Where to Stay in Phnom Penh for Unrivaled Luxury and Convenience
Discover where to stay in Phnom Penh, including the best neighborhoods and the most comfortable and well-appointed hotels.
Phnom Penh is the beating heart of Cambodia, a place where the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers converge, past and present meet. You are going to need at least a few days to explore the museums, temples, markets and attractions of the capital city, and which means finding the best accommodations.
We’re about to check out the comfiest hotels in Phnom Penh, with a sneak peek at their beautiful rooms, delicious dining, and luxurious amenities. But before we start exploring Cambodia, let’s go over the best neighborhoods in Phnom Penh.
Best neighborhoods to stay in Phnom Penh
- Riverside (Sisowath Quay): To get a picturesque view of the Tonle Sap River, head to its eastern bank, where you will find the boulevard known as Riverside, or Sisowath Quay. This lively boulevard is packed with shops, cafés, restaurants, markets, and nightlife spots. Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, the National Museum of Cambodia, and the famous Phnom Penh Night Market are among the highlights of this area.
- Boeung Keng Kang 1: This trendy, cosmopolitan area is famous for its international vibe. Boeung Keng Kang 1 is home to some of Phnom Penh’s swankiest hotels, plus restaurants, coffee shops and bars that serve a blend of Cambodian and international fare. Come here for a mix of authentic experiences and some familiar chain restaurants from home, with a Southeast Asian twist.
- Daun Penh: Shopaholic travelers should consider staying in Daun Penh to find out things to buy in Cambodia as souvenirs or gifts for their loved ones, the commercial district of Phnom Penh. The crowning jewel of this district is the iconic Central Market, featuring art deco architecture and a striking dome design. You’ll also find Sorya Shopping Center and Mokod Pich Jewelry Enterprise nearby.
- Tonle Bassac: This district is renowned for its modern developments, including hotels, malls, restaurants, and boutiques. You can shop at the Phsar Kapko market, visit Koh Pich City Hall, test your luck at the NagaWorld casino, or enjoy the green spaces and river views of Coconut Park and Bassac Lane where tourists can savor popular Cambodian food.
Best hotels in Phnom Penh
Raffles Le Royal
Those in search of an elegant hotel that features modern amenities while transporting you back in time will want to book a stay at the historic Raffles Le Royal. Built in 1929, this peaceful haven in the heart of Phnom Penh combines elements of French colonial architecture, Art Deco design, and Khmer influences to create an atmosphere of unparalleled grandeur.
As you enjoy the hotel’s famous brunch, sip on cocktails at the Elephant Bar, work out in the exercise room, take a refreshing dip in the lap pool, or indulge in a massage at the spa, you’ll understand the allure that has drawn royalty, celebrities, and famous writers and entrepreneurs to stay at Raffles Le Royal. Some of the most famous people who have stayed at Raffles Le Royal include Charlie Chaplin, Charles de Gaulle, Jacqueline Kennedy, and Somerset Maugham.
The restaurant, mart, and café shop at Raffles Le Royal put everything you need at your fingertips. If you’re traveling on business or with your family, you can take advantage of the hotel’s special packages. You’ll be staying just 30 minutes from Phnom Penh International, and 20 minutes from the National Museum and Royal Palace, ensuring that adventure is always close to your door.
Rosewood Phnom Penh
Dreaming of a hotel room with a view of Phnom Penh's central business district? This is your dream come true–the Rosewood Phnom Penh, occupying the top 14 floors of the capital's 39-storey skyscraper.
The sleek, curved façade of the skyscraper is matched by the clean, sophisticated lines of the interior, immersing guests in unmatched modern luxury. You’ll be right in the heart of Phnom Penh, but as you look out over the Mekong River, the hustle and bustle below will feel like it’s a million miles away.
Not just sleek, stylish, and centrally located, Rosewood is also very practical in terms of its amenities. 6 different restaurants and lounges serve tasty meals and refreshing drinks. If you feel like indulging your senses even more, visit the Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio by Bastien Gonzalez. The gym is open 24/7, and there’s a gorgeous indoor pool for when you need to unwind.
Rooms and suites come packed with everything you’d expect from a luxury stay: climate control, big LCD TVs, free Wi-Fi, Bluetooth speakers, a private bar, etc. It's a perfect choice for business travelers or anyone who loves a luxury city hotel vibe.
Capri by Fraser
The bold vertical “Capri” sign and modern, eye-catching architecture make Capri by Fraser one of Phnom Penh’s trendiest hotels. The building’s unique design, with floors stacked at quirky angles, resembles a structure made of Minecraft blocks or Lego bricks.
The spacious rooms feature modern amenities such as unlimited wi-fi and Bluetooth speakers, though the city views through the windows might pull you away from your electronics. Deluxe rooms include additional luxuries such as kitchenettes.
Caprilicious, the hotel’s restaurant, serves up a mix of Khmer, Japanese, Southeast Asian, and Western dishes to satisfy any craving. To sip on a cocktail with a view of the city, head to the rooftop bar, Drinx Caprilicious. While you’re at it, take some time to relax in the rooftop jacuzzi.
Capri has an executive lounge and meeting facilities for those traveling on business. There’s also a communal living area called The Den, which is suitable for work or play, and a 24/7 gym.Even washing your clothes during a long-term stay at Capri can be fun. The Spin & Play, which is a laundrette, has interactive games for guests while waiting
The Balé Phnom Penh
Discover what feels like a hidden retreat on the banks of the Mekong River at the Balé Phnom Penh. There are just 14 Courtyard Suites and 4 Riverfront Suites, ensuring that you can enjoy peace and privacy plus first-class customer service from the hotel’s butlers.
Every room at Balé Phnom Penh is a study in sumptuous minimalist design. Modern architectural influences and local fabrics and décor create a blend of future and tradition. Relax on a king-size bed with a “floating” plinth design, refresh yourself in the rainforest shower, and admire the photos on the walls by Minoru Masujima.
When staying in a Courtyard Suite, you can spend time relaxing on your private courtyard daybed and breathing in the soft scent of plumeria blossoms. Those in the Riverfront Suites can delight in breathtaking views across the dazzling waters of the majestic Mekong.
The Balé features a gym, a meeting room, a well-stocked library, a blue-tiled pool, and the Theato Restaurant. Be sure to attend one of the on-site Khmer cooking classes so you can bring home some of the secrets of the delicious cuisine you’ll dine on at The Balé.
The Pavilion
This charming colonial hotel is an intimate oasis where you can unwind in tranquillity after a day exploring the city. There are no children allowed, so you’re guaranteed a quiet, relaxing atmosphere.
The Pavilion dates back to the 1920s, and consists of four villas containing 36 rooms and suites. It is believed that one of these villas served as Queen Consort Sisowath Kossamak’s private retreat. The French colonial architecture and Khmer design let you step back in time and imagine life as royalty.
At the Pavilion, you might start to feel like royalty yourself. Along with Queen Consort Sisowath Kossamak’s former retreat, you can choose from The New Villa, where a Cambodian senator once lived, the SunPool Villa, previously the home of an ambassador, or the New House, where your room includes a private plunge pool.
Enjoy a cocktail at the lounge, swim in one of the pools surrounded by lush greenery, exercise at the gym, or get a massage at the spa. The Pavilion also boasts a wonderful shop where you can purchase locally-handcrafted souvenirs you won’t find anywhere else.
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