Hotel Review: Le Meridien Angkor Corner Suite
This is an installment in my March 2012 Asia Trip Series which includes: A Birthday Present To Myself: Business Class on the World's Longest Flight for $2.50, Help Me Plan My Asia Trip Starting With Singapore, Flight Review: Singapore Airlines All Business Class Flight From Newark To Singapore, Hotel Review: Intercontinental Singapore, Video Trip Report: Singapore, Hotel Review: Le Meridien Bangkok Avantec Suite, Video Trip Report: Bangkok, Hotel Review: Le Meridien Angkor, Video Trip Report: Siem Reap, Hotel Review: Intercontinental Phnom Penh, Video Trip Report: Phnom Penh and the Khmer Rouge Killing Fields, Hotel Review: W Hong Kong.
Originally I was going to spend just two nights in Siem Reap and visit the ruins of Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples in a whirlwind tour, but after hearing TPG readers' suggestions for my five days in Cambodia, I decided to follow their suggestions (which I'm so glad I did!).
I initially had booked two nights at 220-room Le Meridien Angkor using SPG Cash & Points since this property is a steal as a Category 2 hotel, so it only took 1,600 points + $30 a night for a room redemption (rates were $140 a night). That translates into 6.8 cents per point, a pretty good conversion if you ask me and this is exactly why I love Starwood points. Especially since my second two nights were in a suite, which would have cost about $250 a night. More on that in a moment. Best of all, the stay earned me credit toward elite status, and breakfast was free for me as a Platinum SPG member and I was able to choose an amenity of 500 SPG points or a local gift (a little silver elephant in this case).
The Room Then The Suite
Thanks to my SPG Platinum status and the fact that this is an out-of-the-way property, I thought I'd have a pretty good shot at a room upgrade, but when I arrived, I found out that, at least for the first two nights, I'd just have a one category upgrade from the room I booked: a Deluxe King. Still, it's a category above their basic standard rooms, so I was fine with it.
The Deluxe King was just over 400 square feet, so very sizeable, and though the decor is called "Khmer fusion," it basically looked modern with a few colorful pillows to me. The bed was simply outfitted in white sheets with a patterned runner and pillows and a pillow-top mattress, and there was a small bench with pillows and a little table with my welcome fruit plate amenity, plus a work desk and a television and DVD player. The adjacent bathroom was pretty nice with a separate tub and shower, a single vanity and peekaboo shutters that looked into the bedroom (which I always think is a little weird).
As I mentioned, I made a second reservation for the third and fourth nights of my stay using Cash & Points, and I noticed the night before the second reservation was to start that it had been upgraded to a suite, so I asked about it, and the staff said I could switch for the last two nights of my stay to a Corner Suite, which was nearly twice as large--it basically seemed like two rooms combined into one, with the first being a sitting area-living room, and the second being the bedroom-bathroom combo I'd had before. It was nice to be able to spread out a little bit and hang out in the living room where there was a sofa, two armchairs and a coffee table plus another TV, and sliding doors leading into the king bedroom.
Amenities
The location was one of the best things about the hotel--it was about 9 miles from the airport ($7 cab ride), and midway between the town of Siem Reap itself and the temples, so it was just far enough outside the hectic town to be peaceful, but not way out in the boondocks. Angkor Wat was just about 10 minutes away, and the more secluded Angkor Thom complex (which I actually enjoyed more) was around 20 minutes from the hotel, so getting everywhere was very easy.
Breakfast was included with my room because of my elite status, and I'd highly recommend getting a room rate that includes it here because the spread was fantastic with delicious fresh fruit and Asian dishes like the noodle-seafood soup I got--great way to start the day.
After our daily tours of the nearby temples, it was nice to come back to the hotel and relax at the pool area, which was sort of like nouveau-Angkor-Art Deco-fusion style (I know that might now make much sense). As you see in the pictures, not many people were there, probably because it was so hot and muggy, but once you were in the pool it was really refreshing.
The spa here was also great to have on hand. It has just 6 treatment rooms, so it didn't feel at all crowded, and they have the usual array of both eastern and western treatments on the menu, so it was nice to be able to get a foot massage after spending all day wandering the ruins with a guide!
There was also a little shop selling local crafts and souvenirs, which, though not cheap like I could have bartered for out in Siem Reap, was very convenient for picking up some last-minute souvenirs.
I'd also say the staff was super-friendly and helpful, though English communication seemed a bit challenging at times. However, everything worked out, and the concierge helped set us up with a driver and daily plans on several occasions, so all our needs were met.
Downsides
Before this review gets to be too glowing, I did want to point out a couple downsides to the stay. First, the resort is recarpeting the hallways, so many of them were a complete mess, and the complex is really rambling, so it can seem maze-like at times with tons of twists and turns just to get to your room or anywhere else you need to go.
The WiFi was free for me, but there was a different network in the room and in the lobby, and you had to re-logon every time your phone or device disconnected from the network you were on. Plus, you needed a different login for each device, so by the end of the trip, I had about a million pieces of paper with WiFi info on them. The connection was stable and decently fast though, so I don't want to complain too much especially for a third world country!
Overall, Siem Reap is becoming more and more of a tourist hot spot every day, so I recommend going now before it gets completely overrun (I wish I'd come a few years ago myself!). This hotel is a great option for earning and using points--especially the Cash & Points option that wrung so much value out of my SPG points. News also came this week that the historic Hotel de la Paix d'Angkor (where I had dinner one night) will close this summer and reopen in early 2013 as a Park Hyatt, so that will be another great option for Hyatt Gold Passport members. Stay tuned for more recommendations and video footage from my 4 days in Siem Reap!
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.