Lake (largest in South-East Asia), the beautiful countryside and Mount Kulen with temples and waterfall. What kind of breakfast do you offer? We offer a-la-carte breakfast so guests can choose all the items or a shorter selection: bread, croissants, home-made jams, home-made yogurt with local honey, cereals with milk, Cambodian breakfast special of the day, eggs and bacon or ham, fresh fruit juice of the day, TWG tea and freshly ground coffee. Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? The Monolith restaurant is open non-stop from 5:00 until 23:00 where we serve Cambodian cuisine. We serve breakfast, lunch and dinner all-day. At the Lounge (near the pool) we serve from 7:00 until 21:00, guest can order Western or Cambodian snacks and tapas. Our favorite restaurants in town are Cuisine Wat Damnak and Mie Café. Which are your most popular room types, and why? They are all equally popular. One bedroom Suite Lodge for couples and Two bedrooms Suite Lodge for families. Each house is unique and has its own history, style and interior design therefore it depends on the guests’ taste and room preferences. What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms ? We can fit extra beds (extra charge may apply) in all rooms, as well as complimentary baby cots. We have high chairs for the restaurants as well as games. We can arrange baby-sitting service with a 24 hour advance notice. What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers? Siem Reap is an incredible city to visit. If your holidays allow you enough time , spend 5 to 6 days in Siem Reap to be able to fully enjoy visiting the temples, lake, countryside, city and take time to relax by the pool, with a massage or watching a sunset at our lounge. We organise live music on Mondays from 17:30 to 21:00 with Happy Hours.

Other reviews

THE HOT LIST 2014

It took more than two years to find 11 disused and authentic Khmer houses in local villages before transporting each one back to this unblemished plot on the edge of Siem Reap and refurbishing them. The results are spectacular: the weathered, stilted villas (dating from 1956 to the 1980s) look like they have always been here, surrounded by orchids and shady trees, a green sanctuary in a town that can feel maddeningly busy and dusty.

Originally published by Condé Nast Traveller

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