The Best of Cambodia & Laos

156
SOUTHERN CAMBODIA
8
SIHANOUKVILLE
Expensive
The Independence Hotel This restored hotel has an excellent location on a
private strip of sand on Independence Beach. The hotel used to be a showpiece of the
royal family and once played host to elite dignitaries. Former King Norodom Sihanouk
himself was responsible for the interior design of the hotel back in the 1960s, but don’t
expect royal appointments. The rooms have a musty smell and bland decor. Furniture is
polished blond wood and chintzy, pink upholstered chairs. Floors are boring white tile.
The layout of the deluxe rooms is awkward, there’s a large entranceway, but the bed is
tightly crammed between two walls—you may have to turn sideways to get into bed. The
views, however, are amazing; many rooms overlook the ocean. There’s also a beautiful
garden walkway at the base of a rocky outcrop along Independence Beach. Staff is also
very friendly and very eager to please.
St. 2 Thnou, Sagkat No. 3, Khan Mittapheap. & 034/934-300. Fax 034/933-660. www.independence
hotel.net. 52 units. $140–$160 double; $250–$450 suite. MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; concierge;
Internet; outdoor pool; room service; spa. In room: A/C, TV, fridge, hair dryer, minibar.
Sokha Beach Resort Where the Independence is all cool and modern architecture,
Sokha Beach Resort is finely executed kitschy Khmer. You can see the traditional,
winged red-tile roofs from a good distance, and the public spaces are decorated with
carved stone reliefs and Khmer statues. Room decoration is functional, with bamboo
rattan chairs and tables, and terra-cotta floors. Club suites have swanky ’70s-style circular
beds and all suites come with an ocean view. If you’re looking for something special, rent
one of their 10 villas. The villas bear ’50s/’60s box-style architecture and were originally
military housing units. The exterior is done in unfinished gray brick and white stone
walls, and a small driveway leads to a private entrance. The bedrooms have the same
decor as those in the hotel. Each villa has a small living room and a separate garden space,
so you’re really set apart from other hotel guests.
Tip: If you’re on a luxe budget, book a room at the Sokha Inn. It lies at the northern
end of the property, about a 2-minute walk from the main entrance, but golf carts will
shuttle you back and forth. Rooms are $85. Sure, it kind of feels like you’re staying in the
“servants’ quarters,” but you have access to all the hotel’s amenities for about a third of
the price.
St. 2 Thnou, Sangkat 4, Mittapheap District, Sihanoukville. & 034/935-999. Fax 034/935-888. www.
sokhahotels.com. 166 units (Sokha Inn: 24 units). $250–$300 double; $350–$380 villa; from $500 suite.
MC, V. Amenities: 2 restaurants; 3 bars; babysitting; bike rentals; children’s play area (jungle gym) and
planned activities; health club; room service; spa; tennis courts; watersports equipment rentals; Wi-Fi.
In room: A/C, TV, fridge, hair dryer, minibar.
Inexpensive
Beach Club Resort Light, bright, and thoughtfully conceived, this spacious
Australian-owned resort near Ochheuteal Beach is a bit of a gem. Built around a central
pool, the whole feel is one of space and comfort. The open-air restaurant is relaxed with
excellent food and zipping Wi-Fi Internet. There are a number of shaded areas around
the pool to read, and all in all it is one of those holiday venues that one is loath ever to
leave. The staff is charming although they can only speak in a good-natured yell, garnished
by a friendly cackle. The rooms have large windows and are light and airy, in
keeping with the atmosphere of the resort as a whole.
St. 23 Tola. & 034/933-634. www.beachclubcambodia.com. 33 units. $35 standard; $39 superior; $60
deluxe; $65 family. MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; Internet. In room: A/C, TV, fridge.