Winning Savour BlackBookAsia Magazine’s Icon Award (Cambodia) for first quarter 2024 is none other then Raffles Hôtel Le Royal in the capital Phnom Penh. A distinguish property that is unlike any other with a partnership with the Cambodian royal family, one of only two Raffles in the world to have this honour. The other being their sister property in Siem Reap. Royalty can be seen around the hotel where even the cutlery showcases the Cambodian royal emblem.
Accommodation
The Landmark Twin Pool View rooms are a good choice, each with a balcony overlooking part of the hotel’s gorgeous pools. The in-room Segafredo Zannetti coffee and 1872 Clipper tea is offered complimentary for guests to enjoy while watching their favourite shows on the flat screen television or even by the balcony taking in the splendid surrounding views. The bathroom comes with a classic bathtub, perfect for that relaxing soak after a day out. Before laying on the lavished Simmons bedding and king goose down pillows which are ultra comfortable ensuring a good nights rest.
Dining
The sheer array of gastronomy at Raffles Hôtel Le Royal will satisfy the most discerning of palates. Start with champagne breakfast in the French-style brasserie, Le Phnom 1929 with a selection of cheeses, cold cuts, pastries and so much more. Must try is the delicious Raffles’ Truffle Scented Scrambled Eggs with your choice of condiments and sides. Come mid day, highly recommended is the Afternoon Tea, an array of sweet and savoury treats with your choice of coffee or tea. The scones here are immaculately done the traditional way which is just the icing on the cake.
The Gin Experience at the Elephant Bar allows diners to try a selection of gin from around the world, including the famous Sipsmith Raffles 1915 as well as the locally crafted Elephant Bar Gin. The session is fun and interactive where you can make your own gin cocktail under the guidance of the well trained staff as well as sample a flight of highly sought after gins. All the while in an elegant ambiance with beautiful paintings on the wall amidst a mix of comfortable leather sofas and wooden bar chairs where you can watch the staff make your drinks right before your very eyes.
Restaurant Le Royal is the place to have dishes with centuries-old dining rituals and traditional recipes from the Cambodian royal family alongside modern Khmer cuisine. Start of with the signature cocktail Femme Fatale, concocted for Jacqueline Kennedy during her visit in 1967. Before indulging in Savour BlackBookAsia’s recommended Le Royal Khmer Cuisine – Traditional and Modern like the Chaen Trey Domrey Teuk Ampil Tom, perfectly seared Elephant Fish with tangy tamarind sauce. Paired well with a glass of Allan Scott’s pinot noir from Marlborough, New Zealand.
Facilities
Raffles Hôtel Le Royal has two swimming pools where you can do your laps or simply have a soak. Near the spa are the sauna, steam room and jacuzzi which is available for guests to use. Ample showers and lockers are also located in separate male and female changing areas with all the bath and grooming amenities you need. Fitness enthusiast can have their work-out at the well equipped and maintained gym with assorted free weights and exercise machines.
ADDRESS:
Sangkat Wat Phnom 92 Rukhak Vithei, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
PHONE:
+855 23 981 888
WEBSITE:
https://www.raffles.com/phnom-penh/