Raffles Hotel Le Royal Phnom Penh

We are all aware of Raffles Hotel Singapore. This iconic building dates back to December 1887 and is currently the longest-running hotel in Singapore. It was named after Singapore’s founder, Sir Stamford Raffles, and it is also where the Singapore Sling originated back in 1915! Fast forward decades later, there are now 23 Raffles hotels across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and North America. With another five opening up in 2023.  

Guests at the Raffles Hotel Phnom Penh include Hollywood movie stars, Entertainers, Celebrities, Royalty, Politicians and Presidents. It has always been a popular choice for guests who want a little bit of luxury while staying in Cambodia. 

Things to know before you go to Phnom Penh

Visa in Cambodia

Check that you do not require a visa for Cambodia. The ivisa website is a quick and easy way to check whether your passport requires a permit.

Travel insurance in Cambodia

SafetyWing is the World’s first International Travel Medical Insurance developed to meet the needs of entrepreneurs and remote workers travelling or living abroad. However, if you do not fall under this category, do not worry; SafetyWing also suits all vacation types.

The best time to travel to Cambodia

The best time to travel to Phnom Penh is between November and May because it is the drier months. However, it is hot and humid all year round, so temperatures are similar throughout the year. 

How to get to Phnom Penh 

With just under 2 hours of travel time from Singapore, it is a perfect long weekend destination. You can fly there by Singapore Airlines, Cambodia air and Jetstar to Phnom Penh. 

Transport: Phnom Penh International Airport is 35 minutes away from the city centre and Raffles Hotel Le Royal. 

Tipping in Phnom Penh

Tipping isn’t expected in this part of the World, but as Cambodia relies heavily on Tourism, tips are greatly appreciated. Leaving a small token of appreciation to any service industry employee makes a big difference. 

About Raffles Hotel Le Royal

The Raffles Hotel Le Royal first opened its doors in 1929. This beautiful french colonial, Cambodian and art deco-style hotel reopened its doors in 1997 and is now one of the most beautiful blends of all three styles with a respectful nudge towards the Cambodian heritage and local artists. The Raffles Le Royal is located at 92 Rukhak Vithei Daun Penh, Sangkat Wat Phnom, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Getting to Raffles Le Royal

 The hotel is about a 30-minute drive from the Phnom Penh International Airport. You can catch a tuk-tuk or taxi from the airport or organise an airport limousine before you arrive.

My first thoughts about Raffles Hotel Le Royal

Pulling up to the hotel, I couldn’t help but first notice the well-manicured gardens; once we arrived, we were greeted by the Raffles Doorman, who wore the signature Raffles uniform with a more Cambodian traditional headwear. The staff were friendly and accommodating, and I couldn’t wait to get to my room to check it out. 

State Room Review

Our room was beautiful, overlooking the pool with a little verandah. The French Colonial Art Deco decor was everywhere, from the old-fashioned phone to the gorgeous marble bathroom; the room had an old-world glamour you rarely see in hotels today. Our bed was comfortable, our bathroom was spacious, and the ambience was generally luxuriously relaxed. 

Types of accommodation

There are 175 spacious guest rooms and suites, with all rooms tastefully decorated as you would expect from a Raffles Hotel Chain. The french colonial art deco style is found in each room and suite that overlooks two amazing pools.

State room 

All Staterooms overlook the pools or gardens and are found on the lower level with a fantastic verandah that is the perfect place to collect your thoughts in the mornings or late afternoon with a coffee that you can make from the Nespresso machine found in each room. All State Rooms offer king or twin bed options, with each ensuite offering a shower and french colonial-style bathtub.

Landmark Room

All Landmark Rooms were first designed in 1929, so they have that true French Colonial style with high ceilings, beautiful marble bathrooms and floorboards throughout. The big difference here is that each room looks down on the garden or pool area and are all above the ground floor. 

