Siem Reap's Hidden Gem: Victory Guesthouse - Unbelievable Prices!
Victory Guesthouse: Siem Reap's "Unbelievable Prices!" - …Is It REALLY That Good? (A Hotmess Review)
Okay, buckle up, because I just got back from Siem Reap, and I need to tell you about Victory Guesthouse. You've seen the ads, right? "Unbelievable Prices!" "Hidden Gem!" Blah blah blah. Well, I'm here to give you the unvarnished truth, the messy, the real deal. And honestly? It's a mixed bag, like a Cambodian tuk-tuk ride – exhilarating, terrifying, and ultimately, unforgettable.
First Impressions (and the Tuktuk Ride In):
Let's be honest. After a 16-hour flight, all the "unbelievable prices" in the world wouldn't matter if the place was a dump. Reaching Victory Guesthouse was a proper adventure, a bumpy ride in a tuk-tuk that felt like it was powered by pure adrenaline. The guesthouse is a little off the main drag, which I actually liked, away from the Temple-run crowds. My first reaction? "Oooh, nice! A little oasis!" (Yes, I said "oooh"). The exterior, with its bougainvillea spilling over the walls, was charming. The lobby? Simple. Not stunning, mind you, but clean and with a definite "trying hard" vibe.
Accessibility: Did It Actually Welcome Me?
Okay, here's the first hiccup. Their listing proudly mentions "Facilities for Disabled Guests". Now, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I did spot a few potential bumps. The pool area seemed accessible enough, but the rooms themselves… I'm not sure. Best to confirm with the guesthouse directly if you need specific accommodations, because it wasn't blatantly obvious.
Cleanliness and Safety - Because Let's Be Real, That Matters:
This is where Victory Guesthouse actually shined. The place was spotless! Like, seriously, the kind of clean that makes you feel like you could eat off the floor (though, you know, I wouldn't). They were clearly taking COVID seriously, with hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE, and the staff wearing masks faithfully. They even had those "professional-grade sanitizing services" plastered on their door, which, honestly, felt reassuring. The rooms were sanitized, and I felt safe. It's funny, sometimes the little things matter most. The first aid kit in the room was a nice touch. Felt like they knew what was up in these parts.
Rooms: My Lair of Luxury (or, Sometimes, Just a Room):
My room… Oh, my room. "Available in all rooms" indeed! It had everything on the list: Air conditioning. Alarm clock. Bathtub. Bathrobes. Blackout curtains. (Thank God for the blackout curtains, after those sunrise Angkor Wat wake-up calls!). It had Internet access – wireless - and it actually worked! (A miracle!). Free bottled water. And a mirror big enough to obsess over my travel hair. The mini-bar was well-stocked (essential after a day of temple-hopping), and the in-room safe box made me feel like a secret agent. (I wasn't, but hey, it's the thought that counts.) The bed? Extra long bed! Bliss.
The only thing that was a little…off? The decor. Let's call it… "enthusiastically decorated". Some of the furniture felt a little dated, and the "room decorations" were… well, let's just say they weren't exactly art gallery material. (Perhaps my personal preference is more towards plain walls). But hey, for the price? I'm not complaining. Though, I did have a minor issue with the mirror, because the lights weren't quite right, it made my hair look… uh… questionable. (Again, not complaining, but would like to have the lights adjusted.)
Food, Glorious Food (or, "Meh, It's Fine"):
The restaurant situation at Victory Guesthouse was… uneven. The Asian breakfast was decent. Pancakes were good. Coffee was strong enough to wake the dead. They offered Breakfast [buffet]…and Breakfast service. However, some of the A la carte in restaurant options were a little, um, bland. The staff was very friendly, and the Poolside bar was a great spot to unwind. The lack of a proper meal there was unfortunate, but I can't complain.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (and My Near-Death Experience with a Body Scrub):
Okay, this is where things get interesting. The swimming pool was lovely! Pool with a view?! Well, yes. The view was the guesthouse and it was… adequate. The Spa services were available. I decided to book a Body scrub. (Do it! Do it! You're on vacation!). I did it. I survived, and I felt like a brand new woman. The Massage was heavenly. The gym/fitness was good in the end. I recommend it.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Touches (and the Slightly Odd Ones):
Daily housekeeping was impeccable; my room was always spotless when I returned. The staff. Oh, god. They were mostly lovely, though communication sometimes was little bit of a struggle. They were trained in safety protocol and clearly cared about their guests. They had a concierge service - useful for booking tuk-tuks and tours. Airport transfer was easy. (Phew!).
