Le Bokor Palace advertises itself as a six star hotel. On the basis of my recent stay this is an absurd claim: it is a run-of-the mill three or four star hotel, located in a magnificent mountaintop setting and housed in an attractively renovated old building. My partner and I were the only guests in the hotel during our two-night weekend stay (apparently not an unusual situation, as a previous reviewer notes the same experience.) The hotel was operating on a skeleton staff, and had apparently cut back on many of its services (including a shuttle to nearby attractions, the customary welcome drink, the minibar, the restaurant menu, and even help carrying bags when we checked out.) The few staff members who were around during our stay (as far as I could tell a front desk clerk, a waitress, a cook (at night) and a security guard) were very pleasant and helpful, and I don't fault them for the hotel's shortcomings. The main problem with this hotel is that it over-promises, under-delivers and claims to be something that it isn't. Guests who expect what the hotel advertises will surely be disappointed. The view from the hotel grounds, however, remains superb.…
This was a strange experience I had at this hotel. Not something I would want to reiterate though, and I struggled to come up with a score; 3 or 4 circles? Let’s get one thing out of the way. Their self-proclaimed 6 star category. This is laughable. By international standards, the facilities, comfort, service, are a solid 4 stars, no more. I went there at the height of the latest COVID wave, wanting to escape the noise and heat of Phnom Penh and ended up being the only guest at Le Bokor that weekend. The number of staff had been understandably greatly reduced, and, annoyingly, all activities suspended. I’d come here to visit the national park, but the hotel had no driver to facilitate the visit. Instead they directed me to their sister hotel down the road which offers bicycle rental. Which I did and it was very pleasant. Being the only guest in the hotel was eerie, and quite uncomfortable because the few remaining staff kept hovering around me wherever I went. I constantly felt observed. The most unpleasant part was during the meals, when the waitress was standing a few metres away from me and literally watching eagerly every single mouthful and then rushing to my table to remove the plate while I was still munching. I told her a few times to give me some space but she didn’t understand. This is obviously how she had been trained, and I can’t fault her eagerness to please, even though it didn’t allow me to relax. And the hotel itself? Its location first is fantastic. Perched atop the Bokor hill, its (more or less) landscaped terrace at the back opens up to a spectacular view over the mountain, the sea, and the Vietnamese resort island of Phu Quoc. This is a 1 million dollars view and I guess explains the steep prices charged. Although this terrace is entirely open to the public. More on that later. The building was built by the French in 1920, and restored in 2018. Unfortunately, the Sokha group clearly have no experience in bringing colonial buildings back to their former glory. The restoration was clearly made on the cheap. For once, the addition of an extra floor ruined the gracefulness of the original Art Deco building. Also, the communal parts (corridors, stairwells) all have a strange dated look. No modernisation was attempted there. The use of space is not working either. The dining room is cavernous, and desolate, but no space was devoted to a lounge, or library, or any intimate setting to relax with a book. Sokha should have looked at the Sofitel Metropole in Hanoi to see how these things are done properly. The room I was in (Bokor suite) was simple and comfortable. Good amenities, fluffy towels, large comfortable bed. No aircon which was a bit of an issue as it was rainy season when I went there and the room felt a bit damp. Not many facilities otherwise. A lovely outdoor jacuzzi. However, it’s on the side of the terrace open to the public. Which means complete lack of privacy. When I went there in my bathrobe I had to go through gawking locals and was then followed by children who were staring at me getting undressed. I felt like an animal at the zoo and had to ask security to keep them away. A simple wooden fence with a sign “hotel guests only” would have done the trick. And this also means that you can not really use this terrace (the hotel terrace!) to relax with a book, soaking in the scenery, in peace, as there are always people coming and going, taking pictures, children running around, etc. Overall a real mixed bag. I cannot fault the dedication of staff and their eagerness to please, even though it can be overbearing. A solid 4 stars for them. But many poor decisions were made by the owner and the manager that make this hotel a missed opportunity, is not very comfortable to relax, and yet charges a hefty price tag per night. 2 stars there. …
My family had a short vacation, so we decided to visit Bokor national park, Bokor mountains. We have chosen this hotel for accommodations due to it is an ancient architecture hotel which is located on the top of the mountain. The room was spacious and clean with modern equipment. The staff were helpful with our luggage and assist with anything that we need. The breakfast was great but not so many kind of choices. The weather was amazing could and foggy in the morning. The capture of landscape was wowed!!! With the mountain and sea view. It kind of romantic place if you go as a couple. I adore to go there again with my parents in the next future. Recommend this place to all travelers in Cambodia to see heaven on earth.
