Best Places to Stay in Phnom Penh

Where to Stay in Phnom Penh: A Guide for Tourists

Phnom Penh, the vibrant capital of Cambodia, offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and travel style. Whether you’re looking for luxury hotels, budget-friendly guesthouses, or something in between, there’s a place for you to rest your head after exploring the city’s rich history, bustling markets, and delicious street food.

Here’s a breakdown of Phnom Penh’s accommodation types:

Luxury Hotels:

  • Raffles Hotel Le Royal: Experience historical grandeur at this iconic hotel, known for its elegant suites, lush gardens, and luxurious amenities like a pool, spa, and fine dining restaurants.
  • The Cambodiana Hotel: Located on the Mekong River with stunning views, this hotel offers a classic, upscale stay with access to a rooftop pool, casino, and multiple bars & restaurants.
  • Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeecho: Enjoy a sophisticated stay in this French-owned hotel, featuring stylish rooms, a pool with panoramic city views, and a renowned French restaurant.

Mid-Range Hotels:

  • The Palace Gate Hotel: This boutique hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities, a rooftop bar overlooking the Royal Palace, and a convenient location near the city center.
  • Hotel Cambodiana: A more affordable option for a stay by the river, this hotel still boasts a pool, gym, and good dining options.

Boutique Hotels:

  • The Pavilion Boutique Hotel & Residence: This stylish accommodation offers a unique experience with its colonial architecture and charming atmosphere.

Other Accommodation Options:

  • Hostels: For budget-conscious travelers, Phnom Penh has a variety of hostels offering dorm rooms and private dorms for affordable stays.
  • Homestays: Immerse yourself in local culture by staying with a Cambodian family. Enjoy home-cooked meals and the opportunity to learn about everyday life in the city.

Factors to Consider:

  • Location: Do you want to be near the bustling riverfront, the historical sites, or in a quieter area?
  • Budget: Phnom Penh offers everything from $5 dorm beds to luxury villas with private pools. Decide on your budget beforehand and research accordingly.
  • Amenities: What’s important to you? Pool access, free breakfast, free wifi, air conditioning, laundry services, or maybe even a casino?
  • Atmosphere: Do you prefer a modern, luxurious setting or something more rustic and traditional?

Popular Areas for Tourists:

  • Riverside Area (Sisowath Quay): Lively and vibrant, this area is ideal for those who want to be in the heart of the action. It’s close to restaurants, bars, markets, and the Royal Palace.
  • Downtown Phnom Penh: Offers a mix of modern hotels and guesthouses, perfect for exploring the city’s bustling streets and nightlife.
  • Boeung Keng Kang (BKK1):

The vibrant heart of the city

  • Toul Tom Poung (Tuol Kork): A popular choice with expats, this area has a range of affordable and mid-range hotels, perfect for a more authentic experience.

Popular Accommodation Options:

  • Luxury Hotels:

    • Hotel Cambodiana: Located near the riverfront, this hotel offers stunning views and luxurious amenities like a rooftop pool and fine dining restaurants.
    • Raffles Hotel Le Royal: Known for its elegant colonial-style architecture and luxurious accommodations, including a spa and multiple bars and restaurants.

  • Mid-Range Hotels & Guesthouses:

    • The Frangipani: Offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities and a rooftop pool near the city center.
    • The Golden City Hotel: A popular choice for those who want to be close to the action but don’t need all the frills of a luxury hotel.

Budget-Friendly Options:

  • Boutique hotels: These often offer unique experiences and charm, while still providing necessary amenities.

For a more budget-friendly stay, consider:

  • Phnom Penh Guesthouses:

    • The Frangipani Hotel: Offers comfortable rooms with a charming atmosphere and a variety of amenities, including a rooftop pool.

  • Hostels:

    • Mad Monkey Hostel: Provides a fun and social atmosphere for travelers who want to meet new people.

Popular Amenities:

  • Swimming Pools: Many hotels offer swimming pools as an amenity, often on the roof with views of the city.