Here's a weird one: They had a shrine. Seriously. A little, decorated corner for worshipping… something. It was a bit odd. Cool though.
Internet, Internet, Everywhere (Except When It Wasn't):
The Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Well, yes, but sometimes it was more free-ish. It wasn't the strongest connection, especially in the evenings. But, hey, I'm on vacation, right? I did appreciate the Internet access – wireless option.
The Verdict: Worth the Unbelievable Price?
Look, if you're expecting The Raffles, you're going to be disappointed. Victory Guesthouse is not perfect. It's got its quirks, its imperfections, and its slightly wonky decor. BUT… for the price? The cleanliness, the genuinely friendly staff, the convenient amenities, the safe feeling – it's a solid choice. It's a good base camp for exploring Siem Reap. It's a place where you can relax after a day of climbing ancient temples, and it won't break the bank.
Final Score? 7.5/10. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just… manage your expectations and bring your own hairdryer (if you're picky, like me). And maybe a good book. And maybe a prayer to whatever deity resides in that little shrine.
Luxury St. Petersburg Apartments: Unbelievable Views & Prices You Won't Believe!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this itinerary isn't going to win any awards for its pristine organization. This is more like a chaotic, love-hate relationship with Siem Reap, served up with a healthy dose of jet lag and questionable street food. And it all starts at…
VICTORY GUESTHOUSE - SIEM REAP: THE WILD RIDE
Day 1: Arrival, Angkor Wat & Existential Dread (Maybe?)
- Morning (or what passes for it after a 20-hour flight): Land in Siem Reap. Humidity hits you like a wet, warm hug. Find Victory Guesthouse. It's… charmingly basic. Think less "boutique hotel" and more "that backpacker haven your friend raved about." Check in is a blur of smiles, Khmer script I can't decipher, and the overwhelming feeling that my luggage is definitely lost (it wasn't, thankfully).
- Mid-morning: After a desperately needed shower (the plane air… shudders), I, fuelled by strong, black coffee, brave the tuk-tuk chaos. First stop: Angkor Wat. Everyone says it's breathtaking. They're not wrong. It's… massive. Like, planet-sized massive. The sunrise is supposed to be spectacular, apparently. I, however, wasn't exactly up that early, so I will have to take their word for it.
- Anecdote: I'd bought a scarf from some kid outside to cover my shoulders (respect the customs!), but the damn thing kept sliding off. I spent half the time attempting to gracefully wrangle it while dodging selfie sticks and trying to appreciate the architectural marvel. Let's just say "graceful" wasn't the word.
- Quirky Observation: The monkeys at the entrance seemed far more accustomed to humans than I was to them. They just casually hang out like miniature gods.
- Afternoon: Wandering through the temple ruins becomes a blur of sweat, awe, and occasional existential dread. Seriously, the history! All those empires, all that time… makes you feel like a tiny, insignificant speck in the universe. Good times! Find a shady spot, and desperately try to rehydrate before deciding to walk the whole complex, and realize how insanely far that is.
- Evening: Dinner at a "trendy" restaurant. Ordered something with amok in the name (supposedly a local delicacy). It tasted… interesting. Let's just say, my stomach wasn't 100% on board. Maybe the "fresh" fruit smoothie wasn't so fresh. Also, I spent an unhealthy amount of time people-watching. The people-watching game is strong in Siem Reap. Especially in the restaurants.
- Late Night (or the beginning of the day for me): Back to Victory Guesthouse. Collapse into bed. Wonder if I'll ever fully re-acclimatize to the time zone. Also, a mosquito. I'm pretty sure it has my blood in mind.
Day 2: Temples, Tuk-Tuks, and Total Tourist Overload
- Morning (aka, the time I vowed to wake up for sunrise): Failed spectacularly. Jet lag wins again. Instead, grab a breakfast of fruit. The fruit is delicious. Suddenly, the world is brighter.
