The Hotel de la Paix is a beautiful design hotel and Slow Travel destination in the heart of Siem Reap, a vibrant market town minutes from the famous UNESCO listed Angkor Wat temple complex. Of the many things that make this hotel unique, their work in the community is one. The hotel spearheads a large number of local initiatives and places a huge emphasis on community involvement.
Current projects include the Hôtel de la Paix Sewing Training Centre , a vocational facility which provides skills and training to disadvantaged young Khmer women. Overseen by a network of local monks from the Life and Hope Association (LHA), the sewing centre provides an opportunity for those who are vulnerable and without a future. During the ten month course, the students are not only taught sewing skills but also attend daily English classes and develop basic life skills.
During the initial stages of operation, the Centre soon realised that many students were unable to even read and write Khmer script, therefore this subject is now a essential precursor to learning English.
As part of their commitment to developing Cambodia’s young workforce, the hotel has also developed a plethora of training opportunities for their staff. With a holistic approach to training they offer staff courses such Positive Attitude Management (Anger, Fear, Success, Motivation) and partner with NGO hotel schools such as Shinta Mani Hotel and Institute of Hospitality Siem Reap for internship opportunities. Many of their present employees joined after completing this internship program thus ensuring a long sustainable partnership in providing education and improving quality of life for many young Cambodians.
A recent collaboration with Mastercard International has also resulted in the provision of 500 school bags and bicycles for needy children living in the outlying villages around Siem Reap, making it possible for them to get to school.
It’s great to see a luxury hotel celebrate local Khmer culture – from the local seasonal cuisine served in its restaurants to community projects.
