Raffles Hotel Le Royal
Phnom Penh

Established in 1929, the distinguished Raffles Hotel Le Royal is a genuine ‘grand dame’ of the Cambodian capital. With an unmistakable air of something special this hotel once played host to royalty, dignitaries, journalists, artists, high society and globe trotters during Indochina's colonial heyday, among them Jackie Kennedy. In 1997 the Raffles group restored this illustrious hotel, bringing back to life the blend of Khmer, Art Deco and French colonial architecture.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal is located in one of the best addresses in town, in the beating heart of Phnom Penh, with easy access to the surrounding sites, and just off the main roads, offering a relaxing oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the lively capital city. The rooms and suites occupy three floors and while there are 175 in total, the hotel still retains an intimacy, thanks to its classical feel. The original building is home to the Landmark Rooms, while the newer wing is home to the State Rooms – the majority of these come with private balconies that overlook the beautiful courtyards and two swimming pools surrounded by frangipani trees below. We recommend the pool view rooms if you are after a quiet atmosphere.

Paying homage to the hotel’s roots, the interior design incorporates traditional Cambodian objets d'arts with colonial style décor – high ceilings, delicate floor-length draped curtains and antique carpets set upon wooden floors decorate the rooms, each complete with a marble bathroom. Speedy Wi-fi and a spa are just two of the contemporary comforts that can be enjoyed during your stay, not to mention the attentive yet discreet hospitality offered here.

Excellent service is at hand throughout, from old-fashioned butlers to an especially kind and efficient concierge team. The Elephant Bar is one of the iconic bars in Phnom Penh and has a 'highest heel' competition every Thursday! We highly recommend you relax with a drink or cigar to soak in the atmosphere here. The Writers Bar is also a timeless and elegant spot and is heaven for gin and tonic lovers. For fine dining, the sophisticated on-site restaurant, Le Royal, serves traditional Khmer cuisine alongside French delicacies.

Couples and families alike would suit this this grand, refined hotel as it is an ideal property in which to relax after a busy day’s sightseeing, especially poolside with Raffles’ signature green and white sun loungers. Raffles Hotel Le Royal is truly one of our favourites in Cambodia, sitting with pride of place at the top of our list in Phnom Penh.

To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson