Colonial grande dame
Soaring ceilings, arched windows, and polished marble define the 1929 lobby, where tiered chandeliers glow above authoritative Khmer stone sculptures.
“While all accommodations offer Old World luxury, the Landmark Rooms serve as a beautiful time capsule.”
Where it shines
Remarkable
Round-the-clock Raffles butler service and weighted vintage room keys filed in reception pigeonholes.
Remarkable
Ernest Hébrard's 1929 master plan, layering French colonial symmetry with Khmer stone carving.
Remarkable
Cambodian high society galas and lingering afternoon tea rituals beside the Elephant Bar.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
Forbes Four-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
UK Readers' Choice Awards – Southeast Asia
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in AFAR and Tatler.
The original building, as is so often the case, is superior to the two new wings, but only in terms of character.
“From the soaring lobby to each of the 175 rooms, the bright, airy spaces are packed with colonial charm and speak of the property’s distinguished history.”
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Leafy avenues in Daun Penh place you a short walk from hilltop Wat Phnom and the evening street-food stalls along the riverside.
The rooms
Polished hardwood floors and shuttered windows lead to marble bathrooms with claw-foot soaking tubs, complemented by traditional Khmer silk accents.
The courtyard pools
Bring a swimsuit.
Two outdoor swimming pools, including a 20-meter lap pool, sit in a central courtyard garden under frangipani trees.
The spa and gym
Five treatment suites focus on traditional Khmer pressure-point massage and heated herbal compresses, beside saunas, steam rooms, and a gym.
Elephant Bar
Painted elephant murals and dark timber arch above the bar, where Jacqueline Kennedy's Femme Fatale was first mixed.
The State Rooms and Landmark Rooms—with their traditional high ceilings, wooden floors, and bathrooms of marble—offer space, and elegant beds you can sink into.
Restaurant Le Royal
Chefs prepare Royal Khmer palace recipes beneath hand-painted ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and a grand piano.
How it began
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.”
Good to know
Stay here
Raffles Hotel Le Royal Phnom Penh
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.