The Tamu Hotel is a boutique property located on Otres Beach in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. I stayed in a Standard Room for 3 nights in January 2016 and would highly recommend it!
First off, for those visiting Sihanoukville, I highly suggest staying on Otres Beach versus Sokha Beach, Serendipity Beach or Ochheuteal Beach. Otres Beach is serene, peaceful, and beautiful and offers more stunning and unobstructed sunset views. The Tamu Hotel is located at the southern tip of Otres Beach which gives it more privacy and seclusion than other neighboring properties but still close enough to surrounding beaches and the center of town (10 – 15 minutes in a Tuk-Tuk which should cost around $5-$7).
The hotel’s beach front is spectacular, there are cushions and beds to lay down on and one can order drinks and food directly from the adjacent restaurant. As with most of the food in Cambodia, the Tamu Hotel doesn’t disappoint. The breakfast was fantastic and the lunch and dinner menu offered varied international and Khmer choices. The bartenders also make New York City quality cocktails with top shelf liquor. The restaurant is situated on the beach itself which would allow one to take off his/her shoes and remain barefoot on the sand while dining. I ordered room service on several occasions and the food comes directly from the restaurant and served to you as it would be served in the restaurant directly.
I stayed in a Standard Room as both the Deluxe Rooms and Suites were sold out during the busy holiday seasons. The Standard Room is approximately 35m2 and is located on the ground floor steps away from the swimming pool. It has a small private area with a comfortable mattress and cushions where one can enjoy the swimming pool with more privacy. The swimming pool at the hotel reminds me of some of the Art Deco pool concepts on South Beach in Miami; trendy and an ideal way to cool off without getting sand everywhere.
The room sports an outdoor Balinese bathroom which is simply AWESOME! Nothing like having an outdoor shower with privacy. The room itself is spacious and adorned with local art and bamboo furniture. Overall, I was very satisfied with the Standard Room and would have easily upgraded to a Deluxe or a Suite if space permitted.
The staff at the hotel was extremely helpful and friendly. Everyone spoke English and was warm and hospitable. Overall, I highly recommend staying at the Tamu Hotel versus any other properties in Otres Beach, moreover, I stayed at a different property close to Serendipity Beach for several nights as well and the difference was drastic. The Tamu Hotel offers luxury at an affordable price (expensive for Cambodia yes but cheap compared to comparable properties around the world), fantastic service, delicious food and a spectacular private beach front with unforgettable sunsets.