Guest Reviews

Arumdalu: "Great honeymoon and vacation!"

This was our first -and surely not the last- visit to Arumdalu. Private beach was awesome with white sand and great view. Room was very comfortable for couples, no tv means we had the place for ourselves. Strongly recommended for couples who want to refresh themselves. And maybe a good place for a deep thinking too..

The Cabochon Hotel: "Excellent + cozy"

Well-appointed, comfortable and quiet. Probably the best hotel we stayed in during our month in Asia. A wonderful little hideaway amidst the madness of Bangkok's 10 million noise-makers. Don't sleep on the restaurant, either. It's quiet but truly exceptional.

misool: "Even better the second time around"

"My wife and I first visited MER in 2013 (if interested, see my review dated July 9, 2013) and returned for our second visit in February of this year. Our observations: In the three years between visits, the fish life has continued to rebound in a remarkable fashion thanks to MER's No Take Zone and ranger patrols of that area. There is so much to see on every dive site. Brilliant colors abound, along with critters galore, sharks and mantas, too! Diving was the focus of our visit and we found the dive operation to be efficiently and expertly managed by Calvin and his support staff. The food was once again plentiful and delicious. A change since last time was the switch during lunchtime from buffet style to family style, where heaping plates of food were passed around each table. Great conversations were had daily when the guests came together at meal time. The grounds are clean and well maintained, the staff helpful and friendly, the spa services are varied and most satisfying and while my wife and I have traveled extensively around the globe, we found ourselves more relaxed on this trip than anywhere before. Marit and Andrew have a spectacular vision for this place and continue to look for ways to conserve and protect this beautiful part of the world, while allowing guests to come along for the ride. What a privilege for those who visit. We're already planning to return in 2018 and we can't wait to once again see the friends we've made at MER. Dave and Elaine "

Maison Polanka: "A HAVEN OF PEACE AND COMFORT"

"I wish we could claim responsibility for finding this hotel on line and booking it ourselves. But it was all done for us, and from the moment we stepped inside the sanctuary of its garden we were pampered, spoilt and generally looked after in a way which we often dream of but rarely experience. This really is one of a kind, with setting, accommodation, staff, food and service to match. If you can get a room - and there are only five - then this is a must-stay hotel. My only regret is that we are unlikely to return to Cambodia, but have been left with lasting memories. Room Tip: Any room you can book will be fantastic"

Mie Cafe: "most creative young Khmer chef!"

Always pleased to get back to a place I liked... and see quality is consistent, service is even better and the chef still humble and creative. Congrats to Chef Pola and his team!

muang la: "Most charming Xmas Eve ever"

We stayed in this absolutely beautiful small resort for two nights. We were fortunate that we had a short journey, having flown to the nearest town and been picked up by the resort's car and our guide. We thought the location absolutely stunning and the staff even more fabulous. Our trek into the hills on Christmas Eve could not have been better (even down to the picnic lunch we carried with us from the resort) and the Christmas Eve entertainment which ended with us lighting Chinese lanterns was just magic. Thanks to everyone at the resort who made our stay so very special.

Satri House: "Une merveille"

"This hotel is a pure gem! The hotel building and rooms are extremely beautiful and very well decorated. The staff is charming and extremely professional. We've also had the opportunity to try the restaurant which serves delicious Lao dishes. In brief, everything was just perfect! We would definitely recommend Satri House."

The Governor’s House: "An oasis in Phnom Penh"

"Went to Phnom Penh for 3 nights on a business trip. This was my second trip to the city and checked into The Governor's House. Initially somewhat difficult to locate which caused some distress. However, this turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Tucked away just off a main thoroughfare, it is an oasis from the mad traffic of Phnom Penh. The establishment has only 12 rooms. After all it was a residence. And it certainly retained that warm homely feel. Once inside gate, one would enter into an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity - save for the play school next door. One may be deceived to think that this is an isolated location. There is a local market within a few minutes walk which offers a very interesting insight into the local life. I would recommend a morning visit. The establishment staff are warm and friendly adding to the homely atmosphere. While The Governor's House lacks the upscale look of other establishments near the tourist area closer to the river and palace, the warmth and tranquillity of this establishment more than make up for it. I will be coming back to The Governor's House again, soon."

MesaStila: "Heavenly Abode"

Firstly, you are surrounded by 7 mountains. The scenery at MesaStila is breathtaking. This is the Java you have been searching for. You are also on the grounds of a working, organic coffee plantation, whose history dates back to the Dutch times in Java. Afternoons are my favourite here (yes, I am a long term fan of this place and have been visiting since 2001) and you can wallow around the original colonial plantation house, which is drenched in the afternoon sun and as the light softly fads and disappears behind the towering mountains you are served a "high tea" - a complimentary coffee and tea service just to make you really feel at home. It is a real experience staying here. I would recommend flying into Semerang, as its only 45 mins on the toll road. The service is impeccable and the villas which grace the grounds are spacious and all antique, lovingly presented with the finest of antiques. You simply have to go.

Inle Princess Resort: "Perfect balance between East and West"

"We loved our two nights at the Inle Princess and wish we'd had longer. Approaching the hotel in a canoe with a local oarsman foot-rowing was the start to a wonderfully relaxing and romantic stay. It is always tricky getting the balance between traditional style and atmosphere on one hand and modern needs on the other. I think they get it just right. The hotel is a series of traditional Burmese wooden houses with verandas, tiny gardens and an additional outdoor shower cabin. We had a lakeside view with wonderful sunsets. It is all beautifully landscaped with paths (lit by small lights at night) winding through trees. There's a pool and a spa where you can get a treatment and enjoy another stunning view. To our surprise there were no insects,apparently they come with the better weather. None even around lights in the garden. August turned out to be not a bad month to go - very few tourists, no bugs and (apart from an occasional downpour) good weather. All the staff were smiley and helpful and the whole place had a peaceful atmosphere. Our room and bathroom were large. The wash area was tucked away separately so the bathroom was basically a large room with a tub in the middle. The lighting was quite dim,so anyone putting on make-up would have a challenge not looking like a painted clown. Contrarily the curtains were quite thin so light streamed in once the sun was up. Large bed was very comfortable. We only ate Asian food and it was pretty good. Stick to cocktails, forget wine. Breakfast on the terrace overlooking the lake will leave an enduring picture in my mind. I could have done without canned music which clashed with the atmosphere but I think it was only breakfast and in the bar. A day on the lake visiting floating islands and local craft-making was a delight. We had a tropical downpour and ponchos and umbrellas were immediately produced. We were on a tight schedule mixing work and holiday so couldn't have the 3 or 4 days we would have liked. For charm and a distinctive atmosphere this hotel deserves a good rating."