Neak Pean Hotel

The power went out on our last night, and it was hot right through checkout. The air conditioner was weak, and a broken window that wouldn’t lock left me worried and sleeping badly. The old toilet wasn’t clean, there was no kettle until we asked for one, and the water pressure was extremely poor too. They also tried to charge us for the room twice even though we’d already paid. We were told there was no breakfast service, despite breakfast being included in what we paid for. I wish I could give this zero stars.

The best part is how much you can reach on foot. Pub Street is nearby, and there’s a huge choice of restaurants, from local food to international dishes. Laundry shops, bike rentals, VIP buses, and express cruises are close too. The hotel itself has a cozy wooden, cabin-like feel that suits families. Our family room was roomy and had a veranda and tub. There’s also a pool and free Wi-Fi, with the usual hotel facilities. Check Agoda for deals, sometimes up to 50% off even in peak periods.

The air conditioning wasn’t especially powerful, though it was okay, and I do like a really cold room. I’m pretty fussy about hotels, but I’d definitely recommend Neak Pean. The staff were friendly and helpful, everything was clean, and the breakfast had plenty of choices with seconds available. It was also a great deal through one of the booking sites.

The pool is a decent size and was a nice place to cool off after a day visiting temples. The layout makes the hotel feel like a quiet break from the bustle, though there’s plenty to do around Siem Reap, with its shops, history, and culture. It’s centrally placed, with most things walkable and others a short Tuk Tuk or tractor ride away. Brown Coffee is less than two minutes on foot and makes a good coffee. Rooms have attractive walnut-colored wooden walls, air conditioning, a mini fridge, and a TV. The spacious bathrooms were well kept and have proper doors. My one letdown was the lack of mosquito nets over the beds and mesh on the bathroom vents, especially for what I paid. The Neak Peanut name from autocorrect gave me a laugh, and with all these legume puns I’ve probably gone too far, but honestly, you’d be nuts not to stay here. The Year of the Pulse in 2016 may be nearly over, but those puns are still going strong.