Suites

Balcony Suite

The Balcony Suites are the smallest of the suites, all have balconies, and all are found at the corner of the buildings. The interiors are beautifully decorated with a more Cambodian art deco feel than some of the other suites. Each suite has a king-size bed and a lounge suite. 

Colonial

The Colonial Suites have been newly renovated to make your stay feel like home, with all the beautiful decor as the other suites and amenities but with a more homely feel. So if you are staying a while at the hotel, this would be the suite for you.

Personality Suite

These four rooms were designed and named in honour of four well-known personalities – Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Charles De Gaulle, Somerset Maugham and Andre Malraux. Each suite is designed with elegant taste, as you would expect.

Executive Suite

Executive Suites are designed to accommodate two people with king-sized beds. There is also a separate living space and beautiful french doors that lead out to the private balcony. A fantastic space decorated to match the rest of the hotel interior.

Landmark Suite

As you would expect, the Landmark Suite is pure luxury and located in the heritage building. You can choose between the one or 2-bedroom suites with twin beds, a balcony and a spacious living area.

Le Royal Suite

As you would expect, the Le Royal Suite is the biggest and most luxurious of all the suites. With two bedrooms featuring twin beds, a more extensive living and dining area, and a fully equipped pantry, it is a home away from home. The four-poster bed, Cambodian artwork and art deco interior are exquisite and admired by all who stay there.

Restaurants and Bars

Le Phnom 1929

Le Phnom 1929 is the newest of the restaurants, open for breakfast from 6 am to 10 am and then again for lunch and dinner from 1130am to 10 pm. The Le Phnom 1929 is a relaxed, family-friendly brasserie-style restaurant with a buffet breakfast in the morning. Check out the menu here for details.

Restaurant Le Royal

For a more luxurious dining experience, Restaurant Le Royal is perfect for your evening meal. The beautiful decor, fantastic service, and traditional Cambodian cuisine make for the perfect special occasion. Opening hours are from Tuesday to Sunday, 6.30 pm – 10.30 pm. For more information about the menu, click here for more details.

Poolside Terrace

If a day by the pool soaking up the sun in gorgeous French Colonial surroundings is your plan, then the poolside Terrace is your perfect choice for lunch. Here you will have an extensive menu with western, french and local cuisine to choose from, with some great selections of cocktails as well. 

Elephant bar

You can only spend your time at Raffles Le Royal Phnom Penh and stop at the Elephant bar for at least a drink. This historic hotel that dates back to 1929 prides itself on this exquisite bar. You will love it here whether you drink the classic Femme Fatale created for Jacqueline Kennedy or one of the many award-winning signature cocktails. 

Things to do at Raffles Hotel Le Royal 

Sit by the Pool

Two swimming pools are centrally located, right outside most of the accommodation. However, one pool is very shallow, so most people lounge around the sizeable deeper pool. Sit by the pool and eat lunch, order a Raffles Poolside Spritz and enjoy one of the mini spa treats collection; these include scalp, foot, shoulder and neck, hand and arm massages, or nail painting, which take approximately 15 minutes. Pool operating hours are between 6 am to 8 pm every day.

Spend a day of wellness and relaxation. 

Head to the Spa for one of their wellness options; these include everything from facials and massages to steam rooms and saunas. If this isn’t enough, why not arrange a private yoga or fitness class at the Fitness Centre? If you would like to know more, then click here for details. The spa and fitness centre’s opening hours are from 6 am to 8 pm. However, spa treatments start at 8 am. 

End your evening with a nightcap at the Elephant bar.

This bar is so beautiful you will want to end your stay here every night. There is happy hour, so check the times before you arrive. The bar is known for its extensive gin selection, so the choice is impressive. Otherwise, they have Singapore Sling or their very own Phnom Penh Sling (which was delicious, by the way). Rest yourself at the bar and chat with the very knowledgeable barman or sit in a secluded corner with your loved one. Either way, you will feel like you’ve stepped back in time to an error of true glamour.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. I hope this post has given you the information you need. If you have any recommendations, tips or advice, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below!

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