Veranda Natural Resort
Lovely, but getting too big
What we say: 
Friendly Veranda continues to outshine the hillside of Kep, though it sadly has transformed from quaint budget bungalows to a sprawling complex and is becoming a bit of a behemoth. Set in a very pleasant and breezy spot with uninterrupted views, Veranda is popular with Phnom Penh expats so book ahead if you think you'll be there over the weekend -- especially a holiday weekend. Accommodation ranges from fairly standard-sized wooden bungalows through to massive family-sized villas. The accommodation is accompanied by a wide, tiered restaurant and bar, which boasts some of the best views across the sea to Bokor to be had in the area. If you're staying at a lower-priced place nearby, like Vanna, we recommend popping in here for an evening cocktail to watch the sunset. Though all have hot water, each bungalow is different and they can be a bit variable when it comes to cleanliness and positioning -- so try to see as many rooms as possible before settling on one. All are interconnected by a series of elevated wooden walkways -- and while they do feel terrific on bare feet, it would have been better to have left a few more trees standing, and let the guests make do with walking on the ground, we think. In 2009, the hotel finished constructing The Residence, a separate seven-room complex, and it will have a swimming pool by the end of 2009. Depending on how you look at it, the multitude of tucked away bungalows, connected by a network of paths lined by high stone walls, can be perceived as either charming or ostentatious. Since the place has been expanding at breakneck pace in recent years and there's no sign of it abating with 20 rooms currently and 30 expected by 2010, we're hoping it doesn't tip over to the latter. There's free WiFi throughout and the pastries are half-price at night.
Check rates around Kep best price guarantee!Contact details:
Hillside, Kep. T: (012) 888 619, (092) 948 093Email them at: verandaresort@mobitel.com.kh
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What we were quoted
| Type of room | Low season | High season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe bungalow | 38 USD | 38 USD | Fan cooled, $48 with air-con |
| Family room | 60 USD | 60 USD | |
| Bungalow fan private b'room | 30 USD | 30 USD | |
| Bungalow air-con private b'room | 70 USD | 70 USD | Upto $120 |
Added to Travelfish on: 3rd July, 2004
Last visited or updated on: 27th August, 2009
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Read Veranda Natural Resort reviews
Rated 4 out of 5
Based on 8 ratings and 8 reviews
Nice few days relaxing in comfort
We stayed on the Deluxe Family Retreat for 4 nights - two a/c rooms separated but connected by a huge private veranda with a daybed, stools and sun beds for lounging around. I think it was good. Our son is 12 so him having a very separate room was ok - if your kids are younger though this may be a concern. For friends travelling though it would be ideal. The rooms were clean, large and as you see in the photos resorts web site. Each room had a flat screen TV and there was a DVD library - no TV broadcast. If we were to return to Kep I would stay here again. Things I did have a few issues with (not deal breakers though): * Our suite 10 and 11 was right under the restaurant - so you do get woken early in the morning with the noise of moving chairs etc from above * No in room phone to call reception for anything - it was quite a trek to go there. * No room safe - also not the safest storage system at reception but all ok for what we left The wifi was a bit iffy but again we were in the hills surrounded by rain forest in countryside Cambodia. I can understand that it may drop in and out. I thought the food was good. The view from the restaurant was fantastic. Although more expensive than the crab market – we had dinner one night and it was $45 compared $28 at the crab market - I don't think it was outrageous. We were happy to chill out with cocktails on our deck, reading and having lots of swims in the massive pool. The pool although was warm to swim in but huge. They do accept paying day guests as well but we never felt crowded or put out. There seemed to be enough sun beds in response to other complaints. There is lots of building works going on at the Veranda which was a bit off putting but I would put that down to being the low season and they tried to be considerate. My only other issue were the reception staff - they were very unfriendly on check in and the male receptionist over inflated the expected costs to go by tuk tuk to the crab market - told me $2 a person which I knew was rubbish. The other staff were not that friendly to start which I found unusual from other experiences in Cambodia. We did have to find a tuk tuk driver with a larger motorbike engine though to get all 3 of us up the hill! Most could only get half way and then it was a hot walk on our part. This seemed to be a common problem in Kep with many accommodation options.
Veranda Natural Resort reviewed by swatral (Total reviews: 2) on
Treehouse Paradise!
