Siem Reap's Royal Crown: Luxury Spa Getaway You Won't Forget!
Forget the Temples, You Need the Royal Crown: A Siem Reap Spa Escape You NEED
Alright, folks, buckle up. This isn’t your typical travel review. I spent a week in Siem Reap, and honestly? I nearly lost my mind. The temples are amazing, don't get me wrong – ancient wonders, all that jazz… but the dust. The heat. The crowds. By day three, I was a crispy, irritable mess. Then, hallelujah, I found the Royal Crown: Luxury Spa Getaway. And it saved me. Seriously, saved me.
Let's get one thing straight: I am NOT a luxury hotel kinda gal. I'm more of a "hostel bed with a questionable stain" type. But after the Angkor experience, I was ready to sell my soul for a decent shower. And boy, did the Royal Crown deliver.
First Impressions & Accessibility (Okay, this is important)
Getting there was a breeze. Airport transfer? Yep. Smooth, air-conditioned van, straight to the front door. Check-in? Contactless, baby! Thank THE tourism gods. I’m a bit of a germaphobe (don't judge), and the fact they offer contactless everything made my heart sing. They even have a lovely doorman, which felt weird at first (like, me? Doorman-worthy?), but hey, I'll take it.
Accessibility wise, the place is pretty good. Elevator? Yup. Facilities for disabled guests? Tick. I didn't need them personally, but it's great to see a place that cared. Plus, the exterior corridors were beautifully lit which, hey, it’s a simple thing, but made it nice to walk through and relax.
The Room: My Sanctuary (and my temporary home office)
Now, the room. Oh, the room. Let's just say, my little hostel-dwelling self hasn't seen anything like it. Air conditioning that actually works? Check. Blackout curtains that banished the relentless Cambodian sun? Double-check. And a bathtub big enough to swim in? I may have spent a questionable amount of time in there with bubbles and room service (more on that later). They even had an extra long bed which was amazing.
Side note (mini-rant): Why are hotel beds always too short for those of us who like to stretch? The Royal Crown got it right. Finally, a place that understands the importance of a good night's sleep.
They’ve also got free Wi-Fi in all rooms (a godsend), along with the promise of Internet access [LAN], Internet services, and Wi-Fi in public areas. So basically, I could theoretically have worked the whole time. Which I, uh, didn't. (Too busy in that bathtub. Sorry, boss.)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Food Odyssey
Okay, food. This is where things got REALLY interesting. I'm a foodie. A serious, all-consuming foodie. And the Royal Crown didn't disappoint.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Yes, a buffet. A glorious, sprawling buffet with everything from Asian breakfast delights to, wait for it, Western breakfast options. I’m talking eggs, bacon, pastries, fresh fruit… and the coffee? Actually good coffee. I may have accidentally eaten three plates of it.
- Restaurants & Bars: The restaurants were a revelation. They serve both Asian cuisine and International cuisine in restaurant, and the soup in restaurant was unbelievably delicious! Poolside, they had a Poolside bar where I spent a questionable amount of time sipping their cocktails. There's a coffee shop, a Snack bar, and you can get desserts in restaurant. It’s kind of dangerous! Also, there was Room service [24-hour] which was a massive bonus. Honestly, they had it all.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Always a bonus to be able to order off of an amazing Vegetarian restaurant
- Happy hour: The Happy hour was actually a bit more exciting, with a lot of lively tourists and locals alike.
My Epic Foodie Moment (and a little bit of a mess): One night, I ordered room service. Just, like, needed a night in. I got the soup (duh), a salad, and some kind of divine beef dish. It was delivered by this super friendly guy who, honestly, looked like he'd stepped straight out of a movie. I sat on the bed, surrounded by pillows, and dug in. Then, disaster! I knocked over my glass of water. It went everywhere. I was mortified. I called room service, expecting to be humiliated. Instead, they were ridiculously apologetic, sent someone up immediately to clean it, and even brought me another, slightly larger, glass of water. Talk about service.
