It is with both a heavy heart and an excited step that I announce the sale of the Journeys Within Boutique Hotel in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
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For almost 12 years, Brandon and I poured our hearts and souls and a whole lot of sweat into making this little property something special, both for our staff and for our guests. I honestly believe we succeeded, and short of my children, I don’t think I’m prouder of anything else in my life. From the gardens to the intimately decorated rooms, I believe it’s a special place, with a special heart.
Of course the true strength of Journeys Within Boutique Hotel has always been the people. Our amazing team worked tirelessly and always with a smile, and our guests were some of the most interesting and fun people ever. I feel honored that I got to be on such an incredible team and play host to such wonderful people.
The truth is that running a hotel is both a wonderful and an exhausting experience! When the electricity goes out at 5 p.m. or the dogs next door start barking at 2 a.m., you better believe that hotel owners are up and worrying. It was an incredible adventure, but it is time to pass the adventure along to another family.
I’m excited to not have to worry about hotel TripAdvisor reviews anymore, and Brandon is excited to get out to his farm and be able to focus on bean sprouts and goats. The pressure of running a hotel can be overwhelming and we both felt it was time to move on. It was a bittersweet goodbye.
Now of course the details: We have sold the hotel to a lovely Cambodian couple who are excited to rename it the “Unique Boutique” and to continue working with the amazing team we have assembled. Michelle, our Manager, will stay on as well and I’m sure will keep the service and experience at the level guests have raved about throughout the years.
I’m thrilled that our team has stayed on and I have made a pledge that no matter what happens or where they go, I will continue to support the kids we’ve always supported as they continue their education. For me, seeing my team’s kids grow up and have so many opportunities is incredibly heartwarming and I will continue to support them for as long as they need it.
The Journeys Within Tour Company is still going strong and we will continue to book our guests into Unique Boutique when it’s a fit for them. I will admit it was fun on my last visit to see the other hotel options around Siem Reap and know that we have so many amazing properties to book. With that said, there’s nothing like home.
Journeys Within Boutique Hotel was a true labor of love and I will miss it. More than that, I will miss my incredible team. There are too many stories that include laughter and tears and always those people that made Journeys Within Boutique Hotel special.
I know it’s not “goodbye” as I continue to support their kids and will see them every chance I get, but I will miss being on their team.
As Holden Caulfield once said, “Don’t ever tell anybody anything. If you do, you start missing everybody.”
Video memories…