Shinta Mani Hotel Siem Reap

The Shinta Mani is a hotel and an institute that trains "at risk youth" for work in the hospitality industry. So your dollars are going to a good cause as you selflessly luxuriate in your super comfy feather bed and gorgeous boutique hotel surroundings.

Our room was as one of three set right on the edge of the lovely pool area. A variety of spa treatments are available just over there (although we did not partake, for once). Service is extremely friendly, and the slightest inquiry will have three trainees tripping over themselves in an earnest attempt to deliver the best service possible.

This is a training center, and errors do occur. My husband was served severely undercooked bacon at breakfast, and the eggs were cold. But other than that, service and facilities have been exemplary (and a relative bargain...our poolside room was $110/night, lower than the luxury hotels and just as nice. I can recommend this place without hesitation.

The Shinta Mani Hotel is located in the Old French Quarter in Siem Reap, just off the banks of the Siem Reap River. Shinta Mani, which is derived from Sanskrit, meaning "The gem that provides everything one desires" is an 18-room luxury boutique hotel and institute of hospitality. And that is one of the things that makes the hotel unique. Young people from Cambodian provinces train at the institute for the growing hospitality industry in Cambodia. I’m not sure at what level of study trainees are when they’re allowed to work in the restaurant or hotel, but they sometimes do make minor mistakes in service; however, that is of little concern, since they are honest and sincere in their efforts. The hotel is small, but beautiful and well maintained. Upon arrival, you are greeted and presented a traditional native scarf and welcoming drink. Wireless internet is free. The small restaurant offers well prepared fare in a simple elegant setting. The spa, located adjacent to the beautiful small pool has an extensive menu of treatments including Thai and Cambodian massage, hot stones, body scrubs and other therapies. Although smaller and less glitzy than some of the newer large hotels (and that, to me is a positive thing), the Shinta Mani will be my number one choice of accommodations when I’m next in Siem Reap.