Guest Reviews

Maison Polanka: "Maison Polanka: A Sanctuary in a Temple Town"

Maison Polanka is for those who prefer the serenity of a haven, something authentic and real, intimate and independent. The boutique hotel is just as elegant as the Intercontinental in Danang, as carefully and imaginatively conceived, but way, way smaller, just five rooms to the many villas and suites on Intercontinental’s water-front acreage on Monkey Mountain. Down to the smallest detail, the design and style of the hotel is a reflection of the owners’ life, that is to say, intricately linked to Asian and Cambodian crafts for over 20 years: a private collection of paintngs and photographs from Khmer, Asian, and European artists, the Art Deco and 1950s furniture and objects sourced since 1992, all found their natural home and function in the renovated “Maison” and “Khmer House.” The whole hotel is just two those Cambodian-style – read stilted – teak villas set inside spacious, lush, tropical, and best of all, secret gardens that sit behind a tall wall, which shuts out the hullabaloo that marks the start of high season.If what you are after are the temple adventures Siem Reap has to offer, Angkor Wat the crown jewel, then Maison Polanka is just a short drive from that UNESCO World Heritage Center.Upon your return home you will be tired (very, the wake-up call is generally 4 a.m. so your guide can get you there for sunrise) and sweaty (when it’s not pouring frogs, Cambodia is hot and humid), so a restorative dip in the hotel’s cool, crisp infinity pool will feel great. Or a massage.The spa is a temple within this temple. Is it possible to square serenity?The restaurant sala is next to the pool, its menu, owner Nathalie assured us, features authentic family recipes, largely her own. She also told me an aunt owns a restaurant in Boston and a cousin wrote a Cambodian recipe book. Meals at Maison Polanka are prepared by Pich, a woman who has been the family chef for 20 years.We found the menu choices all so good – a perfect caesar salad, fried spring rolls, steamed rice, stir-fried squid with peppercorns, a Khmer chicken curry, caramelized pork with an egg and rice, stir-fried eggs and veggies for breakfast, beef loc lac– we chose to eschew the many fine options Siem Reap has to offer foodies and instead, have all our meals, including several candlelit dinners, at Maison Polanka next to the pool, which at night is lit by votive candles.

Rachamankha: "Secret Retreats"

We are so glad choosed Rachamankha for our stay in Chiang Mai, such a elegant and heritage hotel. When arrived hotel, at first sight we thought we are passing by a temple, but its the hotel!!  Just from the entrance we have been wowed.  Architecturally is fusion of Thai and Chinese. Along the way we can see the landscape such as pine tree obviously growth in a chinese aesthetics way and the architectural pattern similar like Chinese quadrangle courtyard(四合院）, but just a turn to another way, we can clearly recognize stong feature of northern thai style, and both are combined harmoniously. Many pantings and art collection you can find anywhere in the hotel, further more above the restautant there is a gallery of the owner. Room was smaller than what I expect, but nicely decorated with chinaware, very classic wardrobe, made me feel pass through to acient, just can't stop take photo of it. Superior room only provide standing shower and its fixed shower head which I feel a bit out dated, amenities is excllent, my partner love the smell made from thai herbs. I will definetly return to Rachamankha when next visit to Chiang Mai, and recommend to my family and friends.

Rachamankha: "Lovely boutique hotel"

The rooms, courtyards and pool area are absolutely fantastic. The hotel is very mordern and has a nice oriental atmosphere. The food is delicious and the staff is very friendly! It's a must, when you are in Chiang Mai!

The Hue House: "Customer"

First time when i come to the hue House , at first i has left deep impression is the espace with Huế imperial palace 's style , either the space outside , the service is enthusiasm , agile. Specially is the foods, they are delicous . There r too many kinds of great food so i couldn't try it all in 1 time . Honestly thats great. And for sure i will come back again to try another Hue foods very soon

Labyrinth: "Singapore hawker taste in a restaurant"

We had a lovely experience with the chef tasting and wine paring menu. We enjoyed the taste of singapore hawker food in chef's Han dishes, hidden in a corner at esplanade. Interior is cosy with traces of local touch. Would recommend bringing my foreign friends who are visiting to try the dishes in a setting like this.

THE SAMAR: "Very nice retreat"

"We stayed in double bedroom apartment (4 people) and had a wonderful stay. Building and decoration of exquisite taste, remarkable artifacts you would not find in standard hotels, rooms in pre-existing local houses, refurbished with attention. Location is half way between crowded city center and Ankor Wat - tuktuk is definitely needed but arranged by the staff. Food is really good, and staff really helpful - they were kind enough to arrange for us a barbecue after an event outside. Very nice! The pool is very comfortable and enjoyable. We definitely recommend "

Tugu Bali: "Amazing"

"What a superb property. Only 21 rooms, built on wooden structures and with great ethnic feel. The service is amazing and so is the food. There is direct access to the beach and the beach side garden is great to lounge in with tonnes of space. At night dinner can be served in this garden. Try it. The place is full of antique statues and is a photographers delight. The property is flush with greenery and water bodies. Loved it."

The Island Lodge: "Wonderful place, exceptionally well run"

We stayed for 2 nights in this idyllic place. Michel has an excellent team of friendly and dedicated staff. Every detail is considered and the food is fabulous. Not cheap but there is a generosity of spirit here and an attention to quality that makes it good value. We will return. An easy journey from Saigon and seamless transfers.

Rak Ko Jae Seoul: "Perfect last 2 nights in Seoul at this hidden gem"

"I stumbled upon RakKoJae as I was searching for unique experiences in Seoul. Sure enough, staying at RakKoJae was one of the highlights of my first trip to South Korea. I thought spending my last 2 nights here before I fly home would wrap up my travel great, and it did. Now where do I begin? The hanok guesthouse - Simply beautiful, tasteful, and serene. First night I stayed in Master bedroom, second night in Far bedroom. I love both rooms. But beyond the rooms, RakKoJae really gives you a wholesome experience. You aren’t staying in rooms. You are staying in a beautiful hanok house The experience - The natural jade flooring is awesome. It gives you the cool relaxing feel, especially in spring/summer season. The hinoki wooden bathtub is also great. The Korean breakfast is one you have to try in the morning (it’s really good). You could also try on hanbok during breakfast time. Fun to wear it, take photos, with hanok environment as Instagram-worthy-background. Don’t forget to try out the yellow mud sauna. I stayed for about 30 mins, sweating but feeling anxious at the same time. It was really soothing that I almost fell asleep! The staff - Mr. Kim, the General Manager, was really attentive and helpful since the beginning of reservation, during my stay, until bidding me farewell as I leave RakKoJae for the airport. Thank you for your kindness and your hospitality On my last night, it was drizzling in Seoul. Relaxing on RakKoJae’s patio, reading a book, and enjoying the house’s evening view? Couldn’t ask for a better experience. I shall return one day and try Patio Room next time :)"

Rice & Zen Boutique Resort: "Relaxing Stay"

"Me and my husband stayed here for 3 days and 2 nights over the good Friday weekend. Our pick up from the airport was arranged by the hotel and it was done in a timely manner. We stayed in the seashell villa with a private pool. Rooms are spacious and having a private pool is def an added advantage. They have a really good infinity pool with a beautiful view of the sea. The in-house resturant has a good selection of Thai food options. We also tried the Sunday brunch which was a bit pricey, but had a great spread. They also have a good gin collection. Last but not the least, staff is extremely helpful and friendly. While the place is away from fisherman's village, it's easily accessible via taxi even at night. The only negative aspect was that the wifi connectivity in the room was patchy. Stayed April 2017, traveled as a couple"