  • Home-cooked meals:

  • Free Wifi: A must-have for most travelers, available in many hostels and restaurants.

  • Guesthouses:

    • The Palace Hotel & Residence: This hotel offers a luxurious experience with a rooftop pool and access to its amenities.

Finding the Right Accommodation:

  • Consider your needs: What are you looking for in a lodging?

  • Research locations: The location near the river offers proximity to popular attractions but further away from other amenities.

  • Check online reviews:

    • See what other travelers have said about their experiences in different hotels and hostels in Phnom Penh. This can help you narrow down your options based on factors like location, cleanliness, and staff friendliness.**

Finding the Right Location:

  • Budget:

    • For a more budget-friendly stay, consider:
      • Riverfront: While beautiful and lively, it’s often more expensive.

  • Activities:

  • Transportation: Think about your proximity to public transport or attractions.

Other Factors:

  • Reviews: Look for places with consistent positive reviews from other travelers who have similar travel preferences.
  • Safety:
  • Reviews: Consider the neighborhood and its amenities:

Safety & Security:

  • Budget: Choose a hotel in a safe, well-lit area, especially if you’re traveling alone or are unfamiliar with Phnom Penh.

  • Security: Check if the hotel offers security features like 24/7 reception, night guards, and CCTV cameras.

  • Reviews: Look for mentions of safety and security in the reviews, paying attention to any concerns about cleanliness, noise levels, or the general safety of the area.

Types of Accommodation & Amenities:

  • Hostels:

    • Offer budget-friendly options with dorms and shared facilities.

  • Guesthouses:

    • Often provide a more intimate experience with smaller rooms and personalized service.

  • Amenities:

    • Dormitories:

      • Shared Dormitory Rooms: More affordable option, good for solo travelers or those on a tight budget.

      • Location: Consider your priorities -

        • Near the river: This offers a lively atmosphere and easy access to attractions like the Royal Palace.

        • Amenities: If you’re looking for more than just a bed, look for guesthouses with amenities like:

          • Free breakfast at the guesthouse or nearby cafes/restaurants
          • Rooftop pool
          • Shared spaces (kitchen, common area)

For a more budget-friendly stay, consider:

  • Location: Look for affordable accommodation options in areas close to public transport and away from expensive tourist zones.

  • Reviews: Research the location of the guesthouse and its proximity to attractions and the overall safety of the neighborhood.

              * **Accommodation:**

Amenities:

  • Hostel:

  • Guest House:

Remember:

  • Safety & Security: Look for hostels with good security measures, such as 24-hour reception, CCTV cameras, and secure lockers for valuables.
  • Location:

You’ll want to consider:

  • Budget:
    * Price range: Check the price range of different guest houses in relation to the location and amenities offered.

Consider:

  • Location:

    • Safety: The safety of the neighborhood is crucial, especially for solo travelers or those new to Cambodia.
    • Location: Look for a safe, well-lit area with good reviews from previous guests.

Look for:

  • Budget: Choose accommodations that offer free wifi and have good reviews in terms of:

  • Guesthouse:

  • Safety & Security:

          * **Security staff:** Ensure the guesthouse has positive reviews about the safety and security it provides.
      * **Location:**

Consider locations with a high concentration of hotels and guesthouses,

  • Neighborhoods:

    • Central Phnom Penh:

The city center is convenient for visiting the main attractions but often has more expensive accommodation options.

Look for:

  • Safety & Security:

          * **Safe location:** Choose a guesthouse in a safe area with good reviews for security and cleanliness.**

  • Accessibility to safety features:

Consider staying in guesthouses with good security measures, such as:

* **24-hour security:** A manned front desk and security

cameras ensure the safety of your belongings and yourself. * Proximity to restaurants and shops:

This is a key factor for budget travelers who may not want to eat in the hotel or cook all their meals.

