This is a review that I wish I could have read before booking this hotel!! Having been recommended this hotel from a friend who stayed 3 years ago and reading about all the positive reviews I had high expectations for this resort/hotel. Unfortunately it didn't deliver for me. I was overall left quite disappointed.
I'll start with the positives though. The gardens and pool areas are well maintained and pretty to look at. It does feel like a zen retreat with soft music playing and pool configurations. Mostly it can be private but doesn't take many people at all to spread out and lose that privacy as it is a small property for the amount of accomodation it provides.
The bed was comfortable and the room had a nice touch with dual showers and sinks with possibility of connecting rooms if staying with the family.
The location is fine and the tuk tuk drivers working within the hotel are very nice, speak good English and is really handy to have included in your stay when getting around. However, it's specified that you have 12 hours a day access which isn't exactly correct as the day you check in or few hours you have on the day you check out is expected so count that day as gone. It's suggested that they take you anywhere but other then the city you will pay extra to the hotel depending on the destination you go to roughly between $8-$30 more. Importantly it's noted that you will pay taxes (special tax???, VAT & service fee) on top of everything so it works out more.
The drinks were good but resort prices which is to be expected. I have to say the cocktails were some of the best we've had in Cambodia but there is also more taxes to be added. I've stayed at other places and I know for certain that I much prefer just to see total price inclusive of taxes rather then having loads of extras placed on top when paying the bill.
I didn't eat the food so can't comment on that during lunch and dinner however did have the breakfast buffet which was included in the room cost. The coffee was ok, and the fruit & juice selection good. They had a eggs station and the chef made all choices of eggs for you however the buffet selection was basically the same each time and pretty ordinary. The sausages were actually inedible and then fairly limited choice after you consider pancake, cereal, noodles. For a health retreat pitched venue the healthy options were not catered for.
Internet is terrible unless you are around the pool. Connection is very poor and drops in and out regularly inside the rooms. Brought it up twice with reception and told they would look at it with no follow up. Tv is small and looks like an afterthought to the room. Room cleaning and turn down service cleans the rooms quite well however was told you get two bottles of water at morning and also evening. This did not happen. Complimentary toiletries were limited for a 4.5 star. No toothbrushes, tooth paste, no slippers, no body lotion. Not that it really mattered but I'm just comparing to other places I've stayed at. The sound dock did not work properly. The sound changed constantly as soon as the speaker wire was moved and very hard to get the right position. It was just better not to use it as was very frustrating. blown and terrible sound. The lighting in the rooms just feels a little too low to be comfortable and could do with a brighter main light before switching to the lower lights when getting ready for bed. Also make sure you bring repellent. I think it would be worthwhile for mgmt to consider placing mosquito coils on room patios during turn down service as you get eaten alive even with jungle spray on.
The yoga class is good and in a very nice setting however the timing is terrible mid week. Yoga is offered once per day and is in the middle of breakfast service. On the weekends it's offered twice a day and much more thought put into the timing of a morning and afternoon session but not worth paying for if you plan on doing tours etc.
The gym is not a gym. It is 4 cardio machines and some light hand weights.
Overall this place needs a face lift. It's visually pleasing as per all other reviews but lacks a lot of substance. It may have been great a while ago but hasn't kept its standards up to date unfortunately. For the price per night I would definitely be looking else where.