| HanumanAlaya is a refreshing dose of originality in a city where mid-range lodgings are all too often of the McHotel cookie-cutter variety. In a quiet location north of town, it is built in the style of a traditional Khmer wooden house but comes with a full range of non-traditional comforts.
The most obvious and, at lunch time after a solid half-day exploring temples, the most welcome of these luxuries is the modestly sized pool, which wraps itself around elephantine fountains, palms and mango trees. At the end of the day you can be pampered in the on-site spa, and if you fancy swimming laps, guests get free use of the nearby Sofitel's pool. The wooden building and its 13 rooms have been meticulously decorated with Cambodian antiques and handicrafts, many of which can be bought from the attached store. The wooden floors, ceilings and furniture are embellished by subtle touches of silk and traditional decorations. The food, too, is good and fairly priced. Otherwise, HanumanAlaya should be a memorable Cambodian experience.
Review by author Andrew Burke |