- Mid-morning: Hit up Angkor Thom - Bayon temple is cool, I guess. But it's the sheer volume of tourists with cameras that truly overwhelms me. I mean, I get it, it's gorgeous. But I prefer to actually experience it without feeling like I'm in a movie. We try to take some photos, but it feels totally inauthentic and I hate the whole thing!
- Rambled Anecdote: I am going to be honest. I was a little templed out. The heat, the crowds, the constant bartering with tuk-tuk drivers… It all started blending into one sweaty, demanding experience. Is this because the temple is not as exciting? Is it because I don't know how to take photos, or that I just feel like I'm not interesting? I can't tell.
- Afternoon: Lunch at a place that claimed to have the "best spring rolls in the world." The jury's still out. Also, I discovered the joy of iced coffee with condensed milk. Absolute nectar.
- Late Afternoon: Ta Prohm (the Tomb Raider Temple). This one is actually pretty amazing! The jungle is overtaking the ruins, and it feels like something out of a fantasy movie. Absolutely magical, but still crowded. I am, however, very happy to be able to enjoy it.
- Evening: Pub Street. The chaotic hub of Siem Reap nightlife. It's a sensory overload of neon lights, loud music, and people. I have to try the fish massage, or so they say everywhere. I think the fish might be more excited than I am, and I regret it immediately. Also, the beer is cheap, so there's that.
- Late Night: Back to Victory Guesthouse. Contemplating the meaning of life/whether I should try the fried tarantulas (probably not – even I have limits). Mosquitoes are winning.
Day 3: A Day of Self-Discovery (at least, that's what I tell myself)
- Morning: The "sunrise" at Angkor Wat remains elusive. I blame the jet lag. And myself. Decide to sleep in. It was a good choice.
- Mid-morning: Decide I was going to do something "local" that wasn't a temple. Took a cooking class. Learned how to make some delicious Khmer dishes. The chef was a little serious, which made the whole experience really funny, but I at least got to eat the fruits of my labor.
- Afternoon: Pool time! The Victory Guesthouse pool is small but glorious. Spent a blissful hour just floating around, reading a book, and trying to forget about the heat and the crowds.
- Late Afternoon: Tried to learn a few basic Khmer phrases. Mostly, I just managed to confuse the locals. "Soksabay” (hello), and "orkun" (thank you). That's about it.
- Evening: Last dinner in Siem Reap. Found a quiet restaurant away from the tourist crowds. Reflected on the trip. The good, the bad, and the mosquito bites. Overall, Siem Reap… it's a place that gets under your skin. It's chaotic, beautiful, frustrating, and unforgettable. I will almost certainly be back (once I've recovered from my jet lag).
- Late Night: Packing. Saying goodbye to the friendly staff at Victory Guesthouse. Leaving a heart full of conflicting memories, and a suitcase full of souvenirs. And maybe a few uninvited mosquito passengers.
Departure: …and the next adventure begins!
This itinerary is a rough draft, of course. Things will inevitably go wrong. I'll get lost, eat something I regret, and probably have a few more existential crises. But hey, that's part of the fun, right? Now, where's my sunscreen? And maybe some more bug spray… and maybe some antacid.
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Queena Plaza Hotel Tainan - Your Dream Taiwanese Getaway!
Victory Guesthouse - Seriously? Unbelievable Prices?! (Let's Get Real)
1. Okay, spill. Are the "unbelievable prices" actually *unbelievable*? Like, is this a scam waiting to happen?
Alright, let's get this one out of the way first. Yeah, the prices at Victory are pretty darn amazing. I mean, I stayed there for a week and felt like I was practically *paying* them to let me stay. And no, it’s (mostly) not a scam. BUT… and there's always a but, right? It's not the Four Seasons. Think more… backpacker chic meets budget-friendly paradise. My first day, I was convinced I'd woken up in some kind of budget travel utopia. Then the mosquito situation hit. More on that later... (prepare yourself).
