Plantation Urban Resort and Spa

Previously an all-too-often underrated city destination, Phnom Penh has grown in popularity in recent years, and travellers can now choose from an increasingly varied selection of hip hotels. Many are restored residences, set along the leafy lanes which characterise Cambodia's capital, and will undoubtedly appeal to explorers eager to discover the city on foot or by bicycle. Largely built in the 20th Century, these characterful houses — many showcasing the minimalist design of the 1950s and '60s — are small and intimate, with white-washed walls, airy spaces and bold pops of colour. Kick back in atmospheric rooms and suites, sink into refreshing swimming pools or sip cocktails at the trendiest bars in the city. Our list of eight hip hotels in Phnom Penh awaits!

For Minimalist Modernism

Plantation Urban Resort and Spa

  • iRoHa Garden Hotel & Resort is made up of 25 minimalist rooms and suites. A restored white-painted 1960s villa, the hotel sits in verdant gardens just beyond the city centre. Pick this place for its tranquil setting, soothing spa and swimming pool, and its impressive design ethos. Art lovers will be fascinated by the collection of pieces by local artists.
  • Plantation Urban Resort & Spa is larger, with 70 chic rooms and suites clustered around an Art Deco building. Big beds are topped with crisp white linens and touches of burnt orange fabric, whilst private balconies promise swimming pool and city views. An elegant, romantic choice with an appealing sense of pared-back simplicity.
  • Rambutan Resort, in the popular BKK1 district, is a top spot for sociable travellers or groups of friends. A more affordable choice, this villa hotel has just 19 rooms in a 1960s property, with polished concrete floors, modern artwork and private terraces. The swimming pool is a natural gathering spot.

For Old-School Glamour

Amanjaya Pancam Hotel

  • The Amanjaya Pancam Hotel sits between the Mekong and the Tonle Sap Rivers. A glamorous, old-school charmer with warm polished wood, white and cream linens in rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and big pot plants. Head up to the rooftop bar to sip cocktails with expansive views of Sisowath Quay and the city. Larger suites have extra beds for little ones.
  • The Pavilion is a gorgeous boutique gem with rooms set in four restored colonial-era villas. Set around two palm-fringed swimming pools, guest rooms have draped four-poster beds with patterned tiles and bright pops of colour. Just 100 metres from the Royal Palace, this is a hip boutique pad promising fabulous service and stacks of classic charm.

FOR Contemporary Cool

Rosewood Phnom Penh

  • Rosewood Phnom Penh has slick, minimalist interiors in 175 sophisticated rooms and suites on the upper floors of the swish Vattanac Capital Tower. Art aficionados will adore the onsite art gallery, whilst well-heeled travellers can kick off big nights out with live music at Sora, and round them off in the glamorous whisky lounge. Very indulgent.
  • The Bale, just out of town and set on the banks of the Mekong, is a cool, contemporary pad with 18 luxury suites. A stand-out for fans of modern Asian design, the hotel's spacious suites feature clean lines, crisp edges and a muted colour palette. Soothing and very swish, with a huge pool and unparalled river views.

For Great Value

The Blue Lime Hotel

  • The Blue Lime Hotel is a hip city bolthole with surprisingly affordable rooms. Just a short stroll from the Royal Palace and National Gallery, this little hotel has 23 guest rooms with wooden four-posters, and pink, blue and green textiles throughout. Cool off in the pool or tropical gardens on hot days in the city.

STILL NOT SURE?

8 Hip Hotels in Phnom Penh

Amanjaya Pancam Hotel

Phnom Penh (Corner Street 154)

Right on the banks of the Mekong River, this chic hotel is a trendy base for exploring Cambodia's capital. The 21 smart suites boast polished wood, cream & white linens & uninterrupted city views from private balconies. Sip cocktails on the rooftop or discover stunning Wat Ounalom, just metres away.

  • Close to nightlife - Expect lively bars and eateries within easy reach of the hotel, ideal for a fun nigth out with friends in this buzzy city
  • City Style - A stylish city pad in a lively area - perfect for experiencing the best of Phnom Penh's daytime & evening scene
  • Families - Families will appreciate the excellent location and flexible room options with cots and extra beds
  • Sights nearby - Wat Ounalom, just metres from the hotel's front door, is not to be missed!
from $115 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Blue Lime Hotel

Phnom Penh

This 4-storey hotel is notable for its use of concrete and silk. The effect is modern and airy. Rooms are capacious with all the desired mod cons. Found down a quiet alley behind the National Gallery, the verdant tropical garden and luxury pool to the rear are a treat. Laze in a cabana, or head out!

