The Best of Cambodia & Laos

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