FCC Angkor by Avani is more luxury residence than a hotel. Based on the banks of the Siem Reap River, this old French colonial governor's mansion has been given a contemporary update without losing any of its old-world appeal. The location is stellar, minutes away from the 12th-century Angkor Wat, and close to most of the historically rich places in Siem Reap. You're near enough to the frenetic main thoroughfare, but set back in a serene lawn, surrounded by lush foliage and abundant wildlife. And with its sleek strip of pool and evocative evening lighting, this dazzling white building dishes up a huge serving of old-meets-new glamour.
FCC (Foreign Correspondents Club) was used back in the day by journalists of every stripe - you half expect to see stringers at their typewriters on the veranda. But in keeping with today's young, effervescent feel, expect instead to see savvy locals and expats sipping cocktails at the bar and tucking into spicy Khmer curries in the restaurant. Service is immaculate yet unobtrusive; and the 80 rooms and suites are understated, intimate and unique.
Highs
- Fantastic food, especially the lingering breakfasts with fresh pastries, tropical fruit, sweet honey and homemade yoghurt
- Super-chic rooms and suites, each named after different herbs or spices - cardamom, mint, lemongrass
- Unpretentious and buzzy atmosphere that would suit couples and friends alike: this is not your average hushed, sterile, luxe hotel
- Spiritual massages and Apsaras body scrub at the on-site spa (30% discount to hotel guests): use of the pool, sauna and Jacuzzi is free
- Idyllic view from the terrace of buzzy Siem Reap - day or night
Lows
- At weekends, the bar and restaurant can get busy so book tables in advance
- Mosquitoes can be a nuisance when having a sundowner on your veranda, so use plenty of citronella
- Lack of facilities for children and proximity to a busy road mean this is not really a family place
- Some may not like the louvered sliding bathroom doors which don't block sound
Best time to go
Avoid March to May, the hottest season, also the least popular. The rainy season is over by November and the weather is relatively cool (but still hot) through to the end of February (making this the most popular time to come, thus the busiest). The paddy fields are at their lushest in the rainy season (June to October), which is also the coolest time of year; the rains rarely last all day.
Our top tips
- You need at least 3 full days to do the temples of Angkor justice, and explore the town, which means you probably want to stay 4 nights.
- Each room is full of incense which correlates to its name; if in doubt opt for lemongrass
- Boutique Hotel
- 80 rooms
- Restaurant + bar (open daily)
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
Rooms
The eight room types - all gorgeous - start with Deluxe and Deluxe Courtyard (which have garden views), and Premier and Premier Courtyard (which overlook the pool). The Suites are outstanding and feature balconies and terraces, some with bathtubs on them; all have space galore and high spec furnishings.
Each is simply decorated and named after a different herb or spice such as cardamom, lemongrass or mint. Every day rooms are scented with their eponymous fragrance so expect an uplifting aroma when you enter, making for a unique stay. Design is modern with clean lines and soft, dim lighting, and schemes are natural in mahogany, white and cream. Floor to ceiling windows with long curtains lead onto your breezy balcony or terrace. Here you have seating dotted with silk cushions (and little candles at night) for those evening impulses to sip a cocktail or two.
All room and suites enjoy contemporary comforts such as LCD flat screen TVs, DVD players, sound system and free WiFi. You also get a safe, air-con, a fan, a minibar (with cold towels in), and excellent coffee and tea making facilities with a cafetière and real ground coffee.
Bathrooms have natural eco-friendly Sense Nature products, hairdryers and bathrobes alongside gentle reminders about water usage. Most Suites have an in-room free-standing bathtub.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Fan
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
The Mansion restaurant serves up Khmer food, as well as Asian fusion cuisine (open for lunch and dinner). The best tables are alfresco, on the beautiful terrace amongst the French shutters, overlooking the greenery on the buzzy main street. If it’s too hot to be outside the air-con tables inside are a treat, or you can sit in the shaded pool area. The culinary delights make the restaurant one of the most popular in Siem Reap, with its own blend of East meets West cuisine.