Spa Bliss: My Descent into Pamper-Land
Look, I'm not gonna lie. This is why you come here: THE SPA. I’m not usually a spa person. I'm more of a "get it done" kind of girl. But holy guacamole, this place converted me.
- The Massage: I tried the Royal Crown Signature Massage, or something like that. Honestly, I don't remember the name. I was half-asleep for most of it. But the sheer bliss… it was unreal. Think skilled hands, warm oils, and all your stress melting away like ice cream on a Cambodian street. I think I might have snored. Don't judge.
- The Sauna, Steamroom, and Jacuzzi: Yeah, I actually spent time getting cleaned up. It was a bit weird, I was not used to this. But the experience was so relaxing!
- Body Scrub and Wrap: Okay, I might have gone a little crazy. But the body scrub was an absolute game-changer. I swear, I shed three layers of dead skin and emerged smelling like a tropical goddess. The body wrap, well, that's when I truly gave in. They put you into a cocoon of warmth and delicious aromas, and you basically just…exist. It's pure, unadulterated relaxation.
- Pool with a view: The pool was breathtaking. I spent hours just floating around, staring at the view. Honestly, I think I spent more time horizontal than vertical that week and I'm not ashamed to admit it.
Cleanliness and Safety: Peace of Mind in a Time of… Well, You Know
Look, the world is a bit of a crazy place right now. I was SO relieved to see how seriously the Royal Crown took cleanliness and safety. They had things like Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and even the option to Room sanitization opt-out available. They are offering, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Sterilizing equipment, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Safe dining setup and Staff trained in safety protocol. It made me feel super safe. Plus, they had a Doctor/nurse on call and a First aid kit. Very reassuring.
Things to Do (Besides Spa-ing):
The Royal Crown is conveniently located. You will have Things to do like shopping, nightlife, and, of course, the temples. They can even assist with getting around, with Airport transfer, Taxi service, Car park [free of charge], and Car park [on-site]. The hotel also has a nice Terrace, with a few Shrines for good measure. If you must get some work done, they've also got Meetings and Business facilities. If you must, they can provide Meetings, Meeting stationery
For the Kids: Fun for the Whole Family
The Royal Crown is Family/child friendly, which is a bonus if you get to bring the kids with you. They have Babysitting service and Kids meal.
The Little Things (the stuff that really matters):
- Air conditioning in public area – HUGE!
- Complimentary tea – A small thing, but much appreciated.
- Daily housekeeping – My room always looked pristine.
- Free bottled water – Hydration is key!
- Luggage storage – Super convenient.
- Concierge - Very helpful.
- Laundry service & Dry cleaning & Ironing service: Super convinient
- Currency exchange & Cash withdrawal: Super useful!
- Facilities for disabled guests – Always a plus.
- Safety deposit boxes – Peace of mind.
The Imperfections (because honest reviews are the best):
Okay, here’s the deal. No place is perfect. My only nitpicks? The Wi-Fi sometimes was a little spotty outside of the room (but hey, I wasn't there to work, remember?). The bar drinks are good, but a bit pricey. But honestly, these are tiny things.
The Verdict: Book It, You Crazy Person!
Look, if you're going to Siem Reap, you NEED this. You're going to be exhausted, you're going to be overwhelmed, and you're going to need a place to recover. The Royal Crown is more than just a
Pattaya Paradise: 15BR Villa, 30 Guests, Private Pool, Steps from Walking Street!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your PR-approved, perfectly curated travel itinerary. This is the messy, glorious, slightly-hungover truth about my time in Siem Reap, Cambodia, staying at the Royal Crown Hotel & Spa. Prepare for a rollercoaster. (And maybe some regret, on my part. Let's see where this goes…)
Royal Crown Hotel & Spa: A Siem Reap Shakedown (and maybe a little spa-induced bliss)
Day 1: Arrival and Disorientation (aka "Where Am I? And is that a mosquito?")
- Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM): The Flight from Hell. (Okay, technically, it wasn't ALL hell, just the part where I sat between a crying baby and a man who kept trying to sell me questionable life insurance. Seriously, people? On a plane? Anyway…) Landing at Siem Reap International Airport… so close to a proper panic at the insane humidity that hits you like a warm, damp blanket. Passport control? Smooth as a poorly-made smoothie. Got my Visa on Arrival (thank goodness for that digital photo I uploaded, what a lifesaver!) That "tuk-tuk Mafia" seems real, everyone vying for your attention as you exit the airport.
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Royal Crown Hotel Arrival. Ah, the promise of air conditioning! The tuk-tuk ride was… exciting. Think dodging scooters, stray dogs, and the sheer, unadulterated chaos of Cambodian traffic. Finally, the hotel. Grand, imposing… also, the bellboy looked a bit…judgy. Check-in. Smooth(ish). Room: Gorgeous! Four-poster bed, balcony overlooking… something (still hazy from the flight and jet lag). Immediately collapsed onto the bed. Briefly considered just staying there forever.
- Lunch (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM): The Hotel Restaurant: A Minefield of Decisions. Okay, so the hotel restaurant. Beautiful setting, but OH MY GOD, the menu! So many options. Took me a solid twenty minutes of staring at the menu before opting for… Spring rolls and a mango smoothie. (Classic, I know, but I was hangry and needed something safe). The spring rolls? Divine. The mango smoothie? Also divine. Started feeling human again. Maybe this trip wouldn't be a disaster after all.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Poolside Debacle, sort of a dream - Poolside time. Glorious, except: 1. I forgot sunscreen. 2. The pool was a MILLION degrees. 3. I may or may not have fallen asleep only to wake up with a bird dive bombing my face. (Okay, details. It was a very bold, very small sparrow, who seemed to think my hair was a nest. It was terrifying, hilarious, and possibly the single most memorable moment of the trip. I still have PTSD from it. Just kidding. Mostly.) The spa looked amazing. But I was too scared to get any more tan after the bird attack.
- Evening (4:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Pub Street and Dinner. Needed something to shake off the day. Tuk-tuk to Pub Street. Chaos. Absolute, glorious chaos. Neon signs, loud music, street vendors hawking…everything. Found a restaurant (that looked clean-ish) and ordered Amok fish. Delicious! Sat there watching the world go by, slightly overwhelmed, completely in love with the energy of the place. Tried to barter for a t-shirt from a vendor, failed miserably (bad at bartering, a true weakness). Back to the hotel, utterly exhausted but utterly exhilarated. Sleep. The kind of sleep that comes from being utterly, utterly drained and slightly sunburned.
Day 2: Angkor Wat and Monumental Regret (that I didn't get up earlier)
- Sunrise (5:00 AM - 7:00 AM): The Angkor Wat Sunrise that Didn't Happen. Okay, so the plan was: wake up pre-dawn, witness the majestic sunrise over Angkor Wat. The reality? My alarm went off, I hit snooze five times, and then I decided, in my infinite wisdom, that "maybe tomorrow" was a better plan. (Spoiler alert: It wasn't.) Regret. So much regret. Instead of sunrise, I got another hour of sleep and a very missed opportunity.
- Morning (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Angkor Wat… Eventually. Hired a tuk-tuk. The heat was already oppressive. Angkor Wat itself was… breath-taking. Truly. The scale, the detail, the history… it was awe-inspiring. Wandered around, got slightly lost, bumped into a fellow tourist who looked equally bewildered and sweaty. (Shared some water and a sympathetic smile.) Tried (and failed) to take a decent photograph. The crowds were intense, but I tried to soak it all in. Felt a profound respect.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Lunch near Angkor Thom. More spring rolls. (I'm predictable, I know.) Found a little restaurant with a fan. Thank god for fans.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Angkor Thom and Bayon. Angkor Thom: massive walls, and beautiful faces carved into the towers of the Bayon Temple. The stone faces… I've already lost count of how many times I've been told about them, but it was worth it. Climbed the temple. The jungle was growing. More sweaty. More amazing. My brain was officially on information overload, but in a good way.
