1961 Hotel: The Address of Art in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Ever stayed in an art gallery when traveling? Ever stayed in rooms that were themed on the past of a country? Well, ‘The 1961 Hotel’ in Cambodia’s Siem Reap is an art center comprising of a series of galleries, boutiques, food and dining outlets and an 8-room hotel. This hotel is a tribute to the golden age of Cambodia and the birth of modernism around the world.

The place, run by a creative set of people is very interestingly done up where in every room depicts a different colour, look, feel and theme. And each room depicts a different era from Cambodia and they depict these very rich pasts through galleries that are situated right in your very room.


Last week, I stayed at this hotel for 3 days and 3 nights. During my stay, I got to experience 2 of their rooms/galleries, ‘The Vann Molyvann Gallery’ and ‘The Norodom’s Gallery’. While the Norodom’s Gallery is inspired by the kingdom’s royal family and the king father’s penchant for film making, the Vann Molyvann Gallery is a story of modernism, urban decay and renewal and pays homage to the man who single-handedly redesigned Cambodia into the 21st century.


Both the rooms, like the rest of the rooms in the hotel were fully air-conditioned, had private bathrooms with hot shower, very large, had interesting furniture and accessories that went with the theme of that room. The 1961 hotel has a great in-house bar and restaurant too that dishes out delicious fare. Apart from the artistic touch, the best part about this place is its people, who are always ready to help you out with your various requests and questions.


If you like art, are creatively inclined, want to meet an interesting bunch of people and would like to live at a cult address, this is a place you should stay if you are in Siem Reap. You can also stay here if you are looking at good accommodation options in Siem Reap. The hotel also arranges tours, taxis, tuk tuks and the ensure range of services to ensure that you have a great experience at Siem Reap and this includes Angkor and Tonle Sap.