Maison 557
We can usually tell whether we will like a hotel by the greeting we receive when we first arrive. If the staff is prepared for us and happy to see us, it usually means they are content, well-trained, and they will take good care of us.
The reception we received at Maison 557 in Siem Reap, Cambodia was cordial and welcoming. Jeff, the innkeeper, warmly greeted us when we walked through the hotel’s front gate, and he was there to help with our bags and offer us a welcome drink. He asked about our backgrounds and interests and then escorted us to our room. We felt like we had arrived at a friend’s house.
We were in Siem Reap to explore the nearby temples and ruins at the Angkor complex. This former capital city of the Khmer empire is vast – extending over 75 square miles – and to do it justice requires at least 2-3 days of scrambling over stones and through temple ruins. Fortunately, the magnificent Temples of Angkor are just a few minutes from Maison 557’s front door.
After each day exploring the temples in the heat and dust we needed a clean, quiet place to escape. Maison 557 is the place! It’s small (just seven rooms), calm, and comfortable. The rooms are well appointed, spotlessly clean, and welcoming. The beds are comfortable and include plush sheets, supportive pillows, and an air conditioner and ceiling fan (to adjust the temperature just the way you like it). Small luxuries add to the comfort; like aromatic soap, clean wash cloths, lots of fluffy towels, a make-up mirror, and plenty of bottled water. Our room even had a private outdoor shower (just outside the bathroom) that was luxurious and refreshing. And, at slightly over US$100 per night, our room was moderately-priced.
Maison 557 is staffed by people who know how to treat guests.
Jeff is the innkeeper, and he greets each guest with friendship, warmth, and an excitement that comes from enjoying life in this part of the world. He’s Scottish, a true professional innkeeper, and he somehow manages to accommodate every guest’s needs. Want breakfast late, for example? No problem, have it when you want; even after a sunrise photo session at Angkor Wat. And, while we’re on the subject, the breakfasts are wonderful, full meals with fresh fruit, honey, yoghurt, optional eggs, and yummy baked goods — served on a gorgeous terrace. Want to ride bicycles to the Angkor sites? No problem — Jeff will get them, fix them the way you want, and have them available when you are ready to go. Want to see the local sights or shop in the local markets? Jeff will arrange it for you, and he will get on the phone and make a few calls if you need further help.
Borin (with the largest smile in Siem Reap), serves a wonderful, full breakfast each morning. He also helps with luggage, and will show you around Siem Reap (if you want). He might also tell you stories about his twin babies, who he calls “the Monkeys.”
Ree, the housekeeper, floats quietly around the complex followed by Wallace, the inn’s little pug. Ree keeps the rooms refreshed and welcoming, and she does it quietly and efficiently. Don’t be surprised to find fresh flowers and a bowl of fresh fruit in your room after Ree has been there.
Mr. T., the sparkplug of the place, arranges transportation for guests. Want an air conditioned car and driver to tour the temples? He will line up a trustworthy driver. Need a tuk-tuk to go to shopping or to a restaurant? Talk to Mr. T and it will be arranged.
Your stay at Maison 557 will give you the opportunity to relax and enjoy a comfortable bed and breakfast environment set in lush gardens. After a day of touring the Angkor temples, you can soak in the pool, chill out on the patio, or enjoy a scrumptious meal at a local restaurant. The inn is only a few minutes from Siem Reap’s restaurants, cafés and boutiques located around the Old Market area of Siem Reap.
To contact Maison 557, visit their website at maison557.com, email them at info@maison557.com, call them at Tel: +855.89.280.830, or write them at #557, Wat Bo Street, Group 12, Siem Reap Cambodia. PO Box: 93136
