Cambodia's Palace Resort & Spa: Your Royal Getaway Awaits!
Cambodia's Palace Resort & Spa: Your Royal Getaway Awaits - A Review (That Doesn't Hold Back!)
Okay, let's be honest, "Royal Getaway" is a HUGE promise. Does Cambodia's Palace Resort & Spa actually deliver on the whole palace-y thing? Well, buckle up, because I've just spent a whirlwind week trying to find out, and the answer is…complicated. Let's dive in, shall we? (And yes, I'm writing this after a particularly potent Khmer coffee, so apologies if it gets a little… rambly.)
Accessibility – The Good, The Maybe, and The "Hmm…"
Okay, so the good news is, they try. They say they have facilities for disabled guests. They list it. BUT – and it's a big but – the devil's in the details. Elevators? Yes. Ramps? Present, but sometimes a little… steep. Wheelchair accessibility in the rooms? Well…I wasn't in one, so I can't personally vouch. (Note to self: next time, demand a room check before unpacking.) The public areas seemed pretty good, the corridors wide enough that you could probably maneuver a small elephant, but navigating around the pool? That's where things felt a little less thought-out.
Internet Access: Pray for Wi-Fi!
Alright, let's get the important stuff out of the way. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! They shout it from the rooftops! And… sometimes it works. Mostly, it's like trying to catch smoke. The LAN connection was a bit more reliable, which, hey, you know, gotta love the old-school approach. Wi-Fi in public areas? Better, but still not bulletproof. For a resort touting itself as luxurious, the internet definitely needs a serious upgrade. Let's just say, streaming movies wasn't exactly on the agenda. (More time for… ahem… relaxing?)
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Or: My Personal Spa Debacle)
Oh boy, the spa. This is where things went from "pretty nice" to "almost comical." They have it all listed: Body scrubs, body wraps, sauna, steam room, pool with a view, the works. I was READY. I envisioned myself, draped in a fluffy robe, sipping herbal tea, and generally floating in zen-like bliss.
The reality? My body scrub felt less like a royal treatment and more like a particularly enthusiastic exfoliation session with a badger. The massage… well, let's just say it involved more giggling from the masseuse than actual muscle relief. The steam room? Think “warm, humid, and possibly a bit moldy.” The pool with a view? Stunning. Absolutely breathtaking. Until you realize the sun is directly in your eyes at all times. The fitness center? Looked clean enough, I guess, but I was far too traumatized by the badger-scrub to contemplate a workout.
But hey, the outdoor swimming pool was lovely. And I did eventually manage to relax…once I'd given up on the whole "royal spa" thing and just embraced the chaos.
Cleanliness & Safety – Holding Their Own (Mostly)
Okay, this is where they shined. Post-pandemic, these guys are taking cleanliness seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection, rooms sanitized between stays. I was constantly noticing staff in masks and gloves cleaning. Hand sanitizer was everywhere (maybe too everywhere… my hands are starting to feel like desert sand). Staff trained in safety protocol? Check. They even had a doctor/nurse on call. Felt safe, even if the spa was… well, you know.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Food Glorious, and Sometimes Questionable, Food
The food was… another story. Let's start with the good: the Asian breakfast was fantastic. Fresh fruit, delicious noodles, and strong, strong coffee. Restaurants? They have a few. The buffet in the restaurant was decent, with a lot of variety. The Western breakfast was passable, but I stuck with the Asian options. The poolside bar served strong cocktails which is the most important thing.
Now, to the less-great. The a la carte options were hit or miss. One night, I ordered a salad that was… mostly just lettuce. The coffee shop was fine, but not exceptional. And the desserts? Let's just say they weren't exactly Michelin-star worthy. However, the 24-hour room service was a life-saver, especially when I was feeling… well, a bit burnt out.
Services and Conveniences – The Good, The Confusing, and The… Shrine?
They offer pretty much everything you could want: concierge, currency exchange, laundry service, dry cleaning, luggage storage, gift shop. All the usual suspects. The facilities for disabled guests were advertised (as mentioned above, with varying degrees of success). The meeting/banquet facilities looked impressive, and they even had audio-visual equipment for special events. I mean, they've got a shrine! A literal shrine! Unexpected, to say the least. Cash withdrawal was a bit of a pain – the machine was frequently out of order.