There's nowhere in Cambodia like Bokor and Le Bokor Palace has provided 5 star comfort and service for this very special place. Mr. Sambath has been extremely helpful in making our stay extra special. We'll be back again and again.
Beautifully restored hotel, attempting to reconnect with its colonial past (lots of old photos and descriptions around the hotel). We travelled to this hotel during Covid downturn, so not so many guests, only one other room booked while we were there. Well worth the stay just to see the sunset which is spectacular. Food was pricey for what it was at dinner. Breakfast no options other than an omelet, noodle soup (this was the star of the show) and some bread and fruits. I’d come back to this hotel just for the sunset, maybe with more guests the service would of been better.
My partner and I just checked in to Le Bokor Palace - what can I say - wow! The colonial room with a beautiful view is spectacular. Thank you to Mr. Jesse, General Manager, Air and the great staff for making this stay memorable!
Very peaceful, lovely and charming place. Excellent service and very friendly staff. Excellent food and very comfortable bedrooms. Magnificent view of the mountain and great Jacuzzi. Excellent location, far away from the noise. The temperature is colder, and I was lucky enough to witness an eclipse and to see the cloud covering the mountains for the first time. That was a dream come through. The hotel driver took me to a breath taking Bokor Tour that I would recommend to anybody staying a the hotel. I spent one of the best holidays of my life at Le Bokor and I thank all the staff and the manager who made this possible.
Extraordinary location. Mr. Chhai and his staff maintained the unexpected fantasy of retreating into the Cambodian mountain side. The history of the hotels origins, 1925, from French Colonialism, can still be felt as you walk the renovated halls and rest your head on the fresh plump linen. It’s unfortunate due to the location that the hotel was not that occupied; however this meant that the entire space and staff felt available to us, in an unobtrusive manner, at all times. We loved being in our robes, on our mountain oceanside vista terrace, catching up over Prosecco, enjoying books, using the space for Pilates, and enjoying a good long run on the mountain. The space could only be improved on by having on sight spa facilities. Oh, and the level of cleanliness was beyond expectation, giving the size and furnishings of the hotel.…
Love at first sight with Le Bokor Palace Hotel started from an visual stir - its logo so vividly splendid as in the Grand Budapest Hotel, the Movie, with touch of whimsical and rustic beauty. As soon as I arrived, it is breathtaking to know that this is a 100 year old building which was built since 1920s as one of main collection of French colonial retreats, untill now it is still well maintained with the detailing only exist in the colonial times. From the vintage furniture, portraits and painting on the wall etc, that had sparked curiosity and romance which happened in the past. It is a great introduction between the history and nature, being located in a national park, and I am grateful that I have the honor to layover and be a part of history. With its unique location at 1,075 meters above the sea level on the peak of Bokor Mountain within the park, hosting a cold ambient all year round, adjoining a cliff scenery of south coastal line and the town of Kep and Kampot at the courtyard, the view is unbeatable. Amidst the jungle in the National park, it’s a magical place that you could find peace and calm, unable tell the reason why, perhaps the alikeness of rock cairn field, has an air of spirituality, even though there were no sign explaining its purpose. Its old Catholic church, heritage villa, and the damnakk sia khmao has a certain allure to them.. Never hesitate to venture beyond the obvious, head for under the radar, Le Bokor Palace certainly has too much surprise has to offer... Special thanks to the hotel service team, my driver and guide Vanny whom have made this trip remarkable.…
Very quite and peaceful place. Excellent service and food. The view is spectacular and second to none. We were here at the beginning of wet season and the weather changes are an experience of its own! You’re literally in heaven being suddenly in the middle of a cloud. The sister hotel, which is a 3 minute drive (free transfer) or 20 minute walk away, offers a different set of food, spa, swimming pool, bar, etc. The hotel driver took us around on a mountain sightseeing trip. Other than that is not too much to do up there, but would still highly recommend staying there at least one to three nights. Thanks to all the friendly staff and looking forward to coming back!
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