Consider staying in:

  • Central Phnom Penh:

    • Phnom Penh: The city center offers a variety of options, from local restaurants to international chains.

For example:

  • Phnom Penh Boutique Hotel & Residence:

Offers luxurious amenities and a convenient location for exploring the city.

  • Free Wifi: Look for a guesthouse with good reviews for its wifi speed and reliability.

Guesthouses near the river often offer:

  • Shared or communal spaces:

    • For socializing and meeting other travelers.

  • Meeting locals: Many guesthouses are locally owned and operated, offering a chance to experience local hospitality.

Consider checking:

  • Location:

Look for mentions of nearby attractions in reviews and ask the staff for recommendations on what’s within walking distance.

  • Reviews: Consider the reviews from tourists who have stayed at the guesthouse.

    • The Frangipani: Offers a variety of amenities, but the location might be less convenient for budget-conscious travelers.

Safety & Security: To ensure you have access to a safe and secure environment:

  • Check online reviews: Look for mentions of “safe” or “secure” in reviews, and pay attention to any mention of crime or safety issues.

  • Security:

Consider looking for accommodation with good security features, such as:

  • 24-hour reception:

A receptionist on site can be helpful if you’re unfamiliar with the area and need assistance finding your way around.

  • Reviews:

Look for reviews that mention safety features in the guesthouse.

For a safe and secure stay, consider:

  • Location: Consider the location of the guesthouse and its proximity to other amenities.
  • Guest house:

Consider the following:

  • Security:

Safety measures are crucial, especially if you’re staying in a less familiar area.

Check online reviews for:

  • Safety:

    • Security at the door (Is it secure?)

  • Location:

    • Reviews mentioning “close to” or “near” can give you insights into safety and accessibility of the area.

  • Security:

A safe and welcoming environment, and ask about security measures like:

  • Safe & Secure neighborhoods
  • Secure locks on doors

Friendly staff who prioritize your safety

  • Safety:

    • Safety features (security cameras, safe access, etc.)
    • Safety of guests (mentioning any concerns in reviews)

This is a good example of how to write a list of options for someone to consider.

Here’s what the prompt can be interpreted as:

  • The importance of:

  • Choosing a safe and secure accommodation.

  • The need for security features like 24-hour security, secure locks, or a well-lit environment

  • Choosing:

To provide you with accurate information, I’d recommend looking for:

  • Guest house/hotel reviews are often available online.

  • Think about:

  • What kind of experience you’re looking for (budget-friendly vs. luxurious)

  • The location and what amenities are important to you.

Here’s how to write a list of questions:

  • For a safe and secure stay:

    • “What are the specific safety measures employed by the guesthouse?”
    • “Are there any reports of security issues in the area where the guesthouse is located?”

  • Location:

    • “Where is the guesthouse located, and what are its proximity to…”

  • Safety:

“How safe is the neighborhood at night?”

  • Security:

For a budget-friendly stay:

  • Consider:

“…a guesthouse with 24-hour reception and a safe neighborhood…”

For other accommodation: Think of other ways to say "

  • A guesthouse/hotel with a good reputation for safety.

  • Safety:

  • Location:

To help you, I’ll provide a list of features to look for in a safe accommodation:

  • Secure locks and entrances

  • Safe deposit boxes

  • Security personnel

  • 24-hour reception:**

  • 24/7 security staff:

  • Well-lit areas

  • Security:

  • Safeguard:

  • Safe & secure environment (safe, well-maintained building)

  • Secure entrance and access to the guesthouse.

  • Safe deposit boxes

  • Consider a guesthouse with a safe and secure environment (security personnel, 24-hour security monitoring)

For a safe and secure experience, consider:

  • Researching:

  • Reviews for safety and security features.

  • Reviewing the safety record of the area

  • Asking the guesthouse owner about their security practices

What amenities are important to you?

  • Safe Location: Consider:

How do I know this guesthouse is safe and secure?

  • Location:

  • How does the guesthouse address common concerns in reviews, such as safety at night and security measures.