For the Kids – Is It Really Family-Friendly?
They claim it. Babysitting service? Check. Kids facilities? Check. Kids meal? Probably. I didn't see a lot of screaming toddlers running around (blessedly).
Available in All Rooms: The Checklist of Essentials & a Few Quirks
Here’s the room breakdown. Air conditioning? Essential. Alarm clock? Yup. Bathrobes? Yes, and thankfully fluffy. Bathtub? Present and accounted for. Blackout curtains? Bless them, yes. Coffee/tea maker? Yep. Free bottled water? Thank goodness. Hair dryer? Check. In-room safe box? Standard stuff. Mini bar? Stocked (but maybe a little too stocked). Satellite/cable channels? Yup. Slippers? Absolutely. Wake-up service? They’ll call you (eventually). Wi-Fi [free]…(ahem).
Now, here's where it gets weirdly charming: Additional toilet (not standard, but appreciated!) Bathroom phone (who even uses these anymore?) Reading light (thank the heavens). Mirror (essential for assessing post-badger-scrub damage). Socket near the bed (a miracle for your phone). Oh, and the window that opens. Always a plus, getting some fresh air.
Getting Around - The Perks & the Pitfalls
They offer Airport transfer, which is a godsend after a long flight. Car park [free of charge] & [on-site] (convenient). Taxi service readily available. Valet parking? Fancy.
Overall: The Verdict – Royal-Ish?
So, is the Cambodia’s Palace Resort & Spa a truly “Royal Getaway?” Honestly? Not quite. It’s more like a "Pretty Darn Good Getaway with a Few Quirks." The spa experience was a bit of a comedic disaster. The internet was frustrating. Some of the food was…forgettable.
BUT…the staff were lovely. The location was beautiful. The safety protocols were top-notch. The rooms were comfortable, and the pool was heavenly.
My Final Verdict: It's Worth It – But Manage Your Expectations (and Bring Your Own Exfoliator)
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my potentially disastrous, probably life-altering, almost certainly overdramatic experience at the Try Palace Resort and Spa in Cambodia. Forget perfectly crafted travel brochures; this is the unfiltered ramblings of a slightly sunburnt, entirely opinionated traveler.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Room Debacle (Oh, and some Spa Bliss)
- 08:00 AM (ish): Touchdown in Siem Reap. The flight felt endless. My luggage, bless its cotton socks, almost got lost. I swear, I caught a glimpse of it disappearing down a conveyor belt…but then, POOF, it reappeared! Cambodia, you're already testing me.
- 09:00 AM: Airport transfer. The tuk-tuk driver, a sweet old guy with a missing tooth, gave me a crash course in Khmer. I understood absolutely nothing. I smiled and nodded a lot, pretending to be a linguistic genius.
- 10:00 AM: Arrival at Try Palace. Oooooh, fancy. Think lush greenery, gleaming pools, and the pervasive scent of jasmine – a sensory overload in the best possible way.
- 10:30 AM: THE ROOM. Or, rather, the attempt at a room situation. They initially put me in a room that looked like a storage closet for garden gnomes. Tiny, windowless, and with a vague smell of mildew. My inner drama queen almost staged a full-blown tantrum. I hated it. I wanted a suite, a freaking VILLA, something with air that I can breathe. After some (slightly aggressive, I'll admit) negotiations, and employing my best "sad puppy" eyes, I managed to upgrade. Victory is sweet.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at the resort. Amok with fish. Holy moly, that was divine! So flavorful, so exotic. I'm already in love with Cambodian cuisine. Definitely going to try and recreate something, anything like that back home.
- 02:00 PM: Spa time. Oh, the spa! Pure bliss. A traditional Khmer massage that melted away all my stress and the lingering scent of airplane armrests. I think I briefly achieved enlightenment. I'm pretty sure I snored. Don't judge.
- 04:00 PM: Poolside lounging. Sipping a cocktail with more fruit than alcohol, reading a trashy novel, and letting my mind turn to mush. This is the life, people. This is the damn life.
