Overview

Aside from food, the three major cost items in any family’s overseas trip include the following: (1) international airfare; (2) tour packages; and (3) accommodation. Earlier, our daughter Zarina Hannah (working as a nurse in Sydney, Australia) settled the first cost item as she sponsored our round-trip international airfare from Manila, Philippines. Secondly, the cost of our tour packages to the historic temples and other touristic destinations was relatively fixed, with our eldest son Mikhail Robert pitching in additional amount. Hence, for our family of five get-together to Siem Reap, Cambodia, from 17-23 December 2018, we could only economize on the third item – the accommodation. The purpose of this travelogue is to share our accommodation experience and insights to those families who intend to travel in the same destination on a limited budget.

The advantage of today’s Internet is it allows you to evaluate a hotel’s features on-line without having to physically visit it. These include assessing features/parameters like exact location, price, room size, in-house restaurant and related facilities. Mikhail Robert, who visited Siem Reap before – but stayed in different establishments – booked us in two hotels (see Box 1) after several days of going through Trip Advisor reviews. Such strategy was to have a less miserable stay, in case the first hotel turns out to be a mess. Both have fairly high reviews and, given our experience, both have lived with their reputations and are worth coming back to.

Box 1. Locations and other contact details of our accommodation.  

Bokre
Angkor Hostel

The newly-renovated Bokre Angkor Hostel – which only opened in February 2018 – is strategically located near the city’s central business district (CBD). It is only a quarter of an hour walk to the famous Pub Street and Night Market; also a 15-minute ride at the Siem Reap International Airport and other popular tourist destinations like Angkor Archaeological Parks. Within walking distances are a variety of convenience stores, local markets and restaurants. It caters to a wide range of travelers: singles, couples, families and groups. We got a very reasonable rate of US$194 for 2 rooms for 4 days from 16-20 December 2018.

Amenities include the following: reasonably spacious rooms (Figure 1 and Figure 2); in-house restaurant (Figure 3 and Figure 4) that serves Khmer and Western dishes as well as beverages and cocktails; an outdoor jet pool (Figure 5) with intricate Buddhist carving (Figure 6) designs; free high-speed 24-hour internet access; cable TV; safety deposit box; and free hot and cold water from a dispenser. They also have ‘in-house’ Tuk Tuk (carriage pulled by a motorcycle) drivers that ensure the safety of its travelling guests. Beyond these amenities are the relaxing environment and friendly staff. The 24-hour front desk staff graciously accede to request.

The owner-manager, Mr. Phirun Yath, personally attended to the guests. He found time to greet the guests, and ensured that they felt the home-like hospitality. When we left Bokre Angkor Hostel on 20 December 2018, he personally carried my laptop bag and continuous positive airway pressure machine to the awaiting Tuk Tuk.

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The Orientation Lodge

The Orientation Lodge, our second hotel, is likewise located within Siem Reap’s CBD. Operating since 2015, we only paid upon arrival (no deposit required) an equally reasonable rate of US$157 for 2 rooms for 3 days from 20-23 December 2018. Along its Sok San Road G13 are several business establishments that cater to the needs of overseas visitors such as cafes, grocery shops and culinary shops. You may also reach the famous Pub Street and Night Market through a 15-minute walk. It is only a 15-minute ride from Siem Reap International Airport. Nearby places of interest include The Happy Ranch Horse Farm and Museum.

There is free Wi-Fi throughout the lodge’s complex. Each relatively spacious room (Figure 7, Figure 8 and Figure 9) comes with the following: couch/sofa, large beds, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and a private bathroom with hot-and-cold shower. Some units have patios or balconies with strategic views of its outdoor pool (Figure 10 and Figure 11). Aside from breakfast, its in-house restaurant offers lunch and dinner (Figure 12) menus. The housing units are within landscaped botanical gardens. There is a space for meditation whereby yoga mats are provided. Other services they provide are rentals of bicycles and motorcycles, and related outdoor recreation activities.

All hotel personnel are friendly and accommodating. I would like to mention particularly the owner, Mr. Sao Phalla. He personally attended to our request for checking of facilities and repair of air cons. He even gave us free extended use of one room. We should have checked out at 1200 on 23 December 2018 but he allowed us its free use until we left The Orientation Lodge at 1930.

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Rejoinder

Overall, the two reasonably-priced hotels where we stayed – Bokre Angkor Hostel and The Orientation Lodge – provided us with wonderful experience. Indeed, an overseas family get-together could be both affordable (accommodation-wise) and provide quality time for relationship bonding.

We were able to enjoy the sights and sounds Siem Reap has to offer without spending too much. As for the food? You may continue reading Reasonably-Priced Culinary/Gastronomic Delights in Siem Reap, Cambodia: A Family Sharing to get an insight into our little gastronomic adventures in Siem Reap.

Copyright ©Michael D Pido