Pavilion

For the price, this is a great hotel. It has an open-air feel, almost like someone's private residence, and the rooms each have air conditioning. There are two pools, about 22 meters (25 yards) long. The private bathrooms have showers only. There were some mosquitoes after dusk, but that's to be expected in a lush tropical area. The hotel wouldn't be a good choice for someone with mobility issues.

My husband and I had a wonderful stay in Phnom Penh and will definitely return. The beautiful grounds and buildings feel like a peaceful oasis among the city's energy. Trees and tropical plants around the pools are especially lovely, and we enjoyed watching birds while we relaxed there. The restaurant and bar team were exceptional. Kakada was particularly kind and dedicated, and made sure we had our favorite fruit and coffee every morning. He really helped make the stay memorable. Breakfast was delicious, and we could order as many dishes as we wanted.

What brought my rating down was getting food poisoning from the hotel restaurant. That was the only place we ate during our short stay in Phnom Penh, so it couldn't have come from somewhere else. From the timing, we think my husband got sick from breakfast and I did from lunch. It seriously disrupted our Cambodia holiday, which was so disappointing. Definitely avoid eating here. The reception staff were helpful and responsive, and their service kept me from giving the hotel just one star. The old hotel section has been beautifully restored, with lush gardens by the pool that feel like an oasis away from the busy street. The location is convenient, near the Royal Palace. Our basic room was clean, with beautiful ornate ceilings, and the room safe was a good size. There were very few power points, and the mattress was a bit lumpy, so I didn't sleep well. There are stairs to the higher floors and no lifts, something to consider if you have mobility issues.

The staff helped arrange our airport transfer on departure day, and breakfast was quick, with some nice healthy choices. The hotel has two lovely pools, one tucked beneath the trees by the restaurant and another behind the building in full sun. Our rooms were spacious and filled with beautiful light, and the hotel was ideally placed for exploring many of the city's main sights. During the end-of-year holiday season, the thoughtful service included champagne and delicacies.