Raffles Hotel Le Royal is the landmark address in Phnom Penh and the natural splurge for a first visit. It opened in 1929, designed by the architect Ernest Hébrard in a French colonial style, and at the time it was the tallest building in the city. The hotel has lived through the full sweep of Cambodian history: it closed to regular guests in 1975, reopened in 1980 as the Samakki, or Solidarity, Hotel, took back the name Le Royal in 1993 and was restored by Raffles from 1996, with a room refresh and a return of the facade to its original lotus white around 2019. Today it is a calm, leafy compound with two outdoor swimming pools and a children’s pool among the gardens, Raffles Spa with five treatment rooms, saunas and steam rooms, a fitness centre and two on-site restaurants. The Elephant Bar is famous for the Femme Fatale cocktail, created in honour of Jacqueline Kennedy’s stay in 1967.
Location and getting around
The hotel stands on a tree-lined street in central Phnom Penh, a short walk from Wat Phnom and about ten minutes from the riverfront. The Royal Palace, the National Museum and the Russian Market are a short tuk-tuk ride away, and the hotel can arrange cars, drivers and guides for the memorial sites and day trips. Parking is free, valet parking is available, and an airport shuttle can be arranged on request for an extra charge.
Rooms
The booking page shows around a dozen room types, from Landmark and State rooms, many with pool views, to suites such as the Colonial, Executive, Landmark and Personality suites and the Royal Suite. Rooms have air conditioning, rainfall showers, separate tubs and showers, electric kettles, workspaces and satellite television, and a pillow menu and 24-hour room service are available. Free infant beds and children’s slippers are provided for families.
Who it suits
Couples marking an occasion, history lovers who like to sleep in the building they have read about, and anyone who wants a quiet, elegant base after a day at the palace and memorial sites. Families will appreciate the children’s pool and the gardens.
Good to know
Breakfast is an extra charge on some rates, so check what is included when you book. Pool access runs from early morning to evening. Book a table at one of the restaurants in advance for weekends, and arrive at the Elephant Bar before the early-evening rush for a seat.
Why stay here
- ✓Two outdoor pools and a children’s pool
- ✓Raffles Spa with saunas and steam rooms
- ✓Elephant Bar
- ✓Two on-site restaurants
- ✓Fitness centre
- ✓Free parking and valet
- ✓24-hour room service
- ✓Airport shuttle on request
Good questions
When did Raffles Hotel Le Royal open?+
The hotel opened in 1929 and was designed by Ernest Hébrard in a French colonial style. Raffles began a major restoration in 1996, and the rooms and facade were refreshed around 2019.
What is the Elephant Bar known for?+
The Elephant Bar is known for the Femme Fatale cocktail, created in honour of Jacqueline Kennedy’s stay in 1967. It is one of the city’s best-known hotel bars.
How far is Raffles Hotel Le Royal from the Royal Palace?+
The hotel is a short walk from Wat Phnom, and the Royal Palace and National Museum are a short tuk-tuk ride away. The riverfront is about ten minutes on foot.
