Accommodations in Cambodia vary widely, from basic guest-houses to restored Colonial villas serving as boutique hotels.
Luxury international chains, however, are mostly confined to larger towns and cities such as Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and Sihanoukville in Cambodia. A wide variety of mid-range accommodation options are also available, and are often great value for money. These establishments offer both air-conditioned and non-airconditioned rooms, with the former being more expensive. Homestays are
another option and are becoming increasingly popular, especially in Laos. They not only present an opportunity to contribute directly to the community, but are also an excellent way to experience authentic rural life.
HOTEL GRADING
There is no official grading system for hotels in Laos and Cambodia. Price and the facilities offered are usually the best indicators of what to expect. Typically, establishments charging more than
US$100 will fall into the upscale category for the US and Europe. Most upscale hotels offer a variety of options, from private suites to less expensive rooms.
Guesthouses, on the other hand, are very different from luxury hotels, not only in terms of the facilities on offer, but also in the absence of room service, restaurants, and concierge services.
LUXURY HOTELS
Several international hotel chains, such as Raffles Hotel Le Royal and Amansara, have representation in major cities such as Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, and offer the same quality of facilities and service they provide in other parts of the world. While Luang Prabang and Vientiane also have their fair share of international hotels, in addition, these cities have a wide variety of boutique hotels, such as Auberge Le Calao in Luang Prabang.
These international hotels, in several cases, offer menus and interiors designed by people of global repute. Most hotels also have a busy events calendar with performances, such as traditional dance,
during the evening and other events during the day. Boutique hotels, on the other hand, offer a more specialized service with accommodations often in atmospheric, lovingly restored French villas. They are smaller in size, with fewer rooms, but will pay more attention to detail. Siem Reap, in particular, is experiencing a growth in this sector, although the term “boutique” is often loosely applied. Fortunately for visitors, due to increasing competition, such establishments may reduce their prices and there are some really beautiful rooms in good boutique hotels that can be
had for a reasonable rate.
RESORT HOTELS
Several resort hotel chains have been quick to establish themselves in Cambodia, given its extraordinary archaeological treasures and pristine coastline. The coastal town of Sihanoukville ,
in particular, is home to a number of resort hotels, as is Siem Reap, where visitors often combine a luxury trip with an exploration of the ancient temples. The Victoria Angkor Resort and Spa in Siem Reap is a typically lavish 1930s building, which gives its guests the chance to relax in a spa, sample world-class cuisine, and also enjoy organized trips to the majestic temples of Angkor.
Resort hotels are not very common in Laos yet, but with several multinational investors keen to tap into the untouched beauty of the country, many more of these places are likely to appear in the near future.
GUESTHOUSES AND MID-RANGE HOTELS
Guesthouses are usually family-run in both countries and offer good value for the budget traveler. With basic amenities such as a fan and an en suite or shared bath room, these often house-proud establishments are thoughtfully furnished, with flowers in the rooms and friendly service at
reception. They are also great places to meet other travelers and exchange tips. Indeed,
they may be the only option available for travelers in certain remote areas.
Mid-range hotels, on the other hand, start at around US$15 and may go up to as much as US$50, with a huge difference in the kind of facilities and service on offer.
While some mid-range hotels are tastefully designed and may offer a pool, excellent food, and service, the less expensive ones may barely justify the price. It is therefore best to look around before settling on one.
Laos usually offers better value, both in guesthouses and mid-range hotels. The quality of service provided, and the facilities on offer are on the whole much better than in Cambodia.
BUDGET HOTELS
Budget hotels are functional, inexpensive, and only slightly better than a guesthouse in terms of decor and furnishings.
Unfortunately, service in these establishments can leave much to be desired and hygiene is often only an afterthought. Although these hotels usually have fairly large rooms (some-times even with a balcony), as well as modern amenities such as cable TV, there is not much to recommend such places except the price. As a rule, rooms without any windows are cheaper. Budget hotels are usually patronized by Khmer businessmen on work trips, and visitors must always carefully scrutinize
these establishments, as some of them double up as brothels.
HOMESTAYS
The concept of staying with a friendly local family, usually a member of an ethnic minority group, to enjoy the opportunity to discover their lifestyle, is particularly popular in Laos.
Homestays are also gaining ground in Cambodia. They are especially common in remote areas such as Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri provinces. Although such stays may not be as comfortable as staying in a hotel or resort, they are an enchanting way to experience authentic rural life. Board and lodging is generally shared with the host family and visitors may also get to participate in a few daily activities.
Laos, with its large number of ethnic minorities, offers a varied homestay experience.
However, when staying with a local family, visitors should remember to follow certain rules of etiquette, which include always eating the food offered, never littering the surroundings, and also refraining from giving sweets or medicine to the children.
