Kachinafrance
backpacker
Posts: 12

#1 Posted: 14/11/2007 - 00:33


Hi, we're in Siem Reap for a week next February. We have resereved a room at the Two Dragons based on several guides, however the latest visitor review in Travelfish was not very complimentary, in fact it was awful. Does anyone have any recent feedback. We are a very active 60+ couple and we dont travel 5* our budget is 20 - 40 US$ a night. An y recommendations of where to stay would be much appreciated. Thanks

sugarplum
backpacker
Posts: 16

#2 Posted: 14/11/2007 - 03:42


We stayed at the Ancient Angkor in February his year. It was clean, cheap and walking distance from town. The hotel was down a few back streets but it all seemed quite safe there. They have a website now on www.ancient-angkor.com. Feel free to ask more questions. I can also recommend a good tuk-tuk driver if you need one.

Kachinafrance
backpacker
Posts: 12

#3 Posted: 14/11/2007 - 06:07


Hi sugarplum, many thanks for your reply. Will check out Ancient Angkor. Yes please, a recommendation for a good tuk-tuk driver would be very helpful. Thanks again

somtam2000
admin
mahout
Posts: 2694

Located in:
Indonesia

#4 Posted: 14/11/2007 - 09:16


Hi Kachinafrance,

I stayed at Two Dragons for just shy of a week, subsequent to the review you're referring to for Two Dragons. I disagree with the negative review and wouldn't say it's a representative review of the place at all. Two Dragons is a guesthouse and while not all the rooms are perfect, it's nevertheless a good option. It's not the cheapest in town, but I think there is a lot of added value in the owner (very knowledgable about SR) and their tuk tuk drivers, who are some of the best I've come across. Everyone is entitled to their opinion though and I guess it just didn't work for them!

Our Siem Reap accommodation has recently been updated, so feel free to take a look through some of the other recommendations. The difference between what you get in SR for $20 Vs $40 is substantial, so if you're willing to stretch to US$40, the following are all very good options in my opinion:

Golden Banana Boutique Hotel
Borann
Auberge Mont Royal

exacto
som tam seller
Posts: 683

#5 Posted: 14/11/2007 - 10:58


Hi Kachina,

I wouldn't necessarily let this one negative review color my opinion of a place either. I'm sorry that these folks had a bad experience, but sometimes the review may reflect more on the writer than the establishment.

To underscore that point, if you look up the listing for Two Dragons you'll see that there are a total of 15 reviews of the place and this was the only negative one. We stayed at Two Dragons last year and had the same positive experience the overwhelming majority of other folks did.

As Somtam says, the guesthouse has lots of nice extras, including very good drivers to escort you through Angkor Wat.

At the very least, you may wish to keep your reservation at Two Dragons so you can make up your mind for yourself once you arrive. If you don't like it, then you can always move to a new place. However, I suspect you'll like it and choose to stay.

I hope that helps. Cheers.

CunningMcFar
flashpacker
Posts: 33

#6 Posted: 14/11/2007 - 21:57


Hi Kachinafrance~
you have already read my response to your question on TripAdvisor, but I will chime in here as I heartily agree with Somtam and exacto about Two Dragons, one bad review among the many positive should be taken with a large grain of salt. You can read even more love for the place over on Lonely Planet's ThornTree forum: www.tinyurl.com/3bqoz7

We very much enjoyed our stay at Two Dragons and found the staff to be cheerful and helpful, there is a comfortable and homey feel to the place, and the food at the restaurant is outstanding.

Can enthusiastically recommend Two Dragons tuk tuk driver Mr Marom:www.talesofasia.com/cambodia-marom.htm

Kachinafrance
backpacker
Posts: 12

#7 Posted: 15/11/2007 - 17:20


I'm convinced, I'm convinced!
Thank you all for your help. We will confirm our booking.

Tales of Asia is superb, a real bonus.

KaySmullen
newbie
Posts: 3

#8 Posted: 20/11/2007 - 15:59


Hi KachinaFrance,

We are in Siem Reap now and have stayed at three different budget hotels so far (yikes!).

