My wife and I recently stayed at the Amansara. It was one of the highlights of our vacation. The staff and management were warm, welcoming, and so tuned in to service that we didn't want to leave. Every aspect of the hotel is designed for tranquality and enjoyment. It isn't big, but it ranks as one of the best in the world. When we were pressed for time and couldn't go to a Buddhist temple for a blessing, the Amansara team surprised us. The phone rank and they said look outside. They had arranged for a Buddhist monk to come and perform the blessing. We shall never forget it nor shall we forget all the kindness and compassion the staff sent our way! Thank you, Amansara!

I am used to the best hotels and experience, and this was my third time in Aman properties. After checking the hotels options in Siem Reap, my travel agent suggested me Hotel de la Paix, because of the modern touch. But I didn't agree and I chose Amansara. No regrets at all! The hotel is excellent, the staff is perfection ant they make you feel at home from the beginning. We had a regular suite that was really nice, flawless and very well decorated.

Some remarks:
1. They have someone before Visa on Arrival at the airport holding a sign with your name on that, make sure to check before entering the line, because the person will set it up for you
2. Nice transfer on the King's 1962 Mercedes-Benz
3. Excellent tour guides
4. If you don't have a lot of time, like me, visit the main important temples: Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom (Bayon, Baphuon, Elephant Terrace), Banteai Srey (Ladies' Temple) and Tah Prom.
5. Helicopter tour expensive and not worthy. Go for the balloon ride, they go up and down and you pay much less and will have a nice view of Angkor Wat
6. Food in the hotel is excellent, heaven!
7. Great spa and therapies, the massages are great!
8. We had a late flight (9pm), and they let me stay in the room until 7pm without charging extra for this, great attitude
9. For the Angkor Wat visit, early morning is the best time, but ask the guide to start the tour from the main entrance, not from the back of the temple. As someone here mentioned, the temples were made to impress by the outside, so don't miss this. Normally the guide will take you to the back of the temple, but ask for this. Sunrise can be seen from the outside, nice because of the reflection of the temple on the water.
10. Enjoy the activities they prepare for the guest. For me, we had a talk with an expert in Angkor Wat water structure and next day, a film about traditional dances.
11. The meditation CD they have in the room is very contemplative, if you like, ask for a free copy. They usually provide to guests.

I visited Hotel de la Paix, the hotel is in the middle of the city and not so charming. Amansara is very intimate, but the staff are very discreet and let you feel at home.

On the rate, half board included and tours included, but tips aren't. They are very poor in the country, so tipping the guide and the drive is important for them.

Cons of the hotel: no gym, but they provide you access to Raffles Gym just in front, so it is also good.

If you want an exclusive experience and nice and elegant service, stay here!

Amansara is not only a luxurious 5 star property where your every wish is taken care of by the beautiful staff. It will also enhance your trip to Cambodia enormously. On arrival you are greeted by a sea of smiling, happy faces all eager to make your stay as special as possible.

A suggested itinerary is designed for you based on the length of your stay. You are presented with this and then offered the opportunity to change add or subtract any portion you wish. You are then allocated a driver and guide for the duration of your stay. This means you build up a great rapport with your driver and guide. At the end of our stay my husband even went out with them for a night.

The guides are very aware of the best way to enter the temples and how to avoid the crowds and there were many times when we felt as though we were the only people there. Priceless!!!

Although 5 star this luxury is in no way showy or inappropriate. Unlike some other 5 star properties in Siem Reap. Amansara is beautiful, personal, understated qiuet and elegant.

Food was good but not exceptional. Cooking class was an amazing experience. Visit to market with staff and then cooking over fire in their traditional Kmher country house.

Thankyou Amansara for making our Cambodia trip so special. The epensive hotels you can buy elsewhere but the experience Amansara will give you is rare.

Possibly the best hotel we have ever stayed in. The service was beyond extraordinary.