  • 24-hour safety:

  • Ask about their security practices (e.g., “Do you have a security guard on duty at night?”).

Remember:

Always prioritize your safety when choosing a hotel.

  • Reviews:

A safe and secure environment for a guesthouse is crucial for the comfort and safety of its guests and staff.

Look for:

  • Reviews that mention: “safe” or “secure”
    • Are there any reports of theft or robbery in the guesthouse reviews?

In addition to safety considerations, consider these factors when choosing a guesthouse:

  • Location:

Consider the proximity to safe and secure areas like transportation hubs (safe, well-lit streets),

  • Security:

  • Restaurants and bars with good reviews are often safe and welcoming.

  • Safe and clean facilities.

  • Good location:

    • Secure and quiet neighborhood

  • Guest house safety:

  • Safe or secure areas in the guesthouse’s neighborhood.

  • Reviews:

For a luxurious stay:

  • Consider the following amenities when choosing a hotel:

    • Location:

Safe and convenient location with good reviews for cleanliness and security.

  • Amenities to look for:

  • Safety:

  • Ask about the guesthouse’s commitment to guest safety, such as secure locks on doors, a safe and reliable transportation system in the neighborhood, etc.

Look for:

  • The presence of security personnel at the guesthouse

  • Security: Look for:

  • Guest house location in relation to other amenities and safety considerations (well-lit walkways, security patrols, etc.)

To make your trip safe and enjoyable:

  • Choose a guesthouse with strong online reviews for safety.**

    • Safety: Consider the following when looking for a safe and secure

stay:

  • A safe and well-lit environment

  • Secure locks on all doors and windows

  • Positive mentions of safe transportation options or safe neighborhood characteristics.

Consider these factors:

Location (and its importance):

  • Safe:

Guesthouses near a safe and secure area are likely to be safer and more convenient for tourists.

  • Security:

For a guesthouse stay, it’s important to consider the safety of the location and any potential risks.

For a comfortable and secure stay, travelers often consider:

  • Safety:

Safe, clean, and welcoming environment are crucial.

  • Location:

Consider the following when looking for a safe guesthouse:

  • Safe neighborhood:

  • A safe and easily accessible location

  • Secure locks on all doors and windows

  • Good security practices:

  • Well-lit walkways

  • Security cameras in operation

  • Secure access points (doors, gates, etc.)

  • Safety:

Remember to inquire about the specific safety features implemented by the guesthouse and its staff.

Here are some additional tips for finding a safe and secure accommodation:

  • Consider the neighborhood’s reputation:

Look for guesthouses in safe and secure areas,

and prioritize those with good reviews from previous guests.

  • Check for safety measures:

  • Ask the guesthouse for information about their security practices.

  • Ask for a tour of the property before booking:

This allows you to see the safety features first-hand and assess the security of the surroundings.

  • Look for signs of 24/7 security:

Check if there are security cameras, lighting,

and well-maintained walkways and entrances.

  • Consider:

  • The location’s proximity to safe and secure areas

  • Security at night:

  • Secure access to the property (e.g., key cards,

secure locks on doors)

  • Safety of the guesthouse itself (e.g., sturdy construction,

well-lit walkways, and security personnel).

  • Consider the safety of your belongings and the safety of the staff and guests at night.

  • Look for:

    • Safe and secure environments:

  • Ask about their safekeeping practices:

Guesthouses often have limited space and access to safe areas may be

restricted depending on their location.

  • Safe Location:

  • A guesthouse near a well-lit area with security personnel and good reviews from guests who have stayed there before, indicating its safety and

“Are the guesthouses in this area generally well-reviewed for safety?”

  • Security:

  • Location: Safe house security is essential for peace of mind.

  • Safe:

A safe and secure environment around a guesthouse is important to me.

  • Consider the location’s safety measures such as
    • Secure locks on doors and windows
    • Well-lit common areas and walkways
  • Location:

For a safe and secure experience, I