  • Sights nearby - The hotel is located in a quiet alley just behind the National Museum & the Royal Palace - both fabulous landmarks
  • Local exploring - A stylish, modern hotel in a superb central location, perfect for exploring on foot or by bicycle
  • Local markets - Stroll to buslting Kandal Market, just 450m away, to peruse stalls heaped with food and souvenirs
  • Value chic - A stylish, affordable stay with bright rooms centred around a saltwater pool and restaurant
from $65 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
The Pavilion

Phnom Penh

An iconic Cambodian boutique hotel, The Pavilion is housed in four lovingly restored colonial-era buildings. Expect wooden four-poster beds topped with crisp white linens, big windows & plunge pools in the best suites. A romantic gem just 100 metres from the Royal Palace.

  • Honeymoons - A charming boutique base in the heart of the city, ideal for honeymooners seeking classic charm & private plunge pools
  • Cycling - Hop aboard the hotel's bikes to discover the city on two wheels - private tours are also great fun
  • Sights nearby - Visit nearby Wat Botum and the Royal Palace for an insight into Cambodia's rich history
  • Local exploring - Situated right behind Wat Botum & the Royal Palace, this is a dream spot for explorers
from $98 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Plantation Urban Resort & Spa

Phnom Penh

One of Phnom Penh's larger hotels, The Plantation is elegant & modern, and boasts one of the best pools in the city. Come for romantic rooms with big cosy beds topped with burnt orange bedspreads, offering private terraces, city views & a top-notch spa. A fabulous fusion of old and new.

  • Spa breaks - Unwind in the Plantation Spa's private jacuzzi, steam and sauna rooms after a theraputic treatment using traditional techniques
  • Hotel Entertainment - The hotel hosts cultural performances and creative events as well as a range of excellent regular exhibitions
  • Other Activities - Enjoy expert-led photography tours of the city with Nathan Horton, honing your skills whilst exploring
  • Hideaway - A romantic, elegant hideaway in the heart of the city, with the sense of a secluded oasis
from $100 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Rambutan Resort, Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh (BKK1)

The Rambutan is a newly revamped 1960s villa complete with pool, tropical garden, spa and reputable restaurant in the desirable BKK1 district. Gay-friendly, fun loving, filled with contemporary art; the vibe is good and the rooms are chic, modern, airy and simple with sleek marble floors.

  • Value chic - A friendly, great-value modern choice near the centre of the city, complete with a refreshing saltwater pool
  • Learning - The hotel has a strong eco-ethos and partners with community initiatives; speak to the team to get involved
  • Romantic Break - Book the Penthouse Suite to enjoy own private rooftop terrace with hot tub & city views
  • Sights nearby - A 10 minute stroll from the Royal Palace and Sisowath Quay
from $99 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
iRoHa Garden Hotel & Resort

Phnom Penh (Sangkat Tonle Bassac)

A blissful hideaway for those seeking to put a bit more distance between them and the main hubbub. iRoHa offers a haven of peace with its lush tropical garden, overflowing pool, intimate cabanas and extensive spa therapies. Individually designed rooms range from the Colonial to the Urban.

  • City Style - A wonderful example of South East Asian architecture from the 1960s, restored to create a stylish & romantic hotel
  • Great walks - Guided city tours are a wonderful way of soaking up the food, architecture & culture of Phnom Penh
  • Romantic Break - A romantic hotel set in a characterful villa, complete with a swimming pool, spa & verdant gardens
  • Local markets - The famous Russian Market is just half a mile away, and a brilliant spot for souvenirs
from $100 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Bale Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh (Sangkat Bak Khaeng)

Just eighteen luxury suites make up The Balé Phnom Penh a contemporary Cambodian hideaway that sits on the banks of the majestic Mekong River. Dine under candlelight, cool off in the pool or enjoy a workout in the gym. A luxurious holistic experience.

  • Romantic Break - Beautiful contemporary suites in a restful riverside setting, perfect for a romantic break near the city
  • Cooking classes - Excellent Khmer cooking classes offer a chance to hone your culinary skills with an expert chef
  • Hideaway - Nestled on the banks of the Mekong River, this is a relaxing oasis close buzzy Phnom Penh
  • Yoga - Regular complimentary stretching and aerobic classes are offered at the gym
from $155 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Rosewood Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh (Cambodia)

A stunning luxury hotel housed on the upper floors of Phnom Penh's swish Vattanac Capital Tower. The 175 elegant rooms & suites offer slick, minimalist interiors with indulgent bathtubs & magnificent city views, perfect for well-heeled romantics. A tremendous addition to the city's hotel scene.

  • Romantic Break - Romantic rooms offer chic minimalist interiors and expansive city views from their elevated position
  • City Style - A hugely luxurious city hotel for well-heeled travellers on business or leisure
  • Sights nearby - Speak to the team to arrange morning visits to Wat Phnom, including a blessing from one of the temple's resident monks
  • Great walks - Guided walking tours showcase the city's street art scene and its plethora of quirky 20th Century architecture
from $299 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Written by Saskia Walker

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