Where to Stay in Siem Reap: 3 Hotels I've Personally Stayed At

Finding the right hotel can make your trip to Siem Reap even more enjoyable. Over the years, I've stayed at several hotels throughout the city, each offering a different experience. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly stay, a peaceful boutique hotel, or a larger luxury property, these are three hotels I've personally stayed at and would recommend.

All three hotels are within a convenient driving distance of Angkor Wat, making them excellent bases for exploring the temples while still enjoying everything downtown Siem Reap has to offer.

If you're planning a trip to Siem Reap and want a more comprehensive travel guide, be sure to read my complete Siem Reap guide. It covers the best things to do, transportation tips, and everything you need to plan your visit.

Pacific Hotel

Each time I visit Siem Reap, I usually stay at a different hotel to experience something new. However, the one hotel I've returned to more than once is Pacific Hotel.

One of the things I like most about the hotel is its spacious rooms and oversized beds. They're incredibly comfortable, whether you're traveling as a couple or with young children who may want to share the bed.

Another reason I keep coming back is the price. During my stay, I paid around $45 per night, although prices may vary depending on the season and room type. Even at that price, I found Pacific Hotel to be a budget-friendly option that offers excellent value, spacious rooms, and plenty of amenities

The hotel also has a large outdoor swimming pool that's perfect for both kids and adults. While the pool isn't extremely deep—it reaches about neck height on most adults—it's ideal for cooling off after a long day exploring Angkor Wat and the temples around Siem Reap. Whether you're traveling as a family of three or with a larger group, there's plenty of space to relax and enjoy your stay.

Another highlight is the breakfast buffet, which offers a generous selection of both Cambodian and international dishes. I found the food to be delicious, and there were plenty of options to choose from each morning before heading out to explore the temples.

During some of my stays, the hotel was also hosting college student groups. While this didn't significantly affect my experience, the atmosphere can be livelier when large groups are staying there. If you prefer a quieter visit, it's worth asking the hotel in advance whether any tour groups or student groups will be there during your stay.

If you're looking for a comfortable, family-friendly hotel with spacious rooms, a relaxing swimming pool, and a convenient location, Pacific Hotel is an excellent choice for your stay in Siem Reap. It's located along National Road 6 (Street 6A) and is easy to find. If you're driving from the city center, simply continue toward the Angkor Eye Ferris Wheel—the hotel is nearby, making it a convenient base for exploring both downtown Siem Reap and the temples of Angkor.

Memoire Hotel Resort and Spa

During my March trip to Siem Reap, I stayed at Memoire Palace Resort & Spa. One thing to keep in mind is that there are several hotels in Siem Reap with the "Memoire" name, which can make booking a little confusing. I stayed at Memoire Palace Resort & Spa, not the other Memoire properties in the city. If you're planning your own trip, be sure to double-check that you're booking the correct hotel.

One of the first things I noticed was how unassuming the entrance looked. From the outside, it appears to be a relatively small hotel, but once you step inside, it opens into a much larger and more elegant resort. The beautifully landscaped grounds, spacious courtyard, and peaceful atmosphere immediately made it feel like a hidden oasis.

I was warmly welcomed with a cold towel and a refreshing welcome drink, which was especially appreciated after traveling in Cambodia's heat. From the moment I arrived, the staff made me feel genuinely welcome, and the tranquil surroundings created the perfect escape from the busy streets of Siem Reap.

Memoire Palace Resort & Spa is more expensive than many budget-friendly hotels in the city, but I found it well worth the extra cost. Despite the hotel being busy during breakfast, it never felt crowded or noisy. Instead, it maintained a calm atmosphere throughout my stay. The hospitality also stood out—the staff were consistently friendly, attentive, and eager to help, making the experience even more enjoyable.

Each morning, I looked forward to the breakfast buffet, which offered a generous selection of both Cambodian and international dishes. There was plenty of variety, and everything I tried was fresh and delicious. It was the perfect way to start the day before visiting Angkor Wat and exploring the rest of Siem Reap.

