Phnom Penh
Raffles Hotel Le Royal
Highlights
- Landmark location in Phnom Penh’s historic district near Wat Phnom and the Royal Palace
- 175 rooms and suites blending colonial grandeur with timeless Khmer elegance
- Restored 1929 heritage architecture with art deco accents and tropical courtyards
- Two swimming pools surrounded by fragrant frangipani trees and private cabanas
- Fine dining at Restaurant Le Royal featuring Royal Khmer and French cuisine
- Legendary Elephant Bar serving signature cocktails and the famous Femme Fatale martini
Arrival & Location
A legend in the heart of Cambodia’s capital, Raffles Hotel Le Royal stands gracefully between the tree-lined boulevards of Daun Penh district, moments from the Royal Palace, the Central Market, and the banks of the Mekong. Since opening its doors in 1929, it has been the city’s most storied landmark — a gathering place for explorers, artists, and statesmen. Entering through its grand wrought-iron gates, the atmosphere shifts from the pulse of Phnom Penh to one of timeless refinement: gardens scented with frangipani, polished floors gleaming under colonial colonnades, and a quiet sense of history lingering in the air.
Architecture & Interiors
Designed by French architect Ernest Hébrard, the hotel blends art deco grace with Khmer heritage. Its white façades, louvered shutters, and red-tiled roofs evoke a bygone era, while contemporary restoration has preserved its grandeur with understated sophistication. The 175 rooms and suites feature high ceilings, teak furnishings, and woven silks in subtle earth tones, creating spaces of tranquil charm. Many overlook the tropical courtyard or swimming pool, while the State Rooms and Landmark Suites pay homage to the hotel’s colonial past with vintage photographs and clawfoot tubs — reminders of a time when travel itself was an art.
Dining & Leisure
Culinary life at Le Royal celebrates both history and haute cuisine. Restaurant Le Royal offers a rare opportunity to experience Royal Khmer recipes once served to the Cambodian monarchy, alongside fine French gastronomy presented with impeccable artistry. The more relaxed Café Monivong serves breakfast surrounded by garden views, while the Poolside Terrace offers light dishes and cool respite beneath the palms. Evenings often lead to the legendary Elephant Bar — a century-old institution where travelers sip gin-based cocktails, including the iconic Femme Fatale created for Jacqueline Kennedy’s 1967 visit. Beyond dining, guests may explore Phnom Penh’s thriving art galleries, embark on a river cruise at sunset, or discover local crafts guided by the concierge.
Wellness, Service & Essence
Within the sanctuary of Raffles Spa, ancient Khmer healing techniques meet modern wellness, offering massages and therapies designed to restore balance and vitality. Two outdoor swimming pools shaded by frangipani trees invite unhurried relaxation, while a fitness center provides a serene space for daily renewal. Service is the soul of Le Royal — discreet yet intuitive, blending colonial grace with Cambodian warmth. Here, each gesture feels steeped in tradition, each detail thoughtfully preserved. Raffles Hotel Le Royal endures as more than a hotel — it is a living piece of Phnom Penh’s history, where heritage, elegance, and quiet grandeur meet in timeless harmony.
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