The hype
Travelers adore the colonial atmosphere and the pool area, calling it a 'sanctuary' from Phnom Penh's heat.
Raffles Hotel Le Royal
$300-450/ night
Book this if You want to sip a Femme Fatale in the same spot Jackie O did, surrounded by French colonial grandeur rather than glass-and-steel sterility.
Why People Love It
- The legendary Elephant Bar and its 100+ gin collection
- Two lush courtyard pools that feel like a jungle oasis in the chaotic city
- Genuine history—this was the journalist hub before the Khmer Rouge era
Quick Take: It’s a Grand Dame in every sense: elegant, storied, and occasionally showing her age with creaky floors and smallish bathrooms.
Reviewed by @VanessaDewson: I felt like I stepped into a time machine at Raffles. The colonial architecture is stunning, and sipping a cocktail at the Elephant Bar where Jackie O once visited was a total highlight. It’s not just a hotel; it’s a piece of history. Absolutely magical stay.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Some guests feel the rooms are 'tired' compared to the gleaming new Rosewood nearby, citing worn carpets or dated shower setups.
- You own a linen suit and love the idea of 'travel' over 'tourism'
- You prioritize gardens and history over floor-to-ceiling glass windows
- You want a pool you can actually swim laps in without fighting influencers
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.2
- Housekeeping: Twice-daily service including turndown. Generally impeccable, though some corners show the building's age.
- Bathroom hygiene: Spotless tiles and grout, though the vintage fixtures can sometimes look worn despite being clean.
- Maintenance: Excellent upkeep of the grounds and pools. Some creaky floorboards and older AC units in the historic wing.
- Linens & towels: High-thread-count, crisp white linens. Towels are plush and plentiful.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of fresh flowers and lemongrass; rooms are generally fresh, though humidity can cause a faint mustiness in older carpets.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Tuk-tuks and traffic on Monivong Blvd (Landmark Rooms)
- Hallway noise due to original wooden doors and floors
Before you book
Good to know
- The 'Femme Fatale' cocktail is $20+ but you're paying for the story
- Breakfast is excellent but costs ~$30 USD if not included in your rate
- Tuk-tuks are always waiting outside, but use the PassApp or Grab app to avoid haggling
What to pack
- Swimsuit for the two stunning pools
- Smart casual attire—shorts are fine by the pool, but the Elephant Bar deserves a collar
- Earplugs if you insist on staying in the historic wing
Room Genie
Best picks
- State Room Pool View (New Wing) — quietest option with a private balcony
- Landmark Suite — for the full clawfoot-tub, high-ceiling colonial fantasy
Rooms to avoid
- Landmark Rooms facing the street (noise issues)
- Ground floor rooms near the lobby if you dislike foot traffic
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love a State Room in the new wing facing the pool for maximum quiet. If possible, a higher floor to minimize any courtyard noise.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool crowded?
Rarely. There are two pools (one family, one lap), so it's easy to find a lounge chair even on weekends.
Can I walk to the river?
Yes, it's about a 15-20 minute walk, but in the Phnom Penh heat, you'll likely want a $2 tuk-tuk ride.
Is there a dress code?
Resort casual works for the day. For dinner and the Elephant Bar, long trousers and closed shoes for men are recommended but not strictly enforced.
Does the hotel have an elevator?
Yes, there are elevators, though the historic staircase is the more scenic route.
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes, there is a dedicated family pool, but the overall vibe is quite adult and sedate.
How much is the deposit?
Standard practice is around $50-100 USD per night hold on your card for incidentals.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Happy Hour at Elephant Bar runs 4pm-9pm (check exact times on arrival) with 50% off some drinks—a steal.
- ✨
Ask the concierge for a tour of the hotel's history; they often have stories about the war correspondents who stayed here.
- ✨
The 'Landmark' rooms have the history, but the 'State' rooms have the balconies. Choose wisely.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Killing Fields' movie wasn't actually filmed here (it was Thailand), despite the hotel's fame in the story.
💡There's a 'Highest Heel' competition at the Elephant Bar on certain nights—ask the bartender.
💡The bathrooms in the historic wing still have shower-over-tub setups that can be tricky for those with mobility issues.
💡You can order a 'Phnom Penh Sling' which many locals argue is better than the Singapore original.
💡The staircase has a 'grand entrance' feel that makes for better photos than the actual lobby.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Raffles Hotel Le Royal is located and what's nearby.