We couldn't afford Knai Bang Chatt and Veranda seemed like the next best! It totally lived up to our expectations and more. Our room was like a Swiss Family Robinson set, with one indoor room and one outdoor room, and an amazing indoor/outdoor bathroom. And the view was breathtaking. The included breakfast is very good and the restaurant is one of the best in Kep, so that makes things easy. Laze around the hotel, go to Rabbit Island, drive around the countryside.There is so much to do in this quiet town. I only wish the pool had been built when I was there. One note- if you are out of shape this might not be the place for you. It is high on a hill and when we arrived and were taking a tuk tuk with our luggage, the tuk tuk driver had us get out and walk up the hill with his luggage as he couldn't manage up with all the weight! And we are not large people! To us it was funny and a good story but if you were out of shape you might not be laughing.
Veranda Natural Resort reviewed by alexinwonderland (Total reviews: 1) on
Veranda - June 2010
We stayed in a deluxe bungalow (air con) at the Veranda, and LOVED it. We paid $48 a night, but if you take into account the GIANT breakfast buffet included, and the fantastic pool, it was really a great deal. Don't underestimate the value of a pool. It was 45 celsius in Hanoi yesterday, and a pool really would have come in handy. Anyhow, Veranda was a bit of a splurge for us, but well worth it -- the views are great from the restaurant area, and were great from our bungalow as well. We spent 2 nights here, could have easily spent 4. We had spent the previous night at Les Mangieurs in Kampot, which was charming but the Veranda was definitely a step above. The only downside was the restaurant pricing. We had an appetizer there one night with a drink, which wasn't that great for the money. I also tried to buy a large bottle of water on my way out, and they were going to charge me $2.50 (yikes!). You are much better off paying $8 for a mountain of crab covered in delicious pepper sauce down at the crab market. For every single meal. Moral of the story: Wonderful place to stay and lounge about, venture out for drinks and dinner elsewhere.
Veranda Natural Resort reviewed by lpalmer (Total reviews: 1) on
Swiss Family Robinson!
Myself & the girlfriend stayed here after Phnom Penh and thought it was the most beautiful setting we had been in Cambodia, the bungalows were brilliant and the craic with the barman was mighty! Really friendly staff who if you are nice to them, take you down to the local karaoke bar! Can't praise this place enough!
Veranda Natural Resort reviewed by niallseton (Total reviews: 3) on
Not that great! And pricey!
If you want to pay US$60 for an air-con room and you want to stay far far away from the beach while in Kep, and if you like to live with bugs, stay at Veranda! I think it's a rip off, the rooms are very average and the location is terrible. The views are nice, but that's not too hard to get in Kep. If you value your vacation, stay somewhere closer to the beach with nicer, cheaper rooms and with a pool! I stayed at veranda once, and since stay at The Beach House. I pitty the fools who don't shop around and decide on this place based on the 4-star rating on this website! 2, maybe 2-1/2 stars!
Veranda Natural Resort reviewed by rasman (Total reviews: 3) on
The Treehouse
This is a fantastic wild place. Flying lizards on the walls, flocks of butterflies each morning, jungle all around. Imagine living in the treehouse you always dreamed of as a kid -- and you will get some idea of what Veranda is like. Kids will love it -- but the bungalows are isolated enough from each other that those looking for romance will not be disappointed. Prices have gone up since the $4 days -- but a nice bungalow overlooking the sea and the mountain with breakfast is still only 25.00. You will not be disappointed.
Veranda Natural Resort reviewed by MrPete (Total reviews: 7) on
Heaven on earth :)
What an absolutely beautiful place; I won't bother describing the accommodation as the other comments on this place is perfect. All I will add is that the bungalows themselves are absolutely charming, with their own wooden verandas with hammocks (and outdoor beds!), and the food at the restaurant is really nice. The whole place has a really nice, romantic atmosphere, and is well worth the price.
Veranda Natural Resort reviewed by bendyclaire (Total reviews: 15) on
Excellent place
I stayed there with my girlfriend and family, the place is amazingly good looking, with wooden paths between the bungalows, stunning views, nice terraces -- all up a must-to-stay. I've been told they are going to increase their prices substantially, as they got rid of all the 4$ rooms :(
Veranda Natural Resort reviewed by marco (Total reviews: 7) on