Uncover Siem Reap's Hidden Gem: Golden Citadel Hotel Awaits!
Uncover Siem Reap's Hidden Gem: Golden Citadel Hotel Awaits! (Because, Honestly, I Needed a Vacation)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I’m about to lay down some truth bombs about the Golden Citadel Hotel in Siem Reap. Forget the perfectly curated Instagram feeds; this is a real-deal review, filled with all my glorious imperfections and hopefully, helping you decide if this place is actually worth your precious vacation time. And, spoiler alert: it’s complicated.
Let's start with the basics. SEO-wise, we need to hit those keywords HARD, so… Golden Citadel Hotel Siem Reap, Siem Reap Hotels, Cambodia Hotels, Accessible Hotels, Wheelchair Accessible Siem Reap, Spa Hotels Cambodia, Pool with a View Siem Reap, Free Wi-Fi Siem Reap. There, done! Now, onto the messy, gloriously imperfect review…
Arriving & the First Impression (Accessibility & Feeling Like a VIP…Almost):
First off, arriving in Siem Reap is a sensory overload. Tuk-tuks whizzing by, the smell of street food, the general controlled chaos…it's fantastic. The Golden Citadel Hotel, thankfully, felt serene. The airport transfer they provided was smooth, and the driver was genuinely friendly. Points for that. The hotel itself is…well, it's gorgeous. Think traditional Khmer architecture meets modern chic. The lobby is inviting, with a gentle breeze and the promise of a good time.
Accessibility: This is where things get interesting. They advertise as accessible, and they mostly delivered. Ramps are present, and the elevator is functional. Elevator! Always a win. BUT, and it's a big but, navigating the pool area (which is stunning, by the way – a Pool with a view truly lives up to its name) presented some challenges for a wheelchair user. There were some uneven surfaces and tight turns that required assistance. They could definitely improve on that. The facilities for disabled guests are there, but not perfectly executed.
Check-in was pretty damn seamless with Contactless check-in/out, it was quick, the staff was great, the drinks were fantastic. And they even, I swear, recognized my inner VIP-ness with a private check-in. (Or maybe they give everyone this treatment; either way, I felt pampered).
Rooms & Creature Comforts: (The Good, The Better, and the "Wait, What?")
Okay, the rooms. Mine was spacious, with Air conditioning that actually worked (a MAJOR win in the Cambodian heat!), and a ludicrously comfortable Extra long bed. I'm talking, could-sleep-sideways-and-still-not-reach-the-edge comfortable. Bliss.
Here’s the rundown of what's available in the room:
Available in all rooms: (and yes, I checked): Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathtub, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor (mine was, at least!), In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. Phew! That’s a lot!
The Unexpected: They had a bathtub. That bathtub was just… waiting for me, begging for a good soak after a day of temple exploring.
The Slightly Annoying: The Internet access – LAN – who even uses that anymore? (I guess someone does, but not me). Regardless, the Wi-Fi [free] worked flawlessly, so no complaints there.
Room sanitization opt-out available I appreciate this option, especially these days.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Spa Day vs. Staying in My Room…Tough Choice!):
Alright, let's be honest. I came here to relax. The Golden Citadel Hotel seems to understand this.
- The Pool: Seriously, the Swimming pool [outdoor] is a MUST. The Pool with view is even better when you're actually in the pool. Just divine.
- The Spa: Oh. My. God. The Spa! I'm a sucker for a good pampering session, and the Golden Citadel's spa delivered. I opted for a Body scrub and a Massage, and I floated out of there feeling like a brand-new person. The Foot bath before the massage was the most zen thing I've experienced in months.
- The Gym: Full disclosure: I glanced at the Gym/fitness center. It looked clean and well-equipped, but let’s just say my vacation priorities leaned more towards the pool bar. But, it’s there if you’re into that whole “exercise” thing.
- Sauna & Steamroom: I didn’t even make it to the Sauna, Steamroom and Spa/sauna, but others raved about them.
- Things to do: Don’t forget to explore the temples!
Dining, Drinking & Snacking (Food Glorious Food…and a Few Hiccups):
This is where the Golden Citadel REALLY shines. Seriously, the food was incredible. One of the hotel's Restaurants I tried the Asian Cuisine in restaurant and the International Cuisine in restaurant. Oh, and the Desserts in restaurant! Don't even get me started. I also loved the Poolside bar, where I enjoyed a Happy hour.
- Restaurants: Several options, including A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant.
- Breakfast: They offered a Breakfast [buffet] and Breakfast service, offering a wide variety of options, including Western breakfast and some delicious Asian cuisine.