There is also a great selection of artisanal cocktails, craft beer, natural wine and sake in Scribe, which centres around a central island bar, with plenty of seating on an upstairs terrace, and dotted around in the shade below.
The highlight is definitely a decadent breakfast on the terrace - helpfully served from 4.30-10.30am giving you the flexibility to eat before or after the dawn excursion to Angkor (food is served to your room before 7am, and in the restaurant after). Feast on a vast spread of fresh pains au chocolat and other pastries, succulent tropical fruit, creamy homemade natural yoghurt (our personal favourite) with sweet, organic honey, and nutty muesli or Khmer porridge. Coffee is served strong with cream and there is a selection of herbal teas such as peppermint or camomile. Fresh juices are made to order, too.
There are lots of good Khmer restaurants in town - Pub Street is the best for a wide range of venues.
Features include:
- Bar
- Coffee maker
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
- Room service
- Vegetarian options
Activities
- Spend time exploring the 12th-century Angkor Wat in all its glory, the principal temple of this ancient capital and the largest religious building in the world (it's surrounded by a 5km moat)
- Be sure to visit Ta Prohm, where the roots of giant banyan trees hold temple ruins in their mighty grip as they soar towards heaven
- And Bayon, the state temple of Angkor Thom, where 216 giant faces are chiselled into the stone
- As well as Banteay Srei for its wonderful pink sandstone temples and their exquisite stone carvings
- The hotel can arrange excellent guided tours, by tuk tuk, with English speaking guides, for 1-3 days
- Indulge in some marvellous treatments for body, mind and soul at the fabulous Visaya Spa; 30% discount for guests
- Laze by the pool and clear out the cobwebs with a cooling swim, or if you're feeling more energetic, the hotel can organise bicycle hire
- Take a local tuk-tuk to the rice paddies outside Siem Reap and see local villages and lush, patchwork terraces
- Go to the frenetic local market on a Friday and barter for local spices, herbs and hand crafted ornaments; you're a short walk from the Night Market
- Support L’Artisan D’Angkor at work and visit the workshop for young Cambodians
- Mingle with the local fraternity at happy hour on the veranda before heading to Angkor Kitchen for epicurean delights
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Cooking classes
- Cycling
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Nightlife
- Shopping / markets
- Swimming
- Traditional cultures
- Well being
Kids
This probably isn't the ideal place for kids as there are no special facilities laid on for them and its quite near a busy road.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
The Suites are the best option. The River View Suite is huge and can take a family of 5, it has a bathtub in the open plan room as well as a tub on the terrace. The Family Suite sleeps up to 5 and also has a bath on the balcony. The Garden Suite and the Governor Suites can take a family of 4. Children under 4 can sleep in extra beds, otherwise they need to sleep in a standard bed.
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available
Babysitting:
Babysitting is available by arrangement.
Baby equipment:
Baby cots available on request.
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
FCC Angkor by Avani is in the centre of Siem Reap Town, 3 blocks from the main strip, overlooking the Siem Reap river and minutes away from Cambodia's magnificent Angkor Wat.
By Air:
Fly into Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (46km). If you're flying in from abroad, aim for Bangkok, then take a connecting flight.
From the Airport
As a rule of thumb in Indochina you should book a transfer and arrange for your hotel to pick you up from the airport. Public transport is confined to only the very biggest cities and taxis are not always reliable.
By Boat:
It's possible to take a ferryboat or speedboat from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap via Tonle Sap lake (4-6 hours), but choose your vessel with care. The crossing can be extremely rough, the boats overcrowded, and the lifebelts non-existent. Some of slower cruises (2-3 days) are much more civilised.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Cambodia and getting around
Airports:
- Siem Reap Angkor International 46.0 km SAI
- Phnomh Penh International 235.0 km PNH
Other:
- Beach 500.0 km
- Shops 0.5 km
- Restaurant 0.5 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 2 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape