Phnom Penh Hotel Tips by jmmorgan

Raffles Hotel Le Royal: Colonial opulence Raffles Hotel Le Royal Review

We stayed 3 nights at Le royal. Initially greeted by a concierge you are sept into the lobby feeling like royalty. The entrance lobby is palatial, huge chandeliers and luxurious chaise longe immediately transport you back to the turn of the 1900's. Check in was swift and comfortable and we were soon on our way to our room. I felt that this was a little tired and jaded not to mention small and crammed with furniture. A disappointment after the expectation building grand entrance. The bathroom was an even bigger disappointment, positively tiny with ancient fittings and decor. The tiles around the bath and basin were cracked in places.
The hotel has a decent sized swimming pool and a health club which appeared to charge exorbitant prices. Apparently royalty and pop stars stay at the hotel regularly - I guess they can afford to use these facilities as I couldn't!.
Breakfast was included in our package and was quite a relaxed affair although the buffet was a little limited in choice. Perfectly adequate though.

Unique Qualities: You stay here for the reputation and the ambiance. Better value can surely be obtained elsewhere.
The Elephant Bar is a Phnom Penh institution but as it is open to non residents this is not really a reason to stay here.
The concierge was outstanding and gave great help and advice. A tremendous asset to the hotel.

Address: 92 Rukhak Vithei Daun Penh, , Phnom Penh

Comparison: most expensive

Price: US$120-180

Theme: Hotel

Le Royale: Old hotel

Huge old french style building. The lobby area is furnished with antique furniture and loads of potted palms.
Staff are very helpful and obliging. Our room was comfortable and well equipped though a little small with a nice view over the inner courtyard area and swimming pool. Although the bathroom had seen better days and appeared rather 'tired'.
A very adequate breakfast buffet was served with a good choice of items available.
The Elephant Bar is well renowned. Gentle music plays whilst you sip a cocktail and munch on excellent nibbles and dips.
The hotel has a lovely ambience and atmosphere.

Unique Qualities: Nice swimming pool located in a central courtyard. Health club with varous (very expensive) treatments available.
The Elephant bar must be visited.
The hotel is part of the Raffles Group. Very expensive for what you get and I have stayed in better value for money places. Definately the best hotel in town but not really worth the money. You are paying too much for the name.

Address: Monivong Boulevard Phnom Penh

Comparison: most expensive

Price: US$180 and up

Theme: Hotel