Hotel de la Paix

This accommodation provider has taken action to address one or more issues (whether environmental, social or cultural) which will contribute positively to the long term viability of the destination and hence their site displays a Caring for the destination rating.

Main area of focus in Caring for the Destination:  

Dedicated to responsible travel and eco-tourism initiatives

Detailed description of the Caring for the Destination Initiative: 

Hotel de la Paix is dedicated to responsible travel and eco-tourism initiatives and this has driven its activities simultaneously in several directions.

Hotel de la Paix, assisted by the monks of Wat Damnak, operates the Hotel de la Paix Sewing Training Centre, which identifies young ladies from poor farming backgrounds and assists them, at no charge, to develop sewing skills and provides life training so that they can subsequently support themselves and their families.

Shinta Mani Hotel, in collaboration with Hotel de la Paix, operates an Institute of Hospitality, which provides hospitality industry training to under-privileged and “at-risk” youths.

Hotel de la Paix with the support of Shinta Mani Hotel, formulates and promotes sponsorship packages for guests who wish to support and assist the local people. The hotels offer opportunities for village visits and cross-cultural connections between guests and the local community.

Hotel de la Paix continually strives to draw its staff from the local community, provide training for English language and job-skills and encourage staff development.

Hotel de la Paix also strives to reduce harmful effects on the environment and maximise efficiency through minimization of power and water use, minimization of effluent and carbon emissions, use of organic foods and waste recycling (cooking oil, paper, glass, plastic and tin cans).

Where possible, the hotel satisfies its purchasing requirements from local suppliers thus supporting the local community.

One of the hotel facilities is its Arts Lounge, which exhibits works from Khmer Artists, thus partaking in the revival of Cambodia's arts & culture.

Detailed description of the Caring for the Destination Initiative:

Representing a unique and inspirational approach to travel, Hotel de la Paix offers guests the opportunity to meet, experience and enjoy the true essence of Cambodia.

Unlike many international hotels that remain insulated from the local community, Hotel de la Paix actively supports and encourages the interaction of guests with the neighbouring environment. Guests are invited to connect with local Khmer families in a dignified way with the goal of fostering cross-cultural understanding and intercultural sensitivity through tourism.

Hotel de la Paix's dedicated international management team, all of whom have a deep and ongoing commitment to the Khmer people, are especially proud to provide these unique human experiences. They do this through a network of long-standing contacts that have been built from their own personal efforts within the community. An underlying knowledge of local needs is paramount to providing assistance where it is most needed and where accountability is guaranteed. Connections include the Sankheum Centre for Children, the Sunrise Angkor Children's Village, The Life & Hope Association (LHA), The Khmer Angkor Development Organisation (KADO), the Sisters of Mercy, UNICEF and the Sihanouk Hospital Centre of Hope.

Hotel de la Paix is also extremely proud to be associated with the Shinta Mani Institute of Hospitality, a vocational training facility that supports and trains young Cambodians otherwise at risk. Personalized tours of the Institute may be arranged at any time and guests are welcome to participate in sponsorship programs, which are created and supported by Shinta Mani.

Each six months, Hotel de la Paix, accepts a new intake of lady students into the Hotel de la Paix Sewing Training Centre. The ladies typically come from low income farming communities. To subsidize their income, they often work on construction sites or in brick making factories, where hours are long and the work is dirty, hot and physically demanding. Health risks are significant. At the end of the course, generous donations from hotel guests and other sponsors are used to purchase sewing machines and equipment for the girls. With the tools and their newfound expertise, many return to their homes to form cottage businesses to support themselves and their family.

Whether featuring artworks and handicrafts by local artisans, displaying seasonal Khmer foods or through thoughtful sponsorship activities, Hotel de la Paix invites international guests to connect with the local community. A stay a Hotel de la Paix offers lifelong experiences that are unique and unforgettable memories that are timeless.

Guests of Hotel de la Paix are invited to support the revival of Cambodia's arts, culture and people through customized community-based activities such as rice sponsorship, educational support and mentoring programs. One-off contributions and longer-term sponsorships may also be facilitated via Hotel de la Paix's links with international NGOs and local aid organizations - all of whom are at the grass-roots level of the community and can direct contributions in the most effective manner. By participating in these programs, guests can make a direct contribution to those in need.