The Raffles’ iconic doorman greeted us by opening the car door and extending an assisting hand. Dressed in silk pantaloons and a uniform inspired by the Royal Palace Guards, I’m told they are a different colour according to the day of the week. This level of service and hospitality is not unexpected at a Raffles, but what was unexpected was how incredibly family-friendly the Raffles Hotel Le Royal was.
One of Phnom Penh’s most iconic hotels, the Raffles Hotel Le Royal blends French colonial elegance with warm Khmer hospitality, which begins before you even walk through the front door. 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, and that thoughtful attention to detail continued throughout our stay.
The hotel 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 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.
Location
Proximity to attractions
Raffles Hotel Le Royal is centrally located in Phnom Penh, placing families within easy reach of many of the city’s key cultural attractions. The Royal Palace, National Museum, Wat Phnom, Riverside Promenade, and Central Market are all nearby and easily accessible.
Transportation
The hotel offers airport limousine transfers and has an excellent concierge team who can arrange private drivers, guided tours, or family-friendly excursions. Getting around Phnom Penh from here is easy and stress-free, especially with kids in tow.
Accommodation features
Room types and sizes
Accommodation ranges from elegant guest rooms to expansive suites, including the famous Personality Suites and the prestigious Le Royal Suite, which has hosted global leaders and celebrities over the decades.
For families, interconnecting rooms are available, making it easy to give everyone their own space while staying connected. Some rooms also feature stunning claw-foot bathtubs — a hit with both kids and parents.
Amenities
- Oversized, ultra-comfortable beds
- Luxury linens and pillows
- In-room surprises for kids and adults
- Spacious bathrooms
- Courtyard and pool views
Safety Features
The hotel grounds are secure and enclosed, with attentive staff always nearby. The family-friendly swimming pool is shallow (no deeper than 90cm), making it suitable for younger swimmers.
On-site activities and entertainment
Children’s activities
While there’s no formal kids’ club, the staff go out of their way to engage children, remember names, and create little magical moments — from room surprises to special dining experiences.
facilities
- Two swimming pools (including a shallow family pool)
- Tropical courtyard gardens lined with frangipani trees
- Fitness centre
- Raffles Spa
- Raffles History Gallery
The Raffles Hotel Le Royal offers everything you’d expect from a luxury hotel and a few things you might not. You can expect two swimming pools (including a shallow family pool), tropical courtyard gardens lined with frangipani trees, an airport limousine service, a wellness spa, a fitness centre, a concierge, babysitting, an on-call doctor, cooking classes 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.
Entertainment
Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh offers a range of entertainment options throughout the year, including classic movies under the stars. Keep an eye on their Facebook Page for what’s coming up.
Dining options
Family-friendly dining
Despite its fine-dining reputation, Restaurant Le Royal is genuinely welcoming to families — and boasts the most extensive children’s menu we’ve ever seen.
A standout moment for our kids was when a staff member challenged the chef to “do something special” with strawberry ice cream. What arrived was pure theatre: ice cream served in bowls made entirely of ice, complete with decadent toppings.
Dining venues
- Restaurant Le Royal – Royal Khmer and Western cuisine in an elegant setting
- Le Phnom 1929 – Refined yet relaxed dining
- Elephant Bar – An iconic Phnom Penh institution
- Poolside Terrace – Casual meals and snacks
The Elephant Bar is famous for its Femme Fatale cocktail, created for Jacqueline Kennedy during her 1967 visit. With over 110 gins on offer, it’s also a great spot for light meals or tapas during the day.
Staff and service
Service is where Raffles Hotel Le Royal truly shines. The staff were warm, intuitive, and exceptionally attentive to our children — remembering names, preferences, and small details that made our stay feel personal rather than polished.
However, if this is your first stay in a luxury hotel, it could potentially feel a little too attentive with the concierge running ahead to push elevator buttons for you every time!
Value for money
This is undeniably a luxury hotel, so the price isn’t wallet-friendly, particularly for families. However, it is the kind of hotel where you get a lot of experience, service and inclusions for what you pay. There is generally an expectation that when you pay luxury prices, you get an ‘extra special’ experience, and the Raffles Hotel Le Royal does manage to do that.
Overall experience
What we loved
- Exceptional, genuinely warm service
- Spacious rooms
- Thoughtful touches for children
- Central location
- Family-friendly pool
- World-class dining
- Historic charm and elegance
What could be better
- More family deals on offer
- If there were a play area for kids
Would we recommend Raffles Hotel Le Royal for families
Yes. If you are looking for a luxury stay in Cambodia, then Raffles Hotel Le Royal is a solid choice for families. It’s especially well-suited to families with primary-school-aged children or teens who can appreciate the hotel’s history, food, and cultural setting.
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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 Raffles’ 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.
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