Check-In: Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Phnom Penh
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At the heart of the modern capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, lies a beacon of luxury that attracts royalty and celebrities, and treats every guest as such. The Raffles Hotel Le Royal, arguably the finest in the country, is not only a remarkable experience; it’s also perfectly situated amongst the rich culture and history that surrounds it. From a sunset cruise on the Mekong to a stroll through the National Artifacts Museum, Phnom Penh is an amazing place to visit, but no trip is complete without a hotel such as Raffles to retire to at the end of every day.
French colonialism has crafted its architecture, but a long and diverse history has facilitated its charm. Couple this with an injection of modernity, and you are left with a remarkable sense of escapism that is only matched by the diversity of the country it finds itself in. And at just 20 minutes from the international airport, it’s accessible to all.
The array of room configurations is as diverse as the views available, with contemporary state rooms at the affordable end, up to the lavish Le Royal Suite at the more opulent end. Surrounded by lush landscaping, the rooms are reflective of its French roots, with a local twist at key touch points to add to the mood. All rooms come with a personal valet service, but as you move up in size, you are awarded added benefits such as artwork and memorabilia associated with famous guests, spacious balconies and, if you are in the Le Royal Suite, two bedrooms and a dining room.
The luxury experienced here is only enhanced as you escape to other parts of the hotel, none more so than in its many restaurants, beginning with the phenomenal Restaurant Le Royal, which bequeaths tantalizing French and Khmer cuisine in the most lavish of settings. For a truly memorable experience, try the restaurant’s Raffles Personality Brunch, held every Saturday, which celebrates the countless famous guests who have stayed at the hotel. For a more relaxed affair, there is the Café Monivong, an all-day buffet and a la carte experience of exceptional quality.
If you find yourself with a spare day to enjoy more of what The Raffles has to offer, entertaining yourself will be the simplest of challenges. You can begin with a spa treatment at the in-house Raffles Amrita Spa, where you can allow your body to feel the luxury of its surroundings. Choose either an elegant contemporary treatment or a traditional Khmer massage. Then, unwind with a stroll through the hotel’s many landscaped gardens and courtyards, get lost in a world gone by. After lunch, spend some time lazing by the hotel’s two pools, which are influenced by the same rich history as the rest of the hotel. There is one for laps, and one for fun, the choice is yours.
What’s been described here is just the beginning of the Raffles Hotel Le Royal experience. Mixing the best of Cambodia’s history, with just enough modern conveniences to make it comfortable, it offers an experience that is truly worthy of royalty. Whether its guests today are poets or governors is not important. Everyone who chances upon this gem leaves feeling like one.
BOOK RAFFLES HOTEL LE ROYAL
Tel: +855 23 981 888
Web: www.raffles.com/phnom-penh
Email: phnompenh@raffles.com
Amadeus: YR PNHHLR
Galileo/Apollo: YR 78321
Sabre: YR 031143
Worldspan: YR PNHLR
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