- 07:00 PM: Dinner at the resort restaurant. The ambiance? Romantic. The food? Decent. I ordered the grilled prawns. They were…fine. Not as mind-blowing as the Amok, but perfectly acceptable. My inner critic is always somewhere, unfortunately. A glass of wine (or three) helped me ignore it.
Day 2: Angkor Wat Sunrise & The Great Temples Trek & Regret
- 04:30 AM: ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! A wake-up call for Angkor Wat sunrise. This is where the "slightly sunburnt" part of the equation began. I felt like a zombie. My makeup game wasn't working at 4:30 am.
- 05:00 AM: Tuk-tuk ride to Angkor Wat. The air was thick and humid. I was cold, I was sleepy, I was contemplating if I could just go back to bed.
- 05:45 AM: Angkor Wat Sunrise. Okay, I get it now. Jaw-dropping. Spectacular. Utterly breathtaking. The light, the reflection in the water…it was a moment I'll never forget. Worth the sleep deprivation. Maybe I should get a postcard of this. I forgot I was trying to capture this on my phone.
- 07:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Temples galore! Angkor Thom (Bayon!), Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider temple!), Banteay Srei (the "citadel of women"). Each temple more awe-inspiring than the last. I ran around, soaking it all in, feeling like Indiana Jones (but with significantly less grace and more sweat). I may have accidentally tripped over a root. Don't tell anyone.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant. The food was cheap, delicious, and filled with questionable street food delights. I took a chance on some stir-fried noodles, and they were… delicious! My stomach grumbled a little later, but hey, a little diarrhea never hurt anyone, right?
- 02:00 PM: Attempted nap. Failed mission. The humidity was a beast. Basically, sweating a river. I couldn't switch off.
- 04:00 PM: Cooking class. I thought I was a pretty decent cook, but I was totally out of my depth. I burned the lemongrass. The curry paste exploded. The chef – bless his patient soul – just smiled and helped me salvage something edible. The result? A slightly charred, but surprisingly tasty, chicken curry.
- 07:00 PM: Dinner. I ate all of my curry. I'm considering having it again tomorrow.
- 08:00 PM: Trying to write these notes and trying to remember the day's events.
Day 3: The Great Departure (and a final, desperate attempt at relaxation)
- 09:00 AM: Lazy breakfast. Pancakes with mango. Heaven.
- 10:00 AM: Final spa treatment – a facial. My skin was screaming for help after all the sun and dust. Face = glowing. Soul = slightly less stressed.
- 12:00 PM: Poolside lounging. One last cocktail. One last chance to breathe.
- 02:00 PM: Packing. Hate. My suitcase is overflowing with souvenirs, questionable street food finds, and a whole lotta memories.
- 03:00 PM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. "One more scarf," I told myself. "Just one more." I have a problem.
- 04:00 PM: Farewell to Try Palace. Goodbye, paradise. It’s been real.
- 05:00 PM: Airport shenanigans. The departure process was smooth. I'm surprised. This is probably a sign that I'm going to get delayed.
- 08:00 PM: Takeoff. Cambodia, you wild, wonderful, and slightly chaotic place, I'll see you again someday. I'm already daydreaming about my next adventure.
Final Thoughts:
This trip was messy, imperfect, and wonderful. I laughed, I cried (a little), I sweated buckets, and I ate some of the best food of my life. Try Palace was a slice of paradise, even with the room drama. Cambodia…Cambodia has stolen a piece of my heart. And I'm pretty sure I'll be dreaming of Amok for weeks.
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Cambodia's Palace Resort & Spa: Your Royal Getaway Awaits! ...or Does It? Your Unfiltered FAQ
General Questions & My Own Slightly Disgruntled Thoughts
1. What's the deal with this "Royal" stuff? Is it actually…you know…royal? (Or just really expensive?)
Okay, let's be brutally honest. "Royal" is a marketing buzzword, people. It's like calling a burger "Emperor's Feast." Does it *feel* royal? Well...sort of. The architecture definitely *tries* to channel Angkor Wat vibes. Expect gold leaf, intricate carvings, and a general air of "we spent a LOT of money." I’m not saying there are actual kings wandering around (though…wouldn’t that be wild?) but you *will* feel like you're paying royal prices for the privilege. My advice? Brace yourself.