- Late Afternoon/Evening (5:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Floating Village Tour (Tonle Sap Lake): Took a boat to the floating village. The drive was long and it looked very far from the hotel but it was a very interesting experience. The boats were overcrowded. The children were cute but always asking for money. Then, Dinner. The hotel restaurant again. (Convenience is KING, people.) This time, Pad Thai. It was very ok. Later at night, went back for a massage (finally!). Best two hours of my life, I was so relaxed. Also, the spa was incredibly cool.
Day 3: Tuk-Tuks, Temples, and Tantrums (and a bit of retail therapy)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Banteay Srei and Banteay Samré. Hired a tuk-tuk for the day. The driver, bless his heart, tried really hard to speak English, but communication was… challenging. Visited Banteay Srei (the "Citadel of Women"). Smaller, more ornate. Beautiful. Then Banteay Samré. More temples, more details. At some point, my brain short-circuited. Temple fatigue is a real thing. Fought with the driver. The price he quoted at the end. The whole situation felt more like a moneygrab.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Lunch in a local restaurant (finally! Trying to be adventurous). Ordered something that looked vaguely like chicken and rice. It wasn't. It was… something else. Ate it anyway. Survived. Barely.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Shopping and Relaxation. Decided I needed a break from temples and tuk-tuk drama. Went to the Old Market. Absolute mayhem. Bartered for a scarf, felt vaguely guilty about the whole thing. Bought a few souvenirs. Then, back to the hotel for…another massage! I was almost a different person.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Sunset at Phnom Bakheng (attempted). This time, I was DETERMINED to see a sunset. Hiked (read: stumbled) up Phnom Bakheng. The crowds were even worse than Angkor Wat. And the view… well, it was okay. (Felt a bit underwhelmed, but what can you do?) Dinner at a recommended local restaurant. Delicious curry. Finished the evening in the hotel bar, nursing a cocktail and trying to process everything I'd seen.
Day 4: Departure and Reflections (or, "Goodbye, Siem Reap… I think?")
- Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Final Breakfast and Packing. Tried to eat a massive breakfast
Siem Reap's Royal Crown: Luxury Spa Getaway - Hold Onto Your Sarongs! (Seriously, I nearly lost mine)
Okay, spill the tea! Is the Royal Crown REALLY as fancy as it looks in the pictures? 'Cause, let's be honest, Photoshop is a cruel mistress.
Alright, alright, settle down, you vultures! So, the pictures? Yeah, they're good. Really good. But the *reality*? Dude, the reality is like... being hugged by a cloud made of silk and delicious smells. Seriously. Okay, maybe not *literally* silk clouds, but the level of pampering is borderline ridiculous. Like, they bring you iced lemongrass tea on a silver platter every five minutes. And the rooms? My jaw legitimately dropped. They're less "hotel room" and more "private oasis where you can contemplate the meaning of life, or, you know, just take a really long nap." I actually almost tripped over the foot bath in my room the first time I walked in because I was so overwhelmed. My first thought? "Where's the hidden camera? This feels illegal." (It's not, by the way. Relax, paranoid person.)
What about the spa treatments? Were they heavenly? Did you transform into a shimmering, zen goddess? (Asking for a friend.)
Okay, so the spa. This is where things get *intense*. I went for the "Royal Crown Signature Massage," which, apparently, involves… I don't even know how many hands working on you. Think of it like a well-choreographed dance of pure bliss. And then, the *aromas*! Oh man. I swear, I could smell the ancient secrets of Angkor Wat in that room. I'm pretty sure I actually levitated a little during the head massage. The only downside? My friend, bless her soul, snored through her treatment. I kept giggling because I knew the therapist could hear it, and I was trying to not laugh too loud and wake her up. I'm pretty sure there was also a moment where I drooled. Very glamorous, I know. But the experience, the massage specifically, felt like a complete resetting of my entire nervous system. I walked out feeling like I could conquer the world… or at least remember where I put my sunglasses.
