Hotels in Cambodia cover the entire spectrum of holiday accommodation needs from your back alley backpacker hotels offering the basics to boutique hotel rooms of such opulent luxury that hark back to colonial times.
Hotels in Cambodia – Phnom Penh
Starting in the capital, city hotels in Phnom Penh include the world class landmark Raffles Hotel Le Royal which sits at the very heart of the Phnom Penh on Monivong Boulevard, within walking distance of Wat Phnom and the river. Dubbed the best hotel in town, Le Royal dates back to 1929, and the indochinese architecture has been carefully resorted while elegantly decorated in a Khymer French style maintain its old world charm. A nights stay here is real treat as a stopover en-route from Siem Reap on to the coast. For a more authentic, intimate place to stay, Frangipani villa is situated close to the Independence monument area and one of the most charming places to stay in Phnom Penh, just 7 rooms makes for a pleasant homely environment. Linked with a local charity, staff are hired from local NGO’s and the onsite cafe features Khmer and European cuisine.
Hotels in Cambodia – City Hotels
You will find hotels in the Sisowath Quay / Riverside Area more expensive, such as luxury colonial residence The Pavilion, an idyllic oasis in the bustling city. Hotel Cara and Bougainvillear are city hotels offering good value but if you are looking for something more local, NGO run Le Rit’s Guesthouse comes well recommended in a good location close to the main sights. Staying on the banks of the Tonle Sap River in Phnom Penh is a great location for finishing a day in the city with a river cruise or evening promenade stroll. The many albeit touristy cafes and bars make for a pleasant location to stay in Phnom Penh.
Easily the cheapest part of town, Beongkak Lake is backpacker hostal territory in Phnom Penh, cheap rooms overlook the toxic lake. A laid back vibe makes up for a less than authentic environment and while there are better places to stay in Phnom Penh you can choose from an array of basic guesthouse accommodations to 2 or 3 star functional hotels in Cambodia.
Hotels in Cambodia – Siem Reap
Divided into distinct city areas, hotel in Siem Reap are epitomised by their surroundings. If you only have one night to stay in Siem Reap, an easy option is to choose a hotel on the airport road. Convenient but characterless sums up hotels on the airport road, if you can spend the extra time opt for something closer to the town and you´ll enjoy an accommodation experience with much more local charm.
If you are backpacking head to Wat Bo, close to the river and walking distance to the old market this is prime backpacking territory and you will have your pick of good, budget guesthouses, Babel Guesthouse is a popular choice. The area is also home to some exceptional resorts and french-run boutique hotels including La Residence d’Ankor, part of the Orient-Express Hotel chain and the more intimate Viroths Hotel. Upping the hotel budget Rosy Guesthouse is aimed at the flashpacker while Big Lyna Villa has a more homely feel.
The French Quarter is some to some of Siem Reap’s most fabulous hotels in Cambodia. The Victoria Angkor Hotel is a luxury hotel at half price unlike the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor which like its sister in Phnom Penh will set you back over $150 a night however this award-winning, impressive property is also deservedly one of the best hotels in Cambodia. The Hotel de la Paix also has a reputation for haute quality though be warned staff here do come with an attitude.
To stay right in the thick of it, choose hotels in the Old Market area of Siem Reap. The area is mainly an eating and drinking zone so is easy and convenient for families though accommodation is mainly on the budget side. Check out The Red Piano hotel or Encore Guesthouse come with a few more creature comforts whilst Molly Malones is a bizarre Irish pub offering comfortable rooms. Siem Reaps best backpacking option is the Mandalay Inn, a complete bargain.
Given that Siem Reap is the main stopping off point for visitors on the road to Angkor Wat. You could stay closer to the ruins but most people opt travel to the Temple during the day and return to hotels in Siem Reap at night to enjoy the convenience of its choice of eateries and evening distractions.
Hotels in Cambodia – Sihanoukville, Kampot, Kep and the Islands
Cambodia’s premier beach resort, Sihanoukville is a peninsular fringed with powder white sandy beaches which attracts expats from Phnom Penh and backpackers seeking the same laid back beach vibe.
Sihanoukville town hotels are central but the beach hotels offer better value.
Ochheuteal Beach is the place to be and no hotel is more than ten minutes walk from the beach. Ochheuteal Beach Side Bungalows are good value whilst the aptly named Seaside Hotel is a great family option. Backpackers on a tight budget can head to the end of the beach where there is even some FREE accommodation.
Serendipity Beach is actual the west end of Ochheuteal Beach and you will find a good mix of guesthouses, backpacking joints and beachbars. cloud 9 is an internationally run hotel and the best value spot on the beach whilst Monkey Republic has been going for sometime and is a favourite backpacking choice.
Hotels in Cambodia – Cambodia Islands
A stay on one of Cambodia’s Islands is also a popular choice for those seeking a true desert island experience. The well-known Three Island boat tour goes to Ko Ta Kiev, Ko Craloh and Ko Russei for ok snorkelling and a seafood lunch but if you take a look at a map of Cambodia islands, the Gulf of Thailand is scattered with over 61 islands, perfect for the more intrepid explorer out there. The accommodation on Cambodia islands are essentially wooden bungalow huts right on the beach, rustic but perfect for that back to nature experience and with nothing to do but relax in a hammock and a spot of swimming they are the perfect place to unwind after the hectic sightseeing of the city.
All hotels in Cambodia come with one thing in common, a warm welcome and a chance to experience Cambodia culture at its very best.
