Rosewood Phnom Penh is a stunning modern ultra-luxe hotel in the heart of the Cambodian capital that is the perfect metaphor for the city’s drive towards modernity while retaining its cultural identity.
Cambodia’s capital of Phnom Penh is in the midst of a massive economic boom, perhaps finally shaking off years of civil unrest that’s wrecked the country in the ’70s. And possibly the most visible symbol of Phnom Penh’s rejuvenating cityscape is Vattanac Capital Tower, located along Preah Monivong Boulevard in the heart of the city’s central cultural and business district. Opened in 2018, this impressive modern 39-storey commercial and retail complex is not only home to Cambodia’s Vattanac Bank and various business interests, but also houses a high-end mall offering some of the biggest names in fashion and luxury such as Balenciaga, Ferragamo, and Bottega Veneta.
And then there’s Rosewood Phnom Penh.
The first urban hotel by Rosewood Hotel & Resorts in Southeast Asia, Rosewood Phnom Penh occupies the top 14 floors of Vattanac Tower, offering 175 rooms – including 37 suites – along with a swathe of top-notch facilities and destination dining options. The hotel’s design itself is a harmonious blend of Khmer architectural aspects, accents from its French colonial past, along with understated contemporary opulence. On one side of the hotel lobby is a dedicated art gallery, showcasing a mix of classic Khmer and abstract contemporary art that hints at the hotel’s part introspective, and part playful, character.
This lavish five-star hotel offers three room and nine suite configurations. All of them drip luxury. Rooms range from Executive Room to the larger Grand Premier Room, while suite options run from the residential-style Mekong Suite and the sprawling Norodom House to family-sized ones like Two-Bedroom Family Monivong House.
But even its most basic room type, the Executive Room at 50 sqm, is upscale.
We had the opportunity to try out the Mekong Suite, a generous space that comes with every kind of modern convenience you’ll want in your accommodations. Like the rest of the ultra-luxury hotel, the room’s decor seamlessly juxtaposes Khmer culture with modern aesthetics. Dark wood paneling, clever warm lighting and plush cushions exude welcoming vibes, lulling you into an instant sense of peace, serenity, and comfort.
Our room is divided in three sections; its ensuite bathroom and walk-in wardrobe cleverly divides the bedroom from the living area, and sliding doors allow additional privacy if required. The bathroom is decadent – particularly the bathtub, which offers a fabulous view of the city’s skyline while you soak – so expect to spend quite a bit of time in here.
As for its facilities? The highlight of our stay was Sense, A Rosewood Spa. Located alongside a 22-metre indoor lap pool, this luxurious spa provides a range of treatments that calms your mind even as they relax your body. You can also soothe sore muscles in the sauna, steam room, or infinity pool, which is what you’ll need after an intense workout at the hotel’s well equipped, state-of-the-art gym.
But Rosewood Phnom Penh also impresses as a destination for fine dining. Brasserie Louis offers a combination of French bistro favourites and regional Cambodian dishes; be sure to avail yourself to its array of sublime French pastries if you choose to have your hotel breakfast here. Cuts is its fine-dining Western steakhouse, or you can head to Iza Japanese Restaurant for some smart casual izakaya-style dining.
Otherwise there is Zhan Liang. Located within the mall at Vattanac Capital Tower, this five-star fine dining Chinese restaurant delivers a mix of signature Cantonese, Sichuan and Northern Chinese cuisines that will please even the most demanding of matriarchs.
Not to forget Sora Bar. Combining an elegant cocktail lounge, sophisticated whisky library and a fantastic rooftop bar offering an expansive view of Phnom Penh’s skyline, this is a favourite spot for tourists visiting the city, and for good reason.
Verdict
Rosewood Phnom Penh puts the luxe in ultra-luxe. Located in the confluence of the Tonle Sap, Mekong and Bassac rivers in the heart of Phnom Penh, this stunning hotel offers convenience and contemporary luxury like no other in the city. More importantly, the hotel – along with its truly impressive slate of refined destination restaurants and possibly the city’s foremost cocktail bar – stands as a clear and present symbol of Cambodia’s newly-found confidence and ambition.
[Photos courtesy of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts]
Rosewood Phnom Penh
Address Monivong Boulevard, 66, Vattanac Capital, Phnom Penh 12021 (Google Maps link)
Tel (855) 23 936 888
Web www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/phnom-penh
Facebook RosewoodPhnomPenh
Instagram @rosewoodphnompenh
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