There are many faults in this modern hotel: the reception (check-in) is very slow and so is the elevator (which is constantly full because of the roof top bar guests ), the room (with balcony and nice view) is quite small and the worst of all was the breakfast (breakfast from 7:00-10:00 - they switch off the light at 9:50 and refuse to cook any more eggs).
Best thing about this hotel: they have a guarded parking free of charge.
I probably overly review my hotel choices and I primarily selected my 4 night stay because of the location of this hotel. This was my 3rd trip to Phnom Penh and my first time to stay near the river front. I booked a balcony room which overlooked the locals market. I enjoyed sitting outside watching all the activity below. This is not a tourist market selling junk but locals selling primarily food items such as live fish, chickens, fruits and vegetables.
I was a bit surprised by some of the negative reviews on trip advisor. Many say the breakfast is just basic but I found it to be as good as any hotel I have stayed in Cambodia. There is an egg and waffle station, plus lots of western and asian choices and a fresh coffee machine. I love the setting where you can choose to sit by the atrium to the hotel lobby below.
While an average size, I found my hotel room well designed with lots of cabnetry and well placed lighting and electrical plugs. Well designed bathroom with one of the best hand held shower heads I have ever used.
What really empressed me is the cleaning staff. The hotel room was spotless and I witnessed cleaning persons even wiping the hand railing on the balconys and while sitting eating breakfast noticed anything that is touched to be cleaned repeatedly. Constant sweeping, mopping and cleaning glass is going on throughout the hotel.
We enjoyed the saltwater infinity pool on the roof which has views of the river. We also went upstairs to the restaurant and bar to watch the sunset. We didnt order anything upstairs because be thought it was too expensive. Also enjoyed the actual hot water which overlooks the pool.
In several reviews there are complaints about the required 50.00 deposit which is refunded when you leave. In the USA many hotels require a deposit which is usually placed on your credit card and refunded when you leave so this practice did not bother me. However in the hotel book in the room there is a list of overpriced charges for things if you break something. I think this is overdone and also creates a negative image for the hotel. I think there is also the same list posted at check in.
I used Grab to book cars, and tuks from the hotel on various trips. Because the street on the hotel dead ends into the market I did have a few issues with Grab drivers not finding the hotel.
I would definitely stay at this hotel again
This was a perfect hotel for our stay in PP. Couldn't understand the negative comments about location by street market. I was glad to see that in the 20 years since I was last in the city and in spite of massive development in some areas there is still some local flavour this close to the river. (There are new 5star resort hotels for those who don't like being too close to the residents of the country they have come to visit.) The rooftop pool was great for a cool off, the staff were uniformly charming and the room spotlessly clean. Breakfast ...would give 4 stars. Plentiful buffet with egg station etc although hot food a bit lukewarm.
I will stay here again. You get what you pay for! I had the Suite Balcony 9th floor, GREAT view of river area. Pool and hot tub on top floor (11th) is very nice with river view. The food is a little pricy. Get the breakfast included, nice buffet! Laundry service 4 doors down, small bar next door. Taxi and Tuk Tuk drivers in front of hotel. Don't use Tuk Tuk for Killing Field and prison tours, take taxi and you pay for entrance fees. Ask for Rina, nice young man, very good English. He can drive you in taxi or tuk tuk. PS. the ATMs ask if you want USD or Reil. Just make sure when you get change that the paper is in good condition, or ask they replace with another.
Overall it is a nice place and one again another hotel that has such potential. Understandably due to the markets outside the door step there are flies and bugs around. however finding ten insects in your bed as soon as you enter the room as well as toe nail clippings is unacceptable. The rooms are infested by ants and small insects. the wooden interior of the rooms makes it hard to manage but some bug spray would be a great place to start. I requested to change rooms and sprayed the room myself. Breakfast has a limited range. The butter packet I was eating from has mould all over the bottom- thank goodness I stopped eating once I realised and took it straight to the staff. Small things that could easily be avoided. On a bright note, there is a nice roof top bar.