- Snacks: There was a Snack bar. I didn’t use it extensively, but it was there.
- Room Service: The Room service [24-hour] was a godsend after a long day of sightseeing.
- The Hiccups: The wait for food at times was a bit long, and once they brought me the wrong order. Nothing a charming smile and a quick correction couldn't fix, but still.
- Coffee: The Coffee/tea in restaurant was good at the start of the day.
Cleanliness & Safety (Covid-Era Considerations):
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: Covid-19. The Golden Citadel Hotel took it seriously. They had implemented a ton of measures:
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, were everywhere.
- Hygiene certification.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter.
- Rooms sanitized between stays.
- Safe dining setup.
- Staff trained in safety protocol.
While I appreciate the effort, the constant reminders, like individually-wrapped food and the overabundance of hand sanitizer, did make me feel a little…anxious. I kept thinking about how often I was touching the sanitiser, and felt like I was getting more paranoid. Still, the staff consistently wore masks and were very careful, which made a difference.
Services & Conveniences (Because Sometimes You Just Need a Dry Cleaner):
The hotel offered a wide range of services:
- Air conditioning in public area.
- Cash withdrawal.
- Concierge.
- Daily housekeeping.
- Doorman.
- Dry cleaning.
- Elevator.
- Essential condiments.
- Food delivery.
- Invoice provided.
- Ironing service.
- Laundry service.
- Luggage storage.
- Safety deposit boxes.
- Smoking area.
- Terrace.
- Xerox/fax in business center.
- Airport transfer – a lifesaver!
- Car park [free of charge].
- Taxi service.
They had a Convenience store for those last-minute essentials (like extra sunscreen).
For the Kids (If You’re Dragging Them Along):
I didn’t have kids with me, but the hotel seemed to cater to families. There was Babysitting service, Kids facilities, and Kids meal. Seems like a decent option.
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into SEAM REAP and, specifically, the Golden Citadel Hotel. Forget those pristine, perfectly planned itineraries you see online. This is MY version. This is real. This is probably gonna be a little chaotic, but hey, that's life, right?
Golden Citadel Gauntlet: A Siem Reap Saga (aka "Stuff I Intend to Do… Maybe")
Day 1: Arrival & The Hotel - Ah, Paradise (Or Is It?)
Morning (or Whenever the Plane Lands, Really): Landed in Siem Reap. Oh sweet, sweet escape from that purgatory-esque airport. The heat hits you like a wet blanket, and suddenly you’re questioning all your life choices. But hey! We made it! Immigration – thank god for pre-arranged visas. Grabbed a tuk-tuk. Negotiating the price felt like a blood sport. I think he won. Whatever. I'm melting.
Afternoon: Golden Citadel In-Check & Impressment: Golden Citadel! Okay, the lobby IS actually pretty impressive. All that gleaming wood, the giant Buddhas… "Wow," I mumbled, trying to sound sophisticated. Got the welcome drink – some weird, vaguely floral concoction. Downed it in one gulp. Instant relief. The room… well, it's a room. Clean enough. The balcony… chef's kiss. View of the pool. Which, naturally, I'm already planning to spend every waking moment in. (And, if I’m honest, maybe some sleeping ones too, if the humidity cooperates).
- Impression: The staff are genuinely friendly. Not that fake-friendly you get sometimes, but actually wanting to help. Good points for friendliness, but let us see, if they hold the same kindness when I complain about the AC.
- (Side note: I swear the first thing I do is try to find a suitable temperature in the AC, I have a habit of being too cold)
- Impression: The staff are genuinely friendly. Not that fake-friendly you get sometimes, but actually wanting to help. Good points for friendliness, but let us see, if they hold the same kindness when I complain about the AC.
Evening: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Ugh. The menu is a textbook example of the "Everything for Everyone" approach. I ordered something ambitious (Amok Fish – I think? – Something with coconut milk and curry.) After an hour, I finally got it. It was okay. Not mind-blowing. But the cocktails… those were good. Maybe I should find a cocktail bar.
- (Rant alert!) Here's my biggest gripe. I'm talking about the menu in the restaurant. Why does every hotel restaurant in the world think it needs to offer everything? It's like they're afraid of scaring away a single guest. Do you want to be a jack-of-all-trades and master of none? I'm a traveler. I want to eat something local. I want to see your city shine. I'm a guest in your house. You get to pick the menu with your cuisine. I don't need a burger. I can get a burger at home.
- (Re-centered!) Okay, okay. Breathe. The cocktails were good. And the pool looks inviting. Time to recover!
Day 2: Angkor Wat & Soul-Crushing Heat (and a Tuk-Tuk Adventure!)
