We had a number of rooms at this hotel for a week - it was a lovely lovely stay. Ths staff were all charming and helpful. The hotel is a great size with just 18 rooms and the spa treatments, cooking class and food in the restaurant are all fantastic. There were 4 children in the group and they loved the hotel too, particularly the pool.

We all donated various things through the community outreach programme and spent part of Christmas day delivering school supplies, pigs, waterwells and bicycles to 3 villages. It is a great programme and we enjoyed our visit.

One other thing to do in Siem Reap is to visit the Butterfly Garden who employ some Shinta Mani gradutates and are also doing good things for the local community.

The rooms were spacious with very comfortable beds. The shower was different, with multiple jets at varying heights. Our room was on the second floor up a flight of steps. The night that we were there, a group of local children were performing at dinner, which was a treat.

There are so many new and modern hotels being built in Siem Reap, that the choices are numerous. We were pleased with the more intimate setting of the Shinta Mani and with the courteous staff. There is a spa on the premises that we did not have the time to take advantage of.

LOCATION: Very good, not perfect. About a 10 minute walk to the town with all the restaurants, bars, etc. 3 minute US$1 Tuk Tuk ride into town each way. Tuk tuks are directly in front of hotel and are easy to catch in town as well. On a great, quiet street. Probably don’t want to stay in town since it’s busy.

BEST WAY TO GET THERE: Hotel can arrange taxi for $8 or you can save a few dollars by getting a taxi at the airport.

BED/SHEETS/PILLOW: Excellent. Down pillows, comforter, and mattress. Linens are high quality and soft.

LIGHTING: Great in both bedroom and bathroom.

BATHROOM/SHOWER: Shower has moderate water pressure and the water can get very hot with consistent temperature.

TOILETRIES: Excellent. Spa quality, the kind you want to take home.

CLEANLINESS: The entire hotel and room is overall very clean. There were water stains on our bedroom wall and lots of mosquitos in the room, some dead on the sheets.

A/C: Quiet and got the room cool quickly.

STYLE OF ROOM: Comfortable, but nothing luxurious. Bathroom style isn’t as nice as the rooms and reminds me of a Holiday Inn.

QUIET: Room is quiet and hotel is on a quiet street.

FOOD: Only had breakfast. One morning it was a buffet and the others a la carte. Breakfast was good. Eggs, yogurts, fresh juices, cereals, but not much else.

TV/INTERNET: TV is not a flat screen but is of decent size for the size of the room. Wireless only internet is available in the rooms at no charge. Painfully slow. There is a computer available for use in the lobby which I think is also no charge.

SERVICE: Overall good, with some minor service issues. This hotel provides free hospitality training to kids that come from poor areas, but even though they are learning, the service was still fine.

COMMON AREA: Pool is nice, but not as nice as the website shows. Some signs of wear. Pool is on the small side and less inviting than I was expecting. Lobby is not much more than a place to walk through to get to your hotel. Spa looks nice.

ROOM & CITY TIPS: The hotel is very comfortable but not a “wow” experience. Incredible value at just over $100/night. Also stayed at Viroth’s hotel (see my review) but preferred Shinta Mani since it was way more comfortable (but not as stylish). I strongly encourage people to donate a well to a family and take a tour of the local village. (arranged through this hotel that also runs a charity organization). It was very emotional and such a memorable experience that helps about 5 families ($90 well, $30 transport). I strongly recommend this hotel and if you have a few extra bucks, stay at the Hotel de la Paix (same owners). Or, better yet, stay at the Shinta Mani and donate the difference!

Shinta Mani was a welcome treat after viewing some of the other hotels in the area (i.e. Apsara Angkor or Somadevi). For just over 110 USD/nt, it offers great value. Stylishly decorated, clean and quaint, the hotel is full of friendly staff. I have stayed at enough luxury resorts to be a bit picky; Shinta Mani was up to my standards in cleanliness, friendliness and service. The breakfast is basic, but that is to be expected for such a small hotel and for the price. I also like the rainforest shower head, with the option of side sprays and standard shower nozzle. My half day spa treatment of bath, massage and facial was excellent value and performed by a very professional therapist named Maria. The best: I think that Shinta Mani's community programs and hospitality institute is a great business model which allows travellers to contribute to helping the local economy in a tangible and measurable way. We visited the villages to see the new houses built by Shinta Mani from the private donations. We also saw the wells, the delivery of supplies and witnessed the happy smiles of the villagers who are so desparately poor that you cannot understand until you see for yourself. We take for granted our home, food, clothing, education, mobilitiy and the luxury of education, toys and hygiene products. I felt good about spending my money at a hotel that takes an active role in improving the lives of its local community through offering relief in the most basic ways and also creating future opportunities through education and support. If you are looking for an amazing romantic experience, this hotel isn't likely the best option. If you want a comfortable stay with relaxed ambience while exploring temples, this should definitely be one of your top picks.