Mami-Eggroll: Best boutique hotel in Siem Reap with private plunge pool

Finding accommodation for our vacations can be overwhelming. For each trip, I browse many websites such as Tripadvisor.com, Booking.com, Agoda.com, Airbnb.com for international travel and sometimes Expedia.com and Orbitz.com for domestic travel. I read a good amount of reviews and view hundreds of photos before making a selection. Even after I make a selection, I often cancel the reservation and make new ones before the trip if a better opportunity is available. Luckily most websites have free cancellations up to a few days before the actual trip. Some even have a "Pay Later" option so my credit card doesn't even get charged.

Image via De Sarann Villa Website

In Siem Reap, there are a plethora of budget and medium priced clean and modern hotels that boasts a pool, WIFI, airport transfer and breakfast buffets for under $50.00 and a whole greater selection of under $75.00. Since we didn't pay regular prices for our flights, I thought we could "splurge" a bit. I came across De Sarann Villa on Agoda's website . I entered my dates, checked off "pool" and sorted by "highest review" first.

I was intrigued by the amenities listed on the website and went to Tripadvisor to read other reviews and look through the pictures. Since the hotel is on the newer side, the photos and reviews were limited. The good thing about Tripadvisor's website is that you can compare prices for the hotel on multiple websites. I went through the process and to my surprise, Asiatravel.com came in the lowest. It was because they were having a 15% off sale.

For the "Privilege Suite Villa" Private Pool "Surprise Deal". it was $125.59 a night. We decided to book it for the whole 4 nights we would be in Siem Reap.
The rate included:

Round trip airport transfer via AC car (in my case Lexus SUV)
Daily breakfast
Daily Laundry
Daily stocked mini bar with water, sodas, beer
Bottle of red wine
Massage
One Day Tour of Angkor Complex
Loaner mobile phone with local number
Local transportation via Tuk Tuk

We arrived late at night and our driver was waiting for us. The drive from the airport was about 25 minutes in an air-conditioned Lexus RX330.

Check in was smooth and the staff was super friendly. We were welcomed with a bottle of red wine and a fridge full of chilled water, soda and beer.

Welcome bottle of red wine

Mini Bar stocked daily

The "chalet" style accommodation was spacious. There was a sitting area with a flat screen TV for at least 5 or 6 people with a separate kitchenette area with a microwave, fridge, stove and bar sink.

The bedroom had a huge king size bed with another 55" flat screen TV, a work, desk, a spacious closet and a vanity area. I loved that robes and slippers were provided for the both of us.

The spacious bathroom boasted a large soaking tub for two people as well as a rain shower. There were ample toiletries provided in case we forgot to pack our own.

My absolute FAVORITE part of the place was the rooftop plunge pool. It was tranquil oasis up there. There were lots of plants surround the pool and sun loungers. There was also a table for dining al fresco poolside. It was great to relax and unwind by the pool and take in the sounds of nature.

Everyday, breakfast was included in our room rate. There was choices for continental, American, and many Khmer dishes including rice noodle soup, rice plates and stir fried noodles. All entrees includes a fruit platter with fresh papaya, dragon fruit and pineapple. Tea, coffee and orange juice was also included. Breakfast was served in your air conditioned living room or on the roof top patio. We switched it up everyday.

Rice noodle soup

Staff setting up

Fried yellow noodles and "American" breakfast

One night, we had a special Khmer feast set up for us. There were more than 12 Khmer dishes; spring rolls, eggrolls, fried rice, amok, curry, morning glory, Chinese mustard, fried pork, sweet and sour chicken, Cambodian omelette with bitter melon just to name a few. The patio was decorated with candles and there were flower petals and a romantic candelabra on our table set for 7.

Private patio dinner for 7

Khmer Feast

For Valentines Day, we were pleasantly surprised to come back and find our bed adorned in rose petals. We were also treated to an in room "couples massage" on Valentines Day. The masseuses performed a 60 minutes traditional Khmer massage. They loosened up all sorts of places I never knew could be tights and immobile.

Decorated bed Valentines Day

Since laundry service was included, we took advantage of that and got a load washed. I am not a fan of the fragrant detergent used in Southeast Asia so I brought my own Tide pods. Our clothes came back clean and PRESSED. Even our socks and underwear were pressed! I told the Mo not to get used to that service at home!

Complimentary pressed laundry

We always had a tuk tuk driver on call to take us wherever we pleased. All it took was a phone call and he'd be there in no time, even in the week hours of the morning after a long night at Pub Street.

Our dedicated tuk tuk driver

The hotel room also included a tour of the Angkor Wat Complex. Usually for the two of us, it would be a Lexus RX 330 but since my family was with me, they upgraded us to a 10 passenger van. They also made suggestions to my itinerary and help find a driver for my family for the rest of the trip. I'm sure they got a commission but it beats me walking around town looking for a driver.

Every time we left or came back from our activities, the staff would line up and greet us. I felt like I was the "Granthams" from Downton Abbey.

Image via Daily Mail

This was by far the BEST boutique hotel that we've stayed at. Although it's a bit on the pricier side, I would recommend looking for deals before booking this accommodation. Regular price goes for $250.00 a night but it's always on "sale."

It's best for couples. If you are visiting with a family, I'd recommend booking more than one chalet or the whole place out. There are only 4 rooms total. Each has their own private pool but it connects through a gate door.

De Sarann Villa