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Region: Western Cambodia> Province: Siem Reap> Location: Siem Reap
Golden Banana Bed and Breakfast
A bit tired, rooms variable
Phum Wat Damnak, Siem Reap
Siem Reap Province
Tel: (012) 885 366
Contact via email form
Visit website
Description
The Golden Banana B&B is the older of GB's two side by side properties and it was looking a bit long in the tooth when we last visited. It has a bunch of chalet-style rooms in a compact leafy garden. Rooms aren't as good as they once were and struck us as a little variable. We were shown two rooms -- one was damp and smelly, the other was far bright and not a wet dog in sight. Inside they have firm beds, air-con, hot water bathrooms and a bit of a flourish of decor, but overall they felt pretty tired and in need of a makeover. All rates include breakfast and there's a cafe right by reception, but it felt a tad cramped to us, what with staff and customers coming and going all the time. The staff are very friendly and speak good English. Gay friendly. Guests here are allowed to use the swimming pool at the next-door property free of charge. Golden Banana Boutique Hotel next door is a jump up in price but a leap up in quality.
Sgl A/C private b'room
20 USD (low season)
23 USD (high season)
Dbl A/C private b'room
23 USD (low season)
25 USD (high season)
Added to Travelfish on: 18th August, 2005
Last visited or updated on: 7th November, 2007
Guest feedback
Lack of discretion - 
By won2987 ( total comments: 1 
)
The room we stayed in was correct if a little bit expensive for what we got. We didn't appreciate some people acting quite indiscreetly and putting on a physical 'performance' in the pool. Will go elsewhere the next time.
Cleanliness | Facilities | Location | Romance | Rooms | Service | Value | Vibe |
Wonderful guesthouse! - 
By sunlover ( total comments: 2 ) Stayed here 6/2007
We had an awesome stay here. The staff were fantastic and very helpful giving us a great introduction to Siem Reap. The room was wonderfully decorated. We loved the pool... beautiful decor with lush greenery and refreshing waterfalls. So refreshing in the midday heat! Food was delicious but more expensive than it would be at the market stalls. Lots of areas to chill out in. Overall an exquisite choice! Best guesthouse I've ever been to :)
Don't bother - 
By williamseccombe ( total comments: 2 ) Stayed here 5/2007
We booked in advance (albeit only 24 hours) from Phnom Penh and received an emailed confirmation. Upon arrival there was a problem with the room and we were offered a room on the roof up what can only be described as a ladder. Sadly I didn't share the staff's immense amusement at the mistake. Moved to Molly Malone's in town, clean room and $15 cheaper. The wet season is upon us and the mozzies were forming squadrons in the reception area of the GB (it is near the river), so maybe it has been a blessing in disguise.
Relaxed and chic atmosphere -
By betsybuford ( total comments: 2 ) Stayed here 4/2007
I stayed in the GB's new 'boutique' hotel ($40/night for off-season, double occupancy). The pool was great, and the music they played at the bar by the pool was perfect for the mellow mood of the place. Each of the new rooms has its own small veranda with seating. It really is even nicer than the photos on the website. There were several comfortable little seating areas for reading, eating, having a drink or taking a nap near the pool. The staff was sweet and genuinely interested in making folks feel good about their stay. A great mix of fun, open-minded, well-traveled folks seemed to gravitate to the place. The in-house food was also quite good, as was the breakfast. We had no trouble with bookings via their website and some changes I made later through e-mail. The hotel management also has relationships with local NGOs and families in need, so if you decide you want to make a donation of time or money -- you have a direct link to the people and agencies who need it.
Redeemed - 
By linderm ( total comments: 2 ) Stayed here 2/2007
After my previous vitriolic comment, the GB redeemed itself and found us a room. It wasn't the best room but once we were there they managed to change us to another place. The GB is in a good location, away - but not too far from it all, and the pool is BRILLIANT after a hot, sweaty morning at the temples. Would recommend but advise you to doublecheck your bookings.
Certainly NOT recommended -
By linderm ( total comments: 2 )
I booked the Golden Banana Bed and Breakfast in November for a holiday in February and when I wrote to confirm again, just before we left, I discovered they never made the booking. As it is peak season I have now contacted over 20 places and can't find a room -- it seems this place is not to be trusted.
Great - 
By darrellhilton ( total comments: 2 ) Stayed here 11/2006
Stayed in the new 'boutique' two-storey section. Charming and with a real Cambodian ambience. Worth the extra to stay there!
Disappointed - 
By mande ( total comments: 2 ) Stayed here 10/2006
Based on glowing reviews in LP and Travelfish we booked a room from Phnom Penh. Found a better, cheaper hotel after a couple of days of our uncomfortable room (the air-con unit dripped water on us and the frogs and noisy neighborhood kept us up). Plus they tried to charge us $6 for the 'free' ride from the bus station! Owners are apparently building a boutique hotel next door which looks nice with a saltwater pool.
Fantastic -
By kiwibex ( total comments: 3 ) Stayed here 10/2005
The staff were great and had a wonderful stay at Golden Banana.
Have your say
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