La Villa, Battambang

La Villa's French colonial elegance

La Villa is a converted private residence set in a colonial-period mansion just across the Sangker River from central Battambang. Originally built in the 1930s by a tradesman from Battambang, the house has seen many changes (at one period it was the general headquarters for the Vietnamese army!) but its restoration in the last few years has seen the creation of a superb boutique hotel. A swimming pool is scheduled to be opened in the summer of 2008.

La Villa has just 7 rooms on two floors. The rooms are exquisitely furnished and decorated with an attention to detail not frequently seen in such a remote location. Rooms are spacious, with the upstairs rooms having a reading room-style appearance, while the downstairs affairs are more moderately sized. The furnishings are lovely, tasteful linens and cloths and antiques littered throughout. All have cable TV, and tea and coffee-making facilities. The ensuite bathrooms come with large deep bathtubs well suited for a long hot soak. Pictured below: A four-poster room (there are 4 of these).

The restaurant at the rear of La Villa (pictured below) is covered by a glass roof with a design from the 1900s and offers you both European and Asian cuisine as well as a large choice of barbecue grilled meat. The adjoining bar is open from 11am to 9.30pm.