Mane Family Vacation

The quiet surroundings were the best part of our five-night January stay as a couple. Our lakeside villa had a private pool and lovely views, and the grounds include rice fields, gardens, and a lake. The room was clean and looked after, though it was starting to show its age. Siem Reap's center was about 10 minutes away by tuk-tuk, and staff arranged drivers and excursions efficiently at reasonable prices. They helped us rent bikes to go to Angkor Wat and get $2 tuk-tuks into town. Communication with the host over WhatsApp was easy. Thanks to Visal and So Khim for working hard to make the stay smooth. The property felt peaceful and suited to adults, though there are also children's playgrounds on the other side. The gym is at a sister hotel, reached by complimentary shuttle, which may be inconvenient for some. We only ate at the hotel once. They advised ordering meals in advance on WhatsApp, which was useful because service could be slow. Breakfast also worked best with advance orders and confirmations. It could be delivered to the room or villa, or served in the restaurant when there wasn't an event or ceremony. Wi-Fi was unstable, and Mobifone coverage was limited, so staying connected or working remotely could be difficult. Staff were helpful with arrangements, but service varied between some team members, especially around food and beverage. More consistent communication and additional service training would help. Some details on the large property felt neglected. The pond by the lake and the old rice farming exhibits, with descriptions too faded to read, could use attention. Employee name tags and better upkeep and training would also improve the experience. Mane Family Vacation is a tranquil base for couples exploring Siem Reap and the temples around Angkor War, with lovely lakeside villas and helpful staff, though there are small gaps in service and maintenance.

The grounds are lovely, with villas spread through a park, but it felt much more like a guesthouse than a hotel. There were few staff around, so we were largely left to manage on our own. The WhatsApp contact they call a butler wasn’t very effective, and the buggies were never available, which meant a lot of walking. It’s also about 10 minutes from the city center. The staff really did try to make us comfortable, but the place doesn’t feel like a four-star hotel. The restaurant was shockingly expensive, even more than Raffles, for tiny portions and poor service. There’s a lot of potential here, but it feels as if management is focused on making money while the property is left neglected. A simpler stay is fine, but the prices shouldn’t be at four-star level.

We especially loved the villa, Michel. This is a high-end luxury property, with continental-style villas that offer an unusual amount of privacy. The staff were very welcoming, and the welcome drinks tasted like heaven.

The helpful, polite service made our stay pleasant, and the quiet surroundings were a lovely break after the busy center or Angkor Vat. Villas and houses sit scattered across a large, green area, with plenty of greenery and rice fields. The hotel seems fairly new, so a few things still need improvement, though that may come with time. I recommend it.