We ended up at the Cambodiana at short notice, got a room for $99 incl tax & breakfast, and then got upgraded to a room on the Executive Floor at the top of the building (rack rate was $260). Its an international-style hotel (formerly a Sofitel) with all that you would expect, incl bar, restaurant, shops and a sizeable pool overlooking the Mekong. The hotel's client base seemed to have a strong international flavour, with many other Europeans staying there. The breakfast buffet was excellent.

For a short stay in Phnom Penh, Sisowith Quay is the place to be with the restaurants further up the quay a short tuk-tuk or moto ride away (the Foreign Correspondents Club is a highly recommended place to have dinner), and whilst there may be many other hotels with more local character the Cambodiana is a comfortable, good value (at $99) and safe place to be.

This business-style hotel seems to be geared towards Chinese businessmen, but is a very clean and safe option for all foreign travellers. I was on the concierge level (I didn't even know I had reserved the concierge floor) which allowed access to the lounge with free drinks and snacks. OK, it was nothing like the concierge floor at the Ritz Carlton, but it was OK. Rooms are well-appointed and clean, water gets warm enough for a decent shower, and the hotel is located right by the boardwalk, though it is somewhat of a fortress... depending where you're returning from, you have to walk around a good part of the complex to find the entrance. To the unwary, be forwarned that the "spa" is more akin to a brothel, the masseuses really don't know the first thing about giving a massage, and though it is on the hotel premises, you cannot charge anything to your room, you must pay separately. Concierge and front-desk staff in the hotel were all first-rate and very friendly.

This former Sofitel feels like a mass-market hotel, which brings with it a sense of reliability. Our shower never got more than lukewarm, but otherwise no complaints. Nothing stands out as exceptional either. The buffet breakfast was decent and started at a nice and early 5:45 a.m. Half of our group stayed a 15-minute walk down the road at the Amanjaya, which appeared to be a boutique hotel and seemed to have much more local charm.