Cambodia is luring more major international hospitality names to its shores, and after several years of construction – interrupted by the pandemic – Novotel Phnom Penh BKK1 has opened its doors in the capital
Novotel Phnom Penh BKK1
Cambodia is luring more major international hospitality names to its shores, and after several years of construction – interrupted by the pandemic – Novotel Phnom Penh BKK1 has opened its doors in the capital
The property is located in the heart of Phnom Penh’s Boeng Keng Kang 1 (BKK1) district, home to a collection of bars, restaurants and coffee shops, and a growing number of modern condominiums that pierce the sky. It’s a few minutes’ walk to lively Langka Lane and Bassac Lane, which spring to life at night, and a short tuk-tuk ride or leisurely stroll to major attractions, including the Royal Palace and National Museum.
Accommodation
The 254-key hotel takes in guestrooms that range from 27m² Superior rooms to the spacious 45m² Executive King Suite. Each room offers either views that stretch to the iconic Mekong River or sweeping vistas of the ever-rising capital.
My home for the night was the 27m² Superior King Room, which delivered a comfortable and convenient space for my overnight break. Located on the 19th floor, the room boasts spectacular bird’s eye views of the sprawling capital.
In keeping with the hotel’s décor, a neutral palette is given a local flavour, thanks to Cambodian-French-Canadian artist, FONKi, whose signature graffiti/pop-art adorns the walls in the form of cyclo drivers and other scenes that depict daily Cambodian life.
The room comes complete with all of the usual amenities: a mini bar, coffee and tea facilities, a standalone rain shower and separate toilet and 55-inch Smart TV. A sofa sits in front of floor-to-ceiling windows that spill light into the room – the perfect spot to relax and soak up the scenery.
F&B
The hotel’s current F&B offerings take diners on a culinary journey through Spain’s Basque region in the form of Makila. Here, guests can start their day with a buffet breakfast – à la carte options are also available – or devour lunch or dinner in the stylish setting before enjoying a hand-crafted cocktail at the adjacent Kaixo lobby bar.
The Rosemary Pool Bar serves a section of drinks and snacks, while a Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant and rooftop bar is slated to open in October on the 28th floor.
Facilities
The hotel’s fifth floor is where the communal action takes place. It is home to a spacious outdoor swimming pool ideal for laps, or relaxing in one of the shallow spots, with plenty of inflatables for the kids upon request. The floor also houses In Balance by Novotel, a compact but well-equipped gym, and Bodia spa for massages and other pampering treatments.
The property also caters to meeting and events, with a grand 272m² ballroom capable of seating up to 230 guests, a 145m² pre-function hall and various flexible meeting rooms.
Service
In line with Cambodian hospitality, the staff were warm and welcoming from the moment I arrived until the moment I left. As the hotel is still in its soft opening phase, there was some confusion over breakfast, but it was quickly and smoothly rectified with professionalism. The staff are also knowledgeable about the area and able to offer suggestions for sight-seeing tailored around individual needs.
Verdict
While major international brands are cropping up across the Cambodian capital, Novotel is the first in BKK1 and a welcome addition to the lively area. The food is excellent, blending Basque delights with Khmer flavours, and with more amenities set to open later this year on the rooftop, this will undoubtedly cement the property as one of the places to be seen in Phnom Penh.
Contact details
Website: http://www.novotelphnompenhbkk1.com/