NEW WING AT SOFITEL ROYAL ANGKOR OPENS NOVEMBER 1

Popularity of Siem Reap soars with intra-Asian travellers

Sofitel Royal Angkor has completed construction of a new wing with 63 additional rooms, welcoming the first guests November 1 in time for the hotel’s one-year anniversary.

In just 12 months Sofitel Royal Angkor — the closest hotel to the famed Angkor Wat temple complex — has quickly become Siem Reap’s preferred address for the discriminating traveller.

Designed by leading Thai architect Choochat Polakij, the US$5 million expansion project added six suites (90 sqm), 12 junior suites (50 sqm) and 45 deluxe rooms (45 sqm) to the hotel’s existing 175 rooms.

The three-story extension is on a 90-degree angle to the main building, with all rooms facing the man made Sala Lake, and set among verdant tropical gardens. A separate walkway leads to the new wing offering guests an extra level of luxury and comfort.

Since the hotel’s grand opening in November 2000, presided over by HE Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen and nine government ministers, business has been brisk. The Sofitel Royal Angkor also received a major boost just after opening when it hosted Paramount Pictures’ film crew during filming of ‘Tomb Raider’ with Oscar winning actress, Angelina Jolie, starring as video game heroine Lara Croft.

General Manager, Philippe Bissig, said the hotel was concentrating on the Japanese and intra-Asian markets, especially Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong and Vietnam.

“The Japanese market remains the single strongest supporter of the hotel, representing 37 per cent of the hotel's current market share, followed by Thailand with 13 per cent.

"We have see growth coming from Singapore, while an increasing number of guests arrive from Ho Chi Minh City on Vietnam Airlines. Dragon Air has been flying three times a week from Hong Kong to Phnom Penh and we will launch a new coach service from Bangkok this year to bring guests overland from Thailand.”

Existing food and beverage outlets are ready to handle the expansion. Three restaurants, supervised by executive chef Oliver Kreuz, have established Sofitel Royal Angkor as Siem Reap’s most prestigious dining venue.

The Citadel, serving contemporary cuisine offering both continental and Asian influences, lays out a magnificent nightly buffet. Leaf on the Stone features Japanese Teppenyaki cuisine cooked in front of guests and the Mouhot’s Dream serves classical French cuisine presented under the tag line " La Meilleure Table du Cambodge" or " The best table in Cambodia".

To celebrate its new extension, Sofitel Royal Angkor is featuring a four day/three night Escape to Angkor package for US$499 double occupancy valid until April 30 2002. The deal includes deluxe accommodation, round-trip airport transfers, daily buffet breakfast and dinner, one-hour Asian Blend spa treatment at the Angkor Spa, complimentary High Tea, and use of the fitness centre. Optional excursions to the Angkor Wat temple complex can be arrange through the hotel’s tour desk.