Saravoan Hotel Kep

We had a surprisingly spacious superior double sea view room, and could watch the waves from bed. The hotel is right on the beach and surrounded by restaurants. It's about a 20-minute walk along the seaside to the crab market, or a $1 tuk tuk ride. The hotel restaurant served excellent food, and the service was just as good. I hadn't realized breakfast was included. Monkeys visited a couple of times and enjoyed the balcony too. Some of the amenities weren't great quality, but overall the room was very comfortable. The credit card machine didn't work at check-in, at the restaurant during my stay, or at checkout, so I had to go to an ATM. Hopefully they get that fixed.

The view is the main reason I'd consider Saravoan again. You can step out, cross the road, and reach Kep Beach. We stayed five nights, probably longer than needed, since we'd already tried the street food and local restaurants. Kep is likely to get more popular with foreigners as a destination beyond a day trip from Kampot. New hotels are being built, so there may be more options and competition. I'd probably try somewhere else next time, though I'd return for the view. Getting around the hotel meant a lot of stairs. We were on the third floor, and I had to carry some of our bags up and then down at checkout. It's not suitable for people with limited mobility. The room felt like a concrete box, but the view was spectacular. Monkeys came by, and we heard them fighting on the roof. Don't leave food on the veranda or they'll be attracted to it, and keep the door shut or they'll come inside and make a mess. The veranda door's thin metal lock seemed easy for a determined thief to open, though there was a safe in the room. A broom handle to block the sliding door might help with both security and monkeys. The pool was very small and narrow. You could swim laps, but if anyone else got in without swimming laps too, there wasn't room to exercise. The beds were a little flat and uncomfortable, noticeable but not a deal-breaker. Hand towels appeared on the second day, but not the others. Towels seem hit and miss at hotels I've stayed at in Cambodia, and there were no hooks near the bathroom sink to hang them. Breakfast was the big frustration. You order from a menu, and most things were bland. Bacon and eggs came with just one rasher of bacon. The restaurant portions were small and the food overpriced, so I found myself thinking about Second Breakfast. There's a nearby café where you can get a pastry. Getting another coffee was a major ordeal. Sometimes there wasn't enough milk, and some days it seemed they hadn't made enough coffee for the breakfast crowd. I sometimes gave up after one cup and went to the café or made another in my room. When I asked for more, staff were visibly unhappy and didn't hide it. Other people also commented on their rude expressions. One waitress seemed dissatisfied with her job and spent a lot of time on her phone instead of looking after customers. I'd suggest getting to breakfast before 7:40 am, because service got worse once a few people were there.

We had a very nice stay. The pool looks straight out to sea, and the staff were helpful. They arranged a motorbike and tuktuk booking for us without any extra charge. Breakfast was varied and really good, well worth it.

I stopped by Saravoan for an iced coffee and to enjoy the water view. I was delighted to hear they try to reduce plastic throughout the hotel and restaurant. It was easy to get my coffee in a real cup, without a plastic straw. The coffee was delicious, the breeze was perfect, and watching the water and street activity was entertaining. #EcoExpat, five stars!