Riversoul Boutique

The staff were extremely friendly and helpful throughout, and they worked hard to sort out our room issue. We’d booked the pool access suite, room 002, but it smelled very damp and was dark. They offered to move us the next day to twin room 208, a cheaper category that was much better. I was asked to contact the booking platform, a major booking website with the word in its name, about a partial refund, but its customer service did nothing even though the hotel and I agreed on what needed to happen. In the end, the hotel proactively refunded the difference in cash. The bed was very comfortable, the view from room 208 was good, and everything was within walking distance from this central location. A rooster next door woke us the first morning, though we slept through it on the remaining four nights, so sensitive sleepers might want to consider that. I’d highly recommend booking directly with the hotel, since rates are often better too.

We stayed six days at Riversoul Boutique Hotel in Siem Reap, Cambodia, with four friends each in our own room. Right from the start, it felt like coming home. The four staff members were incredibly kind, attentive, and warm. They welcomed us with so much care each time we returned, and breakfast was calm and delicious, served in a relaxed way that felt like waking up at home. After six days, we felt less like guests and more like we’d lived there for years. That feeling is priceless. The location is perfect, with shops nearby and Pub Street within walking distance. A special thank you to Jessi, Jane, Kai and Kim. You made our stay unforgettable. This hotel will always have a place in my heart, and I highly recommend it.

We spent more time exploring the area than eating at the hotel, since there are loads of places within a 20-minute walk. We only had breakfast at the on-site restaurant, and it was a good choice: plenty of local and Western options. Eggs come sunny-side up unless you ask for them another way. The pool is lovely, though cooler than I expected. Being by the river makes it nice for walks, and the market and Pub Street are easy to reach. Tuk-tuks for trips are very cheap, and there’s a low-cost laundry place a three-minute walk away. I’d use that instead of the pricey hotel laundry, as with most hotels.

The roosters made it impossible for us to rest. They’re at a neighboring local property right beside the pool, and start up continuously around 5:45 a.m. until about 9:30, then make noise off and on for the rest of the day. Even earplugs and white noise on our phones didn’t stop us from waking up. It was miserable for us, and I wish we’d known before booking. The staff are friendly and the rooms decent, but we wouldn’t stay here again. If roosters don’t bother you, you might still like the place.