In my opinion, the Ancient Angkor attracts some shady characters (we saw some older single western men hanging out with their young Cambodian/Thai lady-friends). And the neighborhood is set back far enough from the main area to be a bit sketchy if walking at night.

The Red Piano and other lodges on that road are right next to a brothel/entertainment salon. Not a good scene either.

We stayed for a couple nights at the Ei8htRooms hotel. It has very stylish decor and is on a good quiet street. Huge rooms with all the usual amenities (A/C, hot water, TV, refrigerator) and also a DVD player in the room. Free internet after 6pm. Prices are $18

Right now we are at the Temple and LOVE it. They are super friendly. You are greeted with fresh juice, beer, and a free foot massage on your first day. Very clean. Rooms are slightly on the small side - but not too small. Hammocks, very green garden, restaurant/bar with pool table. Free internet 24 hours. And a wide variety of ages - we dined with a couple in their late 60's/early 70's for breakfast, then met a couple in their 30's at lunch, and I am on the internet next to a guy in his late 20's. Highly recommend making a reservation as they are always full. Room prices range from about $8-$25 depending on size, etc. http://www.goldentemplevilla.com/

Hope this helps!

Kachinafrance
backpacker
Posts: 12

#9 Posted: 20/11/2007 - 17:26


Hi Kay,
Many thanks for your informative mail and I hope yiou are enjoying your stay in Siem Reap. I admire your tenacity - moving 3 times to get the best stay. Thanks for details about the Golden Temple. We will keep it in mind if we need a back up, however after many positive responses we have booked at 2 Dragons.

Do you have any other tips about staying in SR. I know there is a massive amount of info on the web and in the forums, but sometimes its easier to ask someone directly, especially as you have taken the time to reply to my enquiry. Thanks again

exacto
som tam seller
Posts: 683

#10 Posted: 20/11/2007 - 20:25


Kachina,

If you haven't yet, check out the trip reports section of the messageboard forum. There are several first-hand accounts of people's recent visits to Siem Reap and other places in Cambodia and should have exactly the type of details and recommendations you need. Cheers.

Kachinafrance
backpacker
Posts: 12

#11 Posted: 20/11/2007 - 21:55


Thanks exacto, will do.

We used to travel all over the world 20+ years ago, without the aid of this wonderful service. We had some awful hotels and even worse journeys and the only people who we could tell were our friends and family - bored them rigid! But now we can pass on our experiences and read of other peoples. A brilliant way to ensure people get the best trip possible. Watch out, we will be posting details of our 6 week trip next march. Yawns and all! Thanks again to everyone.

KaySmullen
newbie
Posts: 3

#12 Posted: 27/11/2007 - 17:39


Hi KachinaFrance,

As far as other tips... here's my two cents:

- Skip the Sunset at Phnom Bakheng. WAY too many people makes it distracting and dangerous. If you must do a sunset, then Ta Keo would be a nice quiet one to go to.

- Bring sunglasses and a bandana for the tuk-tuk rides to the temples. Bandana to cover your mouth/nose from the dust.

- If you are able and would like to, the Kantha Bopha hospital really needs blood and money donations. The founder, a Swiss doctor Dr. Beat Richner, gives a great cello concert on Saturdays for free - highly recommend seing it! more info on www.beatocello.com

- Like Coffee? Go to Joe-to-Go, located right next to the Ivy Restaurant. Only open from about 6am to 3pm. All money goes to charity.

- Other activities, events, shops, restaurants, etc that are charity focussed are listed on www.stay-another-day.org

Have a great trip!

KaySmullen
newbie
Posts: 3

#13 Posted: 27/11/2007 - 17:40


Oh, also, we'll have our trip report up soon on www.SlipperyCoconuts.com

We are on a 4 month trip throughout SE Asia.

Cheers

Kachinafrance
backpacker
Posts: 12

#14 Posted: 27/11/2007 - 18:15


Hi Kay
Many thanks once again for taking the trouble to post a reply. All of it very useful.

We were wondering how to make a charitable donation while we are there and the Kantha Bopha hospital would be ideal. Will also check out stay-another-day.

Look forward to reading your trip report - love the name SlipperyCoconuts.

Good wishes