2. What’s the vibe like? Is it a party hostel, quiet retreat, or… something in between?
The vibe? Hmm. Think a slightly chaotic, incredibly friendly family gathering that never quite ends. It's definitely not a silent retreat. You'll hear motorbikes honking, kids playing, maybe a rooster crowing at ungodly hours. But it's *alive*. I found it to be a great balance. You can definitely find your own space to chill, but if you want to hang out, compare Angkor Wat pictures, and swap travel stories? Easy peasy. I met a Kiwi who'd been there for *two months* and honestly? I almost joined him. Almost.
3. The rooms… what are they actually like? Are they clean? (Because that's important, people!)
Okay, here's where we dive into the reality. Cleanliness? It's a mixed bag. My room was… fine. Let's put it that way. Beds were comfy enough, the aircon worked (a HUGE win in Siem Reap), and the mosquito net was thankfully intact. I found a particularly audacious ant that seemed to enjoy my crackers, and there was a bit of a water stain on the ceiling (which could have been from the rain or something a little less pleasant, frankly, I didn't ask). But hey, for the price, I wasn't expecting pristine marble. Don't expect luxury – expect a budget-friendly crash pad that's perfectly serviceable.
4. Speaking of mosquitos... how bad is the mosquito situation? Because I'm prone to bites...
OH. MY. GOD. The mosquitos. Bring. Everything. Repellent, coils, plug-ins, the works. I'm not exaggerating. I became intimately acquainted with the local mosquito population. They practically partied in my room every night. Seriously, the buzzing alone kept me up. One night I woke up covered in bites (despite my valiant attempts at defense). My legs looked like some kind of horrific red polka-dot creature. Learn from my mistakes and bring heavy duty bug spray! You have been warned.
5. Is the location good? Easy to get around?
The location is pretty solid. Walking distance (ish – it's hot, so consider a tuk-tuk) to Pub Street and the night market. Tuk-tuks are everywhere, cheap as chips, and the drivers are generally friendly. Angkor Wat is a bit further out, but easily accessible by (you guessed it!) tuk-tuk or a hired car. I actually liked being a bit removed from the absolute chaos of the main tourist drag. It gave the guesthouse a more local feel, even though it was still very close to everything. Victory is a great launching pad.
6. The food… what are my options? Is there a restaurant at the guesthouse?
Okay, food. Victory has a small kitchen, and they churn out some pretty decent, very affordable food. Breakfast is basic but good to start your day, and they whip up a mean Amok fish. It’s not Michelin-star dining, but it's tasty, filling, and convenient. Plus, you're in Siem Reap; there are a million amazing restaurants and street food vendors just a short walk or tuk-tuk ride away. I went to the market on my last day and ate a bunch of things that I probably shouldn't have (but it was delicious!).
7. What about the staff? Are they helpful?
The staff are one of the best things about Victory. They're incredibly friendly, helpful, and genuinely seem to care about their guests. They'll help you arrange tours, sort out transport, and offer advice on where to go and what to see. One of the guys, I think his name was Srey, was an absolute legend. He helped me navigate the complexities of getting a SIM card for my phone (which was a lifesaver!). They are what makes the experience special. They felt like family.
8. Are there any hidden costs I should be aware of? Anything that'll make the "unbelievable prices" less believable?
Honestly? Not much to shock you. They’re pretty up-front about costs. There might be small charges for things like laundry or a late checkout, but nothing that’ll break the bank. The biggest hidden cost, as I mentioned, is probably the bug spray bill. Factor that into your budget. Also, factor in temptation. You'll be tempted to stay longer than planned.
9. Okay, the burning question: Would YOU stay there again?
YES! Absolutely, unequivocally YES. Despite the mosquitos. Despite the occasional ant. Despite the… let's say “rustic” charm. I would go back in a heartbeat. The value for money is insane, the staff are fantastic, and the location is brilliant. It's not perfect. But honestly? Its imperfections are part of its charm. It's real. It's honest. And it's a fantastic base for exploring the wonders of Siem Reap. Just… bring the bug spray. Seriously. I am begging you.
10. Any tips for making the most of my stay?
Oh, loads! Bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper (the roosters are relentless). Learn a few basic Khmer phrases; it goes a long way with the staff. Be prepared to haggle for tuk-tuk fares. Embrace the chaos. Don't be afraid to try the streetHotel Explorers
