In the fast-growing Cambodian capital, Marissa Carruthers discovers a property that is elevating the city's accommodation offerings to new heights
Location
Rosewood Phnom Penh occupies a prime spot in the capital’s burgeoning business district, spread across the top 14 floors of the city’s highest building, the iconic 188m-high Vattanac Capital Tower. The hotel is conveniently situated a heartbeat away from Phnom Penh’s major attractions.
Rooms
The hotel’s 175 spacious rooms, including 37 suites, each carry the hotel’s signature timeless style that seamlessly blends contemporary with classic, while epitomising chic urban living. The residential-style rooms all have floor-to-ceiling windows, each boasting uninterrupted views across the capital and beyond.
I stayed in a Premier River Room, an expansive 50m2 space that comes furnished with a soft king-sized bed, 55-inch TV, Nespresso coffee machine and mini bar. Custom art pieces delicately dot the walls and living space, and an adjoining large marble bathroom with a tub and separate walk-in shower rounds out the sophisticated yet comfortable space.
F&B
There’s no shortage of food and drink offerings, with the property’s pièce de résistance being Sora – the sky bar on the 37th floor. Holding the title of Phnom Penh’s highest bar, it is perched on a platform overlooking the city and offers unparalleled views of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, iconic Central Market, Olympic Stadium and more. Sora is undoubtedly the best spot in the capital to enjoy a cocktail while the sun sets on the city, with beats of the resident DJ playing in the background.
On the food front, Iza is an izakaya-style restaurant that takes Phnom Penh’s Japanese cuisine to a new level. The delightful range of options take in a robatayaki and irori charcoal grill open kitchen serving barbecued meat, seafood and vegetable skewers, a noodle corner, and sushi and sashimi counters. Yakitori and tempura is also on the menu.
The Living Room is a more casual affair, with a relaxed vibe and intimate feel, ideal for breakfast, lunch and evening appetisers. Brasserie Louis is another great spot for breakfast with a view, business lunches or evening meals, while The Whiskey Bar provides an excellent setting for a nightcap.
Steak and seafood restaurant Cuts is slated to open on the 38th floor this summer.
Facilities
The property features an art gallery showcasing the work of renowned local artists, and a state-of-the-art, 24-hour fitness centre on the 33rd floor. A swimming pool and spa will open this summer.
The hotel’s 992m2 of event space, which takes in three salons for up to 300 guests and The Pavilion – the latter a multipurpose venue made up of The Dining House and Conservatory will be fully operational by 3Q.
Service
The hospitality of the staff is in keeping with the hotel’s standards – high service with a welcoming smile that makes each guest feel as if they are staying in a stylish home away from home.
Verdict
Rosewood is a fantastic addition to Phnom Penh’s hotel scene and sets a high standard for any luxury development that follows in its wake.
No. of rooms 175
Rates From US$250, excluding taxes and service charge
Contact details
Tel: (855) 23 936 888
