Jaya House River Park Hotel — Hotel in Siem Reap

We visited Siem Reap and stayed at the Jaya House River Hotel at the end of January 2022.

Firstly, if you are thinking of visiting Cambodia, then NOW is the time to do it! You'll never get the chance to see Angkor Wat and the other amazing temples this quiet and free of tourists ever again. Coupled with the fact that this wonderful country and its people have felt the impact of Covid-19 more than most, and are absolutely crying out for tourism to return, there really is no better time to visit Cambodia than now.

With regards to the Jaya House River Hotel - we cannot speak highly enough of it. So many nice touches that really made the trip memorable. Great airport pick up with a detour via Angkor Wat to really get you excited, and a wonderful reception on arrival, including welcome drinks with the hotel manager Mr Chris. Our room was wonderful - comfortable, clean, lovely bathroom with big bathtub, free mini bar and very spacious. Very comfy bed and ample space for luggage etc. The hotel felt extremely clean throughout our stay - hand sanitizer provided, and staff doing a great job of cleaning rooms and communal areas round the clock.

The amenities and hotel grounds are wonderful - you really feel far removed from the hustle and bustle of the central city. 2 beautiful swimming pools, lovely open green space for sunbathing/relaxing, an excellent restaurant and a fantastic rooftop bar with epic sunset views. We had breakfast included at the restaurant each morning and it was delicious - a buffet is provided, but there is also an extensive a la carte menu to choose from which is included, and has many western, local and vegetarian options available.

The staff were all wonderful - due to covid-19, the hotel is currently running with a reduced staff given booking numbers still haven't picked up, but that didn't impact the high levels of service at all. They all had a great attitude, very positive, friendly and attentive, and always helped us with any queries or needs. The owner, Christian, is running a fantastic operation there - thank you for a great stay! In terms of location, we couldn't have been happier - only a 5 minute tuk-tuk ride from the main centre of the city, or a 20 minute walk along the river. the hotel has tuk-tuks waiting outside on demand, so getting around is super easy.

We would highly encourage anyone thinking of visiting Cambodia to a) go now and don't wait, and b) stay at the Jaya River...

I have traveled extensively and stayed in many hotels across the world, but my recent experience at Jaya House River Park Hotel in Cambodia has been the absolute pinnacle of hospitality.

Right from the moment I arrived, I was met with warm smiles, efficient service, and a genuine feeling of being welcomed. The setting of the hotel, nestled peacefully along the Siem Reap river, offers a serene retreat away from the bustling city life, and the blend of traditional Khmer architecture with modern design aesthetics is truly captivating.

Christian, the managing director, sets the gold standard for hospitality. He is engaging, thoughtful, and incredibly attentive to every single detail. You can truly feel the passion he has for his role, and his commitment to ensuring every guest has an outstanding stay is apparent. Under his leadership, the staff provide an exceptionally personalised service, maintaining professionalism while being personable and friendly.

The rooms are beautifully appointed, providing all the modern luxuries one could wish for, yet retaining a distinctive Cambodian charm. The lush greenery surrounding the rooms lends a feeling of tranquility that's truly unrivaled.

The hotel's commitment to environmental sustainability is also commendable. From the plastic-free initiative to the use of solar power, it is inspiring to see a hotel that is not only luxurious but also ethically conscious.

The gastronomical offerings at the hotel are absolutely delightful. The blend of local Khmer flavors and international cuisines cater to all tastes and the chefs excel in creating a memorable dining experience.

A highlight of my stay was the relaxing spa, where the skillful therapists provided treatments that left me feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

To top it all, Jaya House's close proximity to the majestic Angkor Wat makes it an ideal base for those looking to explore the rich history and culture of Cambodia.

To conclude, my stay at Jaya House River Park Hotel was not just a hotel stay, but a cherished experience I will always remember. I cannot recommend this hotel highly enough. If you are planning a trip to Cambodia, make sure you treat yourself to the exceptional experience that is Jaya House River Park Hotel.

Thank you Christian and the entire team for creating such a magical experience. I look forward...

Pro’s:

Before I arrived they arranged my Angkor Watt tour which included a driver and personal guide. Really worth the money as the guide explains the history, knows every good photo opportunity and walks you through some areas of the site that the bulk of tourists don’t venture through. Personal welcome by the manager/owner and very friendly, polite staff. Basic minibar of soft drink and beer is included at no cost though they did stop refilling it on day 2. Free hotel Tuk Tuks to wherever you want to go locally. They give you a mobile phone so you can call them when you are ready to be returned to the hotel. They have natural mosquito repellent for when you leave and a welcoming, cold face towel for when you return. Loved the two pools set amongst the garden - great place to relax and refresh after a day sightseeing. If you’re lucky you’ll score a free ice cream treat. Rooms were serviced twice a day. The evening is not just a turn down service - they replace any used towels and clean if required. Cleaning staff were friendly and efficient. They will do your laundry for free. If they receive it by 11am they return same day. Good selection for breakfast - it’s both buffet and a la carte. For lunch/dinner I recommend checking with them the size of the appetisers as some are big enough for a main. I highly recommend the fresh spring rolls! Loved the refillable water canisters - great initiative to stop plastic waste. Also, their ongoing work in planting tress in the local area is highly commendable. Aircon is cold although it doesn’t switch off when the desired temperature is reached so you have to contend with the fan noise all night

Tips:

Do your own research with restaurants. While one they recommended was definitely worth it the other was a let down. A daily massage is included at no cost but there were no times available on the day I arrived and while one massage I received was ok the other was so bad I had to stop it halfway through. To be fair, it wasn’t the right type for me so I highly recommend you are very clear about what type works best for you before you start and ask if they use oils or not. If you’re after a relaxing massage I would look elsewhere. No hotel map is provided but there’s a small bar on the second floor and a quiet lounge space on the...