Grand Hotel d'Angkor
| Grand Hotel d'Angkor | |
|---|---|
 Grand Hotel d'Angkor | |
 | |
| Hotel chain | Raffles Hotels & Resorts |
| General information | |
| Location | Cambodia |
| Address | 1 Vithei Charles de Gaulle, Khum Svay Dang Kum, Siem Reap, Cambodia |
| Opening | 1932 |
| Management | Fairmont Raffles Hotels International |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 3 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | Ernest Hébrard |
| Other information | |
| Number of rooms | 119 (including suites) |
| Number of suites | 18 |
| Number of restaurants | 6 |
| Website | |
| www.raffles.com/siem-reap | |
The Grand Hotel d'Angkor is a historic luxury hotel located in Siem Reap, Cambodia. It opened in 1932, and is currently run by Fairmont Raffles Hotels International. The hotel was constructed to accommodate the influx of tourists arriving in Cambodia to visit the Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious complex, as well as many other temples and monuments in the area.[1]
History
In 1860, French naturalist and explorer, Henri Mouhot, stumbled upon the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat near what is now the Cambodian city of Siem Reap. Angkor Wat quickly became recognized as the largest religious complex in the world, and drew numerous French archeologists, some of whom dedicated their lives to the site's excavation and restoration.[1]
By the early years of the 20th century, Angkor Wat also became a popular tourist destination, despite the difficulty in reaching the site due to its remote location. Noted British author, Somerset Maugham traveled to the site from Bangkok, taking a tramp steamer, a car, and finally a sampan across Tonlé Sap lake, a trip that took four days to complete.[1]
In the mid-1920s, the countries that are now Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos formed French Indochina, and fell under French colony rule. It was during this time that a plan was developed to construct five hotels throughout French Indochina. Tourism to Angkor Wat had greatly increased since its discovery, and by the late 1920s, thousands of people were visiting the area.[2] Because of this, Siem Reap was designated as one of the five locations for the hotel project.
Architect and urban planner, Ernest Hébrard, created the Town Planning Service of Indochina in 1923. This office, based in Hanoi, became the headquarters for the design and planning of numerous public buildings throughout French Indochina, including what would become the Grand Hotel d'Angkor.[2]
The initial hotel proposal planned the construction of a 40-room hotel in Siem Reap, and construction began in 1929, just 5 miles (8.0 km) from the Angkor Wat site. However, by the time the hotel opened in 1932, it boasted 63 rooms, all with private bathrooms.[2][3]
In 1997, the hotel closed for a complete renovation. It reopened in December of that year as a Raffles hotel.[4] The hotel underwent a second overhaul in 2012, which entailed a full refurbishment of the poolside villas.[5]
Architecture and design
The Grand Hotel d'Angkor was constructed in the French Colonial style popular in the early 20th century. It's fronted by 15 acres of gardens, including a produce garden that provides fruits, vegetables, and herbs for use in the kitchen, and cooking classes.[6] The hotel features a raised portico at its front façade. The lobby elevator features ornate wrought iron doors, while throughout the hotel, guests will find black-and-white marble floors and Khmer furniture.[7]
Guest rooms feature Art Deco furniture and Cambodian wall art, and balconies offering views of either the pool or the gardens. The pool, which at 35 metres (115 ft) long is the largest swimming pool in Cambodia, is surrounded by frangipani trees.[7][8]
Celebrities and royalty
Grand Hotel d'Angkor has hosted numerous celebrities and royal visitors, including Charlie Chaplin, Paulette Goddard in 1936. In 1966, French President Charles de Gaulle visited, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was a guest in 1967.[2] Most recently, First Lady Michelle Obama stayed at the hotel in 2015.[6]
Princess Margaret and her husband, Lord Snowdon visited the ruins in 1969, and stayed at Grand Hotel d'Angkor.[2]
Awards
In 2013, the Grand Hotel d'Angkor was named the 14th best resort in Asia in Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards. The hotel moved in 13th place in 2014.[9]
References
- ^ a b c Warren, William (2007). Asia's Legendary Hotels: The Romance of Travel (1st ed.). Periplus Editions (HK), Ltd. pp. 132–137. ISBN 0794607365. Retrieved 18 September 2015.
- ^ a b c d e "Raffles Grand Hotel D'Angkor, Siemréab – History of the Hotel". HotelSite. HotelSite International. Retrieved 18 September 2015.
- ^ "Grand Hotel d'Angkor – About Us". Grand Hotel d'Angkor. Fairmont Raffles Hotels International. Retrieved 18 September 2015.
- ^ "Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor, Cambodia". Visit-Mekong. Retrieved 18 September 2015.
- ^ "Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor, Siem Reap renovated". Hotel Design Magazine. 18 October 2012. Retrieved 18 September 2015.
- ^ a b "Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor". Travelfish.org. Retrieved 18 September 2015.
- ^ a b "Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor". Condé Nast Traveler. Condé Nast. Retrieved 18 September 2015.
- ^ "Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor". JetSetter. Retrieved 18 September 2015.
- ^ "Top Resorts in Asia". Travel + Leisure. Time, Inc.; Affluent Media Group. Retrieved 18 September 2015.