2. How do I get there? I'm not exactly riding a white elephant.
Ah, the logistics. You'll probably fly into Siem Reap International Airport (REP). From there, you can arrange a shuttle or, for a truly "royal" experience...a limousine, I guess? I opted for the shuttle. It was…adequate. Felt like a sardine in a can, but hey, saved some dough for the spa treatments! Fair warning: The roads, even on the way to a fancy resort, can be…an experience. Buckle up, buttercup. You might get a little motion sickness.
3. What kind of rooms are available? Are there any that don't require selling a kidney?
They've got a range, from "deluxe" (still pricey) to suites that probably come with their own personal chef. I got a 'deluxe' room. It was nice. Really, it was! Beautiful view of the pool. But the "deluxe" didn't exactly screams "budget-friendly." Think of it like this: You're paying for the *idea* of luxury. Actual luxury…is a whole different level.
Food, glorious food...and some slightly less glorious moments related to it.
4. Tell me about the food! Are there any vegetarian options? (Or did I have to pack my own kale?)
Okay, the food is a mixed bag. The breakfast buffet? Divine! Seriously, enough exotic fruits, pastries, and (yes!) even tofu to make you weep with joy. The dinner restaurant? Hit or miss. I had a truly *amazing* amok...and then, a pad thai that tasted like it was made with instant ramen and despair. The vegetarian options *are* there, but sometimes, it's a little bit…uninspired. They seem to think "vegetarian" means "remove the meat and add more rice." I ended up ordering a lot of side dishes. Just...prepare to explore.
5. Speaking of food…is the water safe to drink? (Because I'm a notorious germaphobe.)
Bottled water only! Seriously. Don't even *think* about touching the tap. I clung to my bottled water like it was my lifeline. And, as an aside, I saw one poor soul chugging from a fountain. He looked…less than royal the next day. Stick to the bottled stuff, and you should (hopefully) be fine.
Spa Day Dreams &…Reality
6. The spa! Is it as heavenly as it sounds? Because that's what I'm REALLY here for.
The spa… *sigh*. Okay, here's where things get complicated. The decor is absolutely stunning. Think candles, incense, serene music… the works. The therapists are lovely and incredibly skilled. BUT…prices! Oh, the prices! I nearly choked when I saw the cost of a massage. I went for a "Royal Khmer Fusion Massage" or something fancy like that. It *was* amazing. The best massage of my life. But, I spent a small fortune. I justified it by saying, "I deserve this." But honestly, it kind of put a dent in my souvenir budget. Worth it? Maybe. Probably. I still can't decide.
7. Any tips for getting the most out of the spa without going bankrupt? Because I’m already feeling the pinch.
Book in advance! Sometimes you can snag a discount. Look for package deals. Maybe skip the add-ons (extra oils, special scrubs, etc.) unless you *really* want them. And, for the love of all that is holy, *tip*. The therapists work hard. I always tip, but I might have tipped even more because, hello, AMAZING massage! But, honestly, budget wisely because that spa will drain your wallet just as easily as they drain your stress.
8. Okay, let's talk about the pool. Is it as Instagrammable as it looks? (Because, priorities.)
The pool is…yes. The pool is *stunning*. Infinity edge, crystal-clear water, perfectly manicured gardens around it. It’s pure, unadulterated Insta-bait. I spent a solid afternoon taking photos. However…it can get crowded. You'll be jostling for space with other influencers and people generally trying to look glamorous. Also, the sun is brutal. Slather on the sunscreen, people! Seriously. I learned that the hard way. Sunburnt, broke, but looking *fabulous* in all my photos.
The Downsides (Because Let's Keep it Real)
9. What's the biggest letdown about the Palace Resort & Spa? What did they NOT tell you?
Okay, if I’m being brutally honest? The service could be a little…uneven. Some staff members were incredibly attentive and helpful. Others…seemed a little overwhelmed. There were a few times where it took forever to get a drink, or a request got completely forgotten. It’s not *bad*, but it’s not always the polished, seamless "royal treatment" you'd expect for the price. Also, the music around the pool got old *fast*. It was the same loop of cheesy elevator music. Eventually, I tuned it out, but it still lingered in my nightmares…
10. Anything else that annoyed you? (Don't hold back!)
