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Signature Hotels: Hotel Reviews & Karma Ratings
After living and playing in Southeast Asia for the last seven years, we have had many hotel experiences - we have been lucky enough to stay in some amazing properties, and we have definitely visited some less than appealing places....web sites can be deceiving!
Slowly we have started reviewing the hotels we visit and felt that this information could be helpful as you plan your trip with us. See which hotels we are recommending for you, or tell us which ones appeal to you so we can make sure we include them.
 Of course over the years we have found some hotels that we feel embody the spirit of Journeys Within. Our Signature Hotels are in all price ranges and in all locations. They are the places that when we travel we like to stay. We feel these hotels give a little more than is necessary and are our partners in making each trip we run special and memorable. If you see the logo on the left then you know this is one of our Signature Hotels.
Our rating system is described below. My good friend Dawn Johnson once warned me that it was a “socks on” hotel, and I loved the mental image and expanded on her clever description.
We will also continue updating the reviews, pictures, and comments so you have the most recent information. In the meantime, if you have any questions about any of the hotels we have listed or any you don't see a review for, email or call us and we will be happy to share our experiences with you personally.
Our Rating System
Shoes On: A more basic property that might not be clean enough for even socks…hopefully there would be another compelling reason to stay here.
Socks On: Not dirty, but not really ready for bare feet either. Sometimes this is used for good value for money places that are fine…but could use some new carpets.
Socks Off: Clean and fresh, you can take your socks off and not worry about stepping on anything or getting grubby feet.
Everything Off: This is for those special properties that make you want to get naked! Fluffy white beds with lots of pillows, sparking clean hardwood floors and big bathrooms with only flattering mirrors. |
This year we decided to take our passion for philanthropic travel a step further and ask all of the hotels we book what they are doing to better the world, or their corner of it. It was so exciting to see and read about the various projects and initiatives taking place and we are thrilled at how many of them are making a difference.
Our hope is that guests can choose where they stay not just because it has the best beds, or the biggest swimming pool, but also because it is a hotel that is really giving back.
To highlight the hotels with Good Karma you can look for our GK symbol and know that these hotels are making travel a positive force for change.
Karma Ratings
 Nirvana: These are the hotels that have found a project, or projects, to support and then do so in a sustainable and consistent manner. These hotels take this support one step further and help enlighten and inspire others by getting guests involved. Whether through donations, environmental practices, or time, these hotels are talking the talk and letting their guests walk the walk with them.
Enlightened: Our Enlightened hotels are committed to their communities and the environment beyond just the usual lip service. They find and support projects that help to change lives or save the planet and they do it above and beyond the bottom line benefits. They haven't yet gotten their guests involved, but they are on their way!
Novice: Like a Novice monk still learning to chant, these hotels have the right attitude, but haven't taken it to the next level. They “hire local” and give guests the option not to change their sheets and towels, but they don't go above and beyond. They might point guests in the right direction, but they aren't yet leading by example.
Non-believer: Though often lovely properties, these hotels aren't yet seeing the light and supporting their communities or the environment. These are also the hotels that didn't respond because I believe that if you're doing good, you want people to know about it! |
Cambodia Hotels
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The Sothea
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Rating: Everything Off
Karma: Novice |
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La Villa
Battambang, Cambodia
Rating: Socks Off |
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Amanjaya
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Rating: Socks Off |
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Pavilion
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Rating: Socks Off
Karma: Novice |
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Quay Hotel
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Rating: Socks Off
Karma: Nirvana |
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Thailand Hotels
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Silom Serene
Bangkok, Thailand
Rating: Socks On
Karma: Non-believer |
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Siri Sathorn
Bangkok, Thailand
Rating: Complete Review Coming Soon
Karma: Enlightened |
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Vie Hotel
Bangkok, Thailand
Rating: Socks Off |
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The Chedi
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Rating: Complete Review Coming Soon |
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De Naga Hotel
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Rating: Complete Review Coming Soon |
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Laos Hotels
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3 Nagas
Luang Prabang, Laos
Rating: Socks Off
Karma: Enlightened |
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Mekong View
Luang Prabang, Laos
Rating: Socks Off
Karma: Novice |
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Villa Lotus
Luang Prabang, Laos
Rating: Socks Off
Karma: Nirvana |
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La Folie Lodge
Don Deang Island, Laos
Rating: Between Socks On and Socks Off
(in other words, a very nice and clean eco-lodge) |
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Vietnam Hotels
Vietnam hotel reviews coming soon...
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