Raffles Hotel Le Royal Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Daun Penh
Vibe
Soaring ceilings, arched windows, and polished marble define the 1929 lobby, where tiered chandeliers glow above authoritative Khmer stone sculptures.
“Storied colonial citadel”
A 1929 landmark blending French colonial and Khmer architecture, preserving memories of royal banquets and storied foreign correspondents.
A grand dame hosting Cambodian high society celebrations, daily afternoon tea rituals, and evening drinks at Elephant Bar.
Attentive Raffles butler service, evening turndown rituals, and spacious suites featuring claw-foot bathtubs and silk accents.
In Daun Penh near Wat Phnom and the Royal Palace, a short drive from the riverside promenade.
“the elegance of Le Royal stands out in vivid contrast to the dust of the streets around it.”
Rooms
Polished hardwood floors and shuttered windows lead to marble bathrooms with claw-foot soaking tubs, complemented by traditional Khmer silk accents.
“While all accommodations offer Old World luxury, the Landmark Rooms serve as a beautiful time capsule.”
Wellness
Two outdoor swimming pools sit inside frangipani-scented courtyard gardens, complemented by a full-service spa offering traditional Khmer herbal bodywork.
“A time-traveling wonder drenched in heritage and elegance—Raffles is as much a part of Phnom Penh's rich history as the busy streets themselves.”
Backstory
King Sisowath Monivong attended the 1929 opening, inaugurating a grande dame that later sheltered foreign correspondents before its 1997 restoration.
“the meticulously restored building—a mix of Art Deco, French Colonial, and Khmer styles—is replete with artisan-crafted decorative touches.”
Eat & drink
Elephant Bar pours gin and historic champagne cocktails beneath elephant frescoes, while Restaurant Le Royal serves palace-inspired Khmer recipes.
The neighborhood
Leafy avenues in Daun Penh place you a short walk from hilltop Wat Phnom and the evening street-food stalls along the riverside.
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.