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66<br />
PHNOM PENH<br />
5<br />
WHERE TO STAY<br />
views—a place to contemplate chaos and sunsets from a comfortable height and distance.<br />
If you are in town on business, the Almond Hotel is well equipped to cater to your needs,<br />
with free Wi-Fi Internet and a business center. <strong>The</strong> staff is up to speed on their language<br />
skills and things do get done. Once the working day is over you can rejuvenate at the spa<br />
and beauty salon, which <strong>of</strong>fers treatments and massage from skilled therapists. <strong>The</strong>re are<br />
two attached restaurants serving both Western and Asian fare. <strong>The</strong>ir Cantonese chef<br />
makes glorious creations in the Yi Sang Chinese restaurant.<br />
No. 128F Sothearos Blvd. & 023/220-822. Fax 023/220-722. www.almondhotel.com.kh. 56 units. $55<br />
superior single; $65 superior double; $65 deluxe single; $75 deluxe double; $75 deluxe balcony single;<br />
$85 deluxe balcony double. MC, V. Amenities: 2 restaurants; bar; Internet; room service. In room: A/C,<br />
satellite TV, fridge, minibar.<br />
Blue Lime Blue Lime is the latest oasis from the group that brought Phnom<br />
Penh the Pavilion (see below). <strong>The</strong> entire hotel has an industrial-chic decor—there is<br />
granite and finished concrete throughout, with brightly colored silk curtains or pillows<br />
s<strong>of</strong>tening everything up. Plenty <strong>of</strong> sunshine filters in from windows and vaulted skylights.<br />
Rooms here are spacious, especially if you bump up to the superiors, and the extra<br />
$5 also gets you a nice private balcony. Bathrooms are a good size with stylish sinks and<br />
separate rain-shower areas. <strong>The</strong> hot water comes from solar panels, so there is a bit <strong>of</strong><br />
waiting involved. <strong>The</strong> outdoor pool is surrounded by four-poster daybeds and tall, leafy<br />
tropical trees. Staff here is friendlier than at Pavillion, and extremely efficient and<br />
thoughtful. A room on the top floor <strong>of</strong>fers lovely views <strong>of</strong> the curved ro<strong>of</strong>top <strong>of</strong> the<br />
National Museum in the distance. Blue Lime is already very popular among travelers in<br />
the know, so book far in advance.<br />
No. 42 St. 19Z (in the alley <strong>of</strong>f St. 19; btw. 181Eo and No. 179B St. 19). & 023/222-260. www.bluelime.<br />
asia. 14 units. $40–$50 double (Dec–Jan add $10). MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; outdoor saltwater<br />
pool. In room: A/C, TV, fridge, hair dryer, minibar, Wi-Fi, no phone.<br />
Manor House This former ambassadorial residency is in a quiet area between Norodom<br />
and Monivong. It is gay-run and certainly gay-friendly but everyone is welcome.<br />
<strong>The</strong> elegant design <strong>of</strong> the original house is complemented by the thoughtful decor and<br />
tasteful but muted furnishings. <strong>The</strong> rooms at the front are airy and light while those at<br />
the back have windows facing on to the corridor. <strong>The</strong>y are quite dark, though equally<br />
well appointed and appropriately cheaper. All the rooms are huge with high ceilings.<br />
<strong>The</strong>re is a small garden at the back with a surprisingly large and inviting swimming pool.<br />
No. 21 St. 262. & 023/992-566. www.manorhousecambodia.com. 12 units. $43 double. MC, V. Amenities:<br />
Restaurant; bar; Internet; pool. In room: A/C, TV, fridge, minibar.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Pavilion This is a very popular boutique hotel, so make sure to book ahead<br />
and get confirmation <strong>of</strong> it in writing or by e-mail. <strong>The</strong> Pavilion—hidden behind big<br />
heavy wooden doors and long white walls—is an absolute oasis in this city <strong>of</strong> honking,<br />
jostling tuk-tuks, and motorcycles. Stepping into the central courtyard garden is incredibly<br />
calming. Daybeds with overstuffed pillows and a compact outdoor pool <strong>of</strong>fer muchneeded<br />
comfort after touring the city. Double rooms are basic, with firm beds and a few<br />
silk decorations. <strong>The</strong> bathrooms are a real plus in this price category, as they come with<br />
separate shower cubicles, stylish sinks, and Art Deco tile. For a splurge, book one <strong>of</strong> the<br />
pool rooms, which come with nice private toe dippers. Note: <strong>The</strong> Pavillion’s sister hotel,<br />
the Kabiki (& 023/222-290; No. 22 St. 264), was built specifically for families. It has<br />
a very similar ambience and level <strong>of</strong> service.