Sunrise at Angkor Wat (or Attempted Sunrise): Woke up at, like, 4:30 AM. Ugh. That’s the thing about traveling. You think you’re adventurous and intrepid, and then the alarm goes off at an inhumane hour and you start questioning your life choices. The tuk-tuk driver was waiting, looking suspiciously cheerful. The drive was a blur of sleep-deprived grumbling. And the crowds… oh, the crowds. Literally hundreds of people. But. Angkor Wat at sunrise? Absolutely breathtaking. Even with the selfie sticks. Even with the heat. Even with the impending existential dread of being surrounded by so many humans.
Mid-Morning: Temple Hopping (and Heatstroke Avoidance): The rest of the day was a blur of temples. Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Prohm (the Tomb Raider temple – which, let me tell you, looks way cooler in the movie). Humidity levels reached critical mass. Drank approximately a gallon of water. The tuk-tuk driver, bless his heart, kept offering cold towels. He became my new best friend.
- (Quirky Observation): The faces carved on the Bayon temple. Unforgettable. Those serene, smiling faces. I swear, they were judging me. Judging my sweat stains and general dishevelled appearance. Judging my decision to wear linen pants.
Afternoon: Pool Time is Essential: Back to the Golden Citadel! Pool time! Finally. Spent the afternoon alternating between floating and ordering more cocktails. Bliss.
- (Emotional Reaction): Sat there, just staring at the sky. I don't think I've ever been this relaxed in my life. Then remembered I have an international flight and a mountain of work waiting, but the moment was nice.
Evening: Dinner somewhere… local? Probably. Maybe find a really authentic Khmer restaurant. Or maybe a place with air conditioning. (Priorities, people!)
- (Rambling Digression): Okay, so, this is the thing about travel. You have these grand plans of being a culture vulture, of immersing yourself in the local cuisine, of becoming one with the ancient history and the vibrant traditions, but by 7 PM, you're just thinking about food and air conditioning. And that's okay. It's all part of the adventure, right?
Day 3: Floating Village & The Art of Doing Nothing (and maybe, a massage)
Morning: Tonle Sap Lake. Floating village. The whole thing is a bit… surreal. The lives of people who live on the water, the kids waving, the houses on stilts. It's poverty, yes, it's an experience. It's humbling. Also, the boat ride was long. Really long.
(Imperfections): Did I feel awkward for being there? Yes. Did I buy something because I felt obliged? Also yes. Did I leave with a better understanding of the world? Maybe. Still processing.
Afternoon: The Art of Doing Sweet FA: You know what? Today, I'm doing nothing. Absolutely nothing. Maybe read a book by the pool. Maybe sleep. Maybe eat another plate of fried noodles. I'm giving myself permission to be lazy.
(Stronger Emotional Reaction): God, I need this. My brain has been in overdrive for months. Just… peace.
Evening: A massage! A proper Khmer massage! I've heard they're incredible. And cheap. Which means, I can have several. Bring on the pressure points!
- (Stream-of-Consciousness): Oh, the massage. I got a massage. Well, two massages. Yes. I'm going to dedicate an entire post to a second.
Day 4: Goodbye Siem Reap (or, Until Next Time!)
Morning: One last breakfast. Squeezing every last drop of relaxation out of the Golden Citadel. Trying to memorize the view from the balcony. Reluctantly packing.
(Opinionated Language): I hate packing. I always overpack. I always forget something essential. I'm probably forgetting something now. Probably my brain.
Afternoon: Farewell, Golden Citadel! Farewell, Siem Reap! Tuk-tuk to the airport. The air is thick with humidity. My camera roll is full of photos. My soul (hopefully) is a little bit lighter.
- (Opinionated Language Cont.): I hope the next person who gets my room enjoys the AC that I complained about.
Evening: Another loooong flight. Then, back to reality. But with a suitcase full of memories. And a burning desire to return.
And… the End? (Definitely Not! See you next time, Siem Reap!)
So yeah. That's my itinerary. Probably didn't stick to it. Probably got incredibly sidetracked by a particularly good mango shake. Probably got lost. Probably cried. Probably laughed. Probably made some lifelong memories. And that's the whole point, right?
Now, go make your own mess.
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So, what's this whole "FAQ" thing even *about*?
Okay, fine. Let's *pretend* you have a topic. What's the deal with the "messy" part?
Is this related to... cats?
I have a question about… the perfect cup of coffee. What's your take?
Okay, okay, fine. How about… bad days? You have those?
What’s the worst thing that can happen?
Do you ever feel, like, overwhelmed ?
What would you say is the most important thing in life?
