Soul Survivors: Cambodian Tradition Lives On At Sala Lodges
"Hotelier Arne Lugeon and his wife were captivated by traditional Khmer houses on stilts with intricate carvings, which inspired the creation of Sala Lodges, a hotel composed of authentic Khmer houses brought from various parts of Cambodia. Each house, with its own history and previous owners ranging from carpenters to army barracks, provides a unique experience of traditional Cambodian living, updated with modern comforts. The hotel emphasizes local craftsmanship and tradition, and seeks to offer guests an opportunity to experience 'real living' in a luxurious, sensitive upgrade." - Mitchell Friedman
"A love for the lush Cambodian countryside and its charming rural architecture led four Swiss and French friends to open Sala Lodgesin 2012. They amassed 11 stunning examples of the wooden homes on stilts that punctuate the Khmer landscape, hiring carpenters to carefully select, disassemble, transport, and resurrect them on alush village-like property in Siem Reap not far from the temples. Each house has its unique style and story to tell—the oldest ones date to the late 1950s. Antiques, canopied beds, soft lighting, and pastel-hued fabrics, updated with essential modern-day luxuries like air conditioning and rain showers, now fill the majestic structures. Indigenous trees and plants like palm, papaya, and banana trees, and rice fields populated by little frogs and chirping crickets, are an ode to local village life. The generous layout of the rooms and verandas lends a languid atmosphere perfect for taking in the property’s enchanting sights and sounds while contemplating the splendor of Angkor."
Sala Lodges, a Design Boutique Hotel Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
"Sala Lodges provides beautiful wooden bungalows in Siem Reap. It offers easy access to popular attractions like the Old Market and the Night Market. They are both just a 7-minute walk away. It has a salt water swimming pool, a poolside bar and offers free Wi-Fi.
Sala Lodges Siem Reap is located 9 km from Siem Reap International airport and 8 km from Angkor Wat Temple. Tonle Sap Lake is situated 11 km away, while Wat Damnak Pagoda is a 5-minute walk from the hotel. The Resident Royal Palace, the Post Office and the Angkor National Museum are a 15-minute walk away.
The accommodation feature a khmer-style décor with wood flooring, traditional furnishings and a private balcony. They are fully air conditioned and feature a comfortable seating area and a modern bathroom. Toiletries are available for free. In-room facilities include a minibar and a hair dryer.
The Sala Lodge Restaurant serves Khmer (local) dishes, as well as, Western dishes. The pool bar serves a selection of refreshing beverages." - My Boutique Hotel (en)
"There was a time when Asia’s luxury villa hotels were pretty uniformly modernist and minimalist. But lately the traveling public has developed a taste for something a little more rustic, a little more handmade, and Sala Lodges, in Siem Reap, just a few miles from the temples at Angkor, are precisely that. These houses are no reproductions — they’re authentic handmade houses, some fifty years old or more, transported from all across the Cambodian countryside and reassembled here on this site." - Tablet Hotels
A great moment again at Sala Lodges, everything was perfect as usual. The team is so friendly and professional, the villa is amazing. A big thank you to the wonderful managers Arne and Simone for their warm welcome! We will definitely come back !
461birted
Google
This luxory hôtel is an experience in itself. Pure nature, beautiful setting, extraordinary houses to live in and a pool that invites you to swim in the morning. The breakfast is outstanding and met all our expectations. The staff is lovely and very supportive. Feels like hone at the very first minute. I highly recommend it to everyone who wants to experience something special!|Birte & André
nfb2018
Google
The accommodations at Sala Lodges are beautifully unique. A visitor will not lack for comfort or amenities in the home of their choice. Being greeted each time I returned from the day's activities with a cool cloth and refreshing drink was just one of the many gracious and accommodating services I experienced. There is no question that Sala Lodges will be my chosen spot in Siem Reap when I return.
Masha Teplukhina
Google
Absolutely magical stay at Sala Lodge – the perfect blend of charm, comfort, and authentic Cambodian spirit.
Even when fully booked, it felt private and secluded, like our own hidden sanctuary. Highly recommend!
Kenworthey Bilz
Google
This place is magical. All the things that always matter are perfect: comfortable beds, blackout shutters, quiet, immaculately clean, good ac. But it's the extras that set this place apart: cold washcloths when you come in from a day of sightseeing, ice water brought to you when you swim in the gorgeous pool, smiles and greetings and personal escorting to the spa--all done without request. I travel a lot, and sincerely, this is the best hotel I've ever stayed at in my life. It was an extraordinary visit in an extraordinary place.
220annabellef
Google
This is without doubt a stunning place to stay in Siem Reap. The understated luxury, top class service, incredible food set in the dreamiest of gardens made leaving Sala Lodges emotional. The food was delicious and well priced. The breakfasts were lovely. The service you receive is outstanding and thoughtful. The lodges were spacious and exquisitely decorated. It felt so luxurious staying in these former homes, beautifully decorated with interesting pieces. We enjoyed our excursions to Angkor Wat organised by the hotel and made use of the hotel’s Tuk Tuk driver who drove us into town just a short hop from the hotel. The hotel location was perfect.
Yana Sk
Google
The place is wonderful and we recommend it with all our heart.
Firstly the service is impeccable. All the conditions for your comfortable stay are provided. There are few houses and a pretty large territory, the guests barely see each other, so it creates a very relaxed atmosphere. The attention is paid to every guest, every detail is taken care of, as the welcoming local gifts are provided at the arrival and at the departure.
The cleaning was very quick and done twice a day, as soon as we got out of the room.
The location is a little bit outside the center but it is better as it is far from the noisy downtown. The swimming pool is big and very clean, surrounded by the lush green trees.
We could see the owner every day controlling everything, a very professional manager that organizes everything perfectly.
The cuisine was superb, we arrived very late at night but the dinner and the chef were waiting for us.
I also thank all the staff and of course the owner for helping me to organize a small celebration of my partner , with warmth and dedication.
We truly recommend this place for a relaxed and authentic experience in Siem Reap.
Ivara Raphael
Google
One of my favorite hotel in Siem Reap, and honneslty one of the best hotel where i have stayed.
Design, service, uniqueness, matress, size of the room...everything was perfect!
Cherry on the cake: the staff, Simone and Arne are just amazing!
We will def come back, I am sure.