Let's talk food. The photos looked AMAZING. Did it taste as good as it looked? And were there any… tummy troubles? (We've all been there.)
The food… right. Okay, the food was *insane.* Seriously. Like, "I might need new pants" insane. And the presentation? Forget it. Art on a plate. I mean, I'm pretty sure they had a dedicated team just for plating the fruit. I tried everything. EVERYTHING. From the delicate amok to the fiery curries. And the breakfasts! Oh, the breakfasts. Think mountains of fresh fruit, pastries that defy gravity, and every kind of egg you could possibly imagine. Did I have any tummy troubles? Well, *someone* (*cough* me *cough*) might have overindulged in the durian... which, let's just say, is an experience in itself. It didn’t quite agree with me the next day. But other than that mild gastrointestinal revolt (my fault, entirely!), everything was divine. The quality of the ingredients was definitely apparent. I actually learned to appreciate how much effort went into the local cuisine. I'm still trying to replicate that amok recipe. Wish me luck!
Besides the spa and food, what else is there to do? I can't sit still for long!
Okay, so, lemme break it down. The Royal Crown is perfectly located. You're close enough to Angkor Wat and the other temples to feel like a proper explorer, but far enough that you don’t feel like you’re in the middle of a tourist stampede. They offer tours to the temples, which is super convenient. But be warned: those ancient stones are hot! Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water. Lots of water. I sweat through my fancy linen shirt. I probably looked like a drowned rat after exploring Ta Prohm (the Tomb Raider temple). But it was SO worth it! Besides temples, you can also take a cooking class (highly recommended!), explore the local markets (haggling is mandatory!), or even just chill by the pool with a cocktail in hand. Honestly, I spent a lot of time doing that. Just… breathing in the luxury. And avoiding the sun, because I have a very sensitive skin.
The staff... were they as attentive as they claim? I'm a high-maintenance human. (Don't judge.)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because the staff... the staff are next-level amazing. They are like ninjas of hospitality. They anticipate your needs before *you* even know you have them. Seriously, I swear they have a sixth sense. One time, I was about to ask for another towel, and *poof*! Towel magically appeared. They’re that efficient. The service is impeccable, unobtrusive, and genuinely friendly. They remember your name, your drink preferences, and even your preferred pillow type. I’m talking memory-foam perfection. The language barrier was never an issue; most people spoke at least basic English, and sometimes even multiple other languages. And the smiles! Constant smiles. You could tell they genuinely cared about making your experience perfect. I felt incredibly welcomed. It honestly made me feel a little guilty not being able to speak Khmer. I plan on learning a few phrases before I go back!
So, the big question: Would you go back? And, more importantly, is it worth the splurge?
Hells yes. A thousand times yes. Would I go back? I'm already plotting my return! Is it a splurge? Absolutely. It's not a budget backpacking trip. But, honestly, for the level of service, the incredible food, the luxurious accommodations, and the sheer, utter bliss? It's worth every single penny. It’s an investment in your sanity, your well-being, and your ability to deal with life's daily chaos. It's an investment in feeling ridiculously pampered. Would I have liked it better if it were cheaper? Sure. But would I recommend it to you, my dear reader? 100%. It’s the kind of trip that you'll be talking about for years. The kind that leaves you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and maybe even slightly addicted to lemongrass tea. Just... bring your stretchy pants. You’ll thank me later. And maybe bring me back a spa gift… just saying.
Was it really THAT good? Like, anything bad happen? It can't be perfect... can it?
Okay, alright, you cynical cats, let's get real. Nothing's perfect. And yes, the Royal Crown isn’t immune to the occasional hiccup. First of all, there was that time I accidentally locked myself out of my room in my bathrobe. I had to call reception, and while extremely discreet, the staff member *might* have smirked. And then there was the minor incident involving a particularly aggressive mosquito and my rather sensitive ankles. I swear, that mosquito was operatingCozy Stay Spots
