Raffles Hotel Le Royal
Luxury in Phnom Penh
The Raffles’ iconic doorman greeted us by opening the car door and extending an assisting hand. Dressed in silk pantaloons which change colour according to the day of the week, his uniform was inspired by the Royal Palace Guards.
Raffles Hotels are well known for their legendary service and hospitality and the Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh, Cambodia is no exception.
We were led to the lobby and handed a chilled lemon-grass tea, garnished with a sugar cane stalk and hibiscus. The perfect remedy for the sticky heat that is Cambodia’s capital in the dry season. I was grateful for the thoughtful gesture.
Photo credit: Jessica Palmer
Like the rest of Cambodia, the concierge quickly befriended the kids, telling them about a surprise he had left in the room. The surprise turned out to be two plush Raffles teddy bears with a trademark Cambodian scarf, each with a hand-written note welcoming the kids to the Raffles Hotel Le Royal.
It didn’t end there! …
The adults were surprised with a small, signature Raffles gin, small chocolate delicacies and fresh seasonal fruit. Next to the wonderfully oversized pillows on the bed was our own personal note that began with, ”Dear Family Palmer”. The note wished us an enchanting stay at the hotel.
The Raffles Hotel Le Royal has been welcoming visitors since 1929 and although the hotel stands up to its own with its imposing blend of Khmer and French Colonial style, it’s these little touches and attention to detail that truly make guests feel welcome as a family.
The Raffles Hotel Le Royal is where you arrive as a guest and leave as a friend.
Photo credit: Raffles Hotel Le Royal
The Rooms at the Raffles Hotel Le Royal
Accommodation includes a variety of rooms and suites, featuring ”personality” suites and the famed Le Royal Suite, where many global leaders and celebrities have stayed. Interconnecting rooms are available and some feature a deep claw foot bathtub.
The rooms are built around a central private courtyard with Frangipani-lined tropical gardens and two swimming pools. One of the swimming pools is particularly family friends with depths of no deeper than 90cm (3ft).
Modelled after celebrities who have stayed at the hotel, the personality suites are my personal favourite. There is even a glass on display that still contains the lipstick imprint of Jacqueline Kennedy.
Photo credit: Raffles Hotel Le Royal
Dining Options
Dining options include the Restaurant Le Royal, Le Phnom 1929, The Elephant Bar and Poolside Terrance.
The Restaurant Le Royal is an unforgettable experience and one of the few restaurants in the world that serves both Royal Khmer and modern western cuisine. The room itself is elegant featuring dramatic chandeliers and hand-painted ceilings created by royal artist Assasax.
Despite the Restaurant Le Royal’s fine dining elegance, families are more than welcome. In fact, this restaurant has the most extensive children’s menu I have ever seen.
A highlight for the kids was when a staff member cheekily challenged the chef to ”do something special” with strawberry ice-cream. The “something special” arrived 10 minutes later in the form of two bowls made completely from ice with the ice-cream and decadent toppings.
Featuring a full range of wines, beers, spirits and over 110 different gins, the Elephant Bar is considered an institution in Phnom Penh. Their signature cocktail is the Femme Fatale, first concocted for Jacqueline Kennedy during her visit to Cambodia in 1967. It’s Cambodia’s version of the signature Singapore Sling. The Elephant bar is where you head for Tapas and light meals or snacks during the day.
Photo credit: Jessica Palmer
The Facilities
The Raffles Hotel Le Royal offers everything you’d expect from a luxury hotel and a few things you might not. You can expect an airport limousine service, hotel boutique, concierge, babysitting, an on-call doctor, cooking classes, swimming pools, a fitness centre and the Raffles history gallery.
I’m incredibly disappointed our time was pressed and we couldn’t fit in a cooking class. It’s one of those activities the whole family can get their hands on and sink their teeth into … literally.
My favourite? The Raffles Spa! Book in an authentic treatment in a range of traditional Khmer and modern styles.
Photo credit: Jessica Palmer
While You’re Enjoying the Raffles Hotel Le Royal, you Might as Well Enjoy Phnom Penh, Right?
I say this jokingly of course! But the Raffles Hotel Le Royal really is that iconic that it almost feels like a destination itself.
When you do drag yourself away from the hotel, Phnom Penh is an amazing cultural destination for families. Don’t forget to take advantage of the hotels in-house tour guide.
Must-see attractions in Phnom Penh include the Royal Palace, the National Museum, Wat Phnom Temple and the confluence of the legendary Mekong River and Tonle Sap. The hotel puts you within easy reach of the Central Market and Riverside Promenade. Read more about visiting Phnom Penh with kids here.
Book your stay at the Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh, Cambodia here!
Photo credit: Jessica Palmer
For more information, visit raffles.com/phnom-penh.
Looking for More Awesome Family Holiday Destinations?
For more information on visiting Cambodia, head on over to our Cambodia page. For other destinations both in Australia and worldwide, head on back to the home page.
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Resources for Booking a Family Holiday to Cambodia
Flights
Most international flights will land in Phnom Penh although you may get one to Siem Reap. Try searching on Trip.com for a great deal on flights.
Activities and Tours
Viator is a trusted source when it comes to booking activities and tours. Alternatively, your hotel will be able to help you out.
Accommodation
- VMansion Boutique Hotel – Phnom Penh
- Raffles Hotel Le Royal – Phnom Penh
- Ibis Styles Hotel – Siem Reap
- Raffles Hotel d’Angkore – Siem Ream
- Sok San Beach Resort – Koh Rong Island
Let me know what you think!