The rooms were spacious, clean, and beautifully decorated, with comfortable beds that made it easy to relax after a full day of sightseeing. I did notice that the twin beds weren't quite as large as those at Pacific Hotel. The one bed is also spacious enough for couples traveling with young children.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Memoire Palace Resort & Spa. If you're looking for a peaceful hotel with excellent service, comfortable rooms, and a relaxing atmosphere, I would happily recommend it. It's an excellent choice for couples, families, or anyone who wants a quiet retreat while still being just a short drive from Pub Street, Angkor Wat, and many of Siem Reap's top attractions.

J7

During another visit to Siem Reap, I stayed at J7 Hotel, one of the city's larger luxury hotels.

The rooms are spacious, with large beds that provide plenty of room to sleep comfortably. Even the twin-bed rooms felt roomy enough for two people, and each room includes a seating area where you can relax after a day of sightseeing. The bathrooms are also generously sized, adding to the overall comfort of the stay.

The hotel is more expensive than many other accommodations in the area, but I believe the spacious rooms, peaceful atmosphere, and quality facilities make it worth the price.

Another advantage is its convenient location. There are several convenience stores, zando, restaurants, and cafés a block away, making it easy to pick up anything you forgot to pack or enjoy a meal without traveling far from the hotel. It's also within walking distance of the Royal Residence, Royal Gardens, and only a short tuk-tuk ride from Pub Street and Angkor Wat.

Which Hotel Should You Choose?

Choose Pacific Hotel if you:

• Are traveling with family

• Want a large swimming pool

• Prefer spacious rooms

• Want good value for money

Choose Memoire Hotel if you:

• Want a peaceful 5 star hotel

• Enjoy personalized service

• Prefer a quiet atmosphere

Choose J7 Hotel if you:

• Want larger luxury accommodations

• Prefer staying near restaurants and shops

• Don't mind paying more for extra comfort

Booking Tips

Booking Online vs. Booking in Person

Before my trip, one question I had was whether it was better to book my hotel through a website like Booking.com or simply book the room in person after arriving in Siem Reap.

In my experience, the answer depends on your travel style and whether you're a foreign visitor or a Cambodian citizen.

If you're visiting Cambodia from another country, I generally recommend booking your hotel in advance. Having a confirmed reservation gives you peace of mind, especially if you're arriving late at night, traveling during the high season, or visiting for the first time.

However, I have also noticed that some hotels occasionally offer lower rates when you book directly at the front desk. Prices can vary depending on the season, occupancy, and the hotel's pricing policy, so this isn't always guaranteed.

If you're a Cambodian citizen, it's also worth asking whether the hotel offers local rates or promotions, as some properties occasionally provide discounts for Cambodian residents.

Overall, I still think booking ahead is the safer option. It allows you to compare prices, read reviews, secure the room type you want, and avoid the stress of searching for accommodations after you arrive. If you do find a hotel you like, it can also be worth contacting the hotel directly to ask whether they offer a better rate than online booking platforms.

Tips for Choosing a Hotel

• Book early during the high season (November to February).

• Check whether breakfast is included.

• Confirm airport transfer options.

• Make sure the hotel has air conditioning.

• Look for free Wi-Fi if you'll be working remotely.

• Choose a hotel with a swimming pool to cool off after visiting Angkor Wat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area to stay in Siem Reap?

For most visitors, staying near the city center provides easy access to Pub Street, restaurants, markets, and Angkor Wat.

Is it better to stay near Pub Street?

If you enjoy nightlife and restaurants, yes. If you prefer a quieter stay, consider hotels a short tuk-tuk ride away.

How far are these hotels from Angkor Wat?

All three hotels are only a short drive from Angkor Wat, making them convenient bases for exploring the temples.

How many days should you stay in Siem Reap?

I recommend at least three to four days so you have enough time to explore Angkor Wat, nearby temples, local markets, and the city's restaurants.

Final Thoughts

I've enjoyed staying at all three hotels, and each offers something different. If I'm traveling with family or looking for the best value, I usually return to Pacific Hotel. If I want a quieter, more relaxing stay, Memoire Hotel is my favorite. And if you're looking for spacious accommodations with plenty of nearby conveniences, J7 Hotel is another excellent choice. No matter which hotel you choose, you'll be within easy reach of Angkor Wat and everything that makes Siem Reap one of Cambodia's most unforgettable destinations.