Phnom Penh and around - The Rough Guide to Cambodia - page 76

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is essential to secure one of the seven en-suite rooms (all
named after Angkorian temples) at this legendary
establishment. Comfortable, modern accommodation is
equipped to satisfy the needs of the visiting journo crowd,
with writi ng d esk, high-speed wi-fi and cable TV. Breakfast
included. $75
Lazy Gecko 1 Street 258 T 017 912935 or T 012
619924, E [e-mail]; map pp.58-59.
Aussie-run guesthouse that stands out along this
backpacker street for its great-value rooms with fans (a/c a
few dollars more), decent beds, cool café an d cocktail bar,
board games and popular quiz night. Fan $7
Okay 38 Street 258 T 012 300804, W okay-guesthouse
.com; map pp.58-59. This long-standing backpacker
favourite has a good range of cheap rooms, the more
expensive with a/c, some a little faded, and a busy
restaurant where travellers congregate to use the free
wi-fi, watch films and swap stories. They can arra nge visa
extensions, onward travel and laundry service. Fan $5
Paragon 219B Sisowath Quay T 023 222607,
E [e-mail]; map p.66. It's a
no-frills place, but for the price and location a real bargain,
and they've recently installed a lift. Rooms (all a/c) are
plain but spotles s - a river view and private balcony can be
had for just $38. $18
★

ESSENTIALS
Budget hotels The former backpacker area around
Boeng Kak lake has now all but disappeared along with the
water. Most of the budget accommodation is now in little
clusters to the south of Psar Orussey, and on Street 258 and
Street 172 in the centre of town. There are also several
cheap places with coveted locations either right on or near
the riverfront.
Mid-range hotels Recent years have seen increased
competition in the mid-range bracket, with plenty of
options along Monivong Blvd and in Boeng Keng Kang
(known as BKK), the area broadly around Street 278,
near the NGO residential area. Along with the trendy
Street 240, BKK is one of the hottest locations in town,
with cosmopolitan restaurants, cafés, spas and boutiques
springing up all around.
Deluxe hotels Phnom Penh has some wonderful
upmarket options, many of them proving excellent value,
with the pride of place going to Ra es Hotel Le Royal .
Serviced apartments If you are staying for a month or
more, you could consider one of the serviced apartments
offered by several hotels. Comprising bedroom, sitting
room, bathroom and kitchenette, these go for around
$800-1000/month.

The Quay Sisowath Quay T 023 224894,
W thequayhotel.com; map p.66. This luxurious hotel -
soft cushions and plush carpets, cutting-edge design - has
an excellent restaurant, Chow , as well as roof terrace with
jacuzzi; perfect for h app y-hour drinks overlooking the river.
Staff are delightful. $90
River 108 2 Street 108 T 023 218785, W river108.com;
map p.66. A luxurious Art Deco-styled boutique hotel, in
shades of muted silver and gold with tinkling fountains,
just a stone's throw from the water. $85

THE RIVERFRONT
Bougainvillier 272C Sisowath Quay T 023 220528,
W bougainvillierhotel.com; map p.66. This hotel has a
terrific location and well-appointed, spacious rooms with
Cambodian textiles and furnishings in muted tones (the
newest ones are in the next-door building). Also boasts a
fine French restaurant. Wi-fi -fi a nd breakfast included.
Monthly rates available, too. $70
Cambodiana 313 Sisowath Quay T 023 426288,
W hotelcambodiana.com.kh; map pp.58-59. Set by the
river, the colossal Cambodiana hasn't quite accepted that its
days as the city's premier hotel have long gone. Rooms are
large and comfy enough, the views are great and the casino
gives the hotel a ra sh air, while amenities include Asian
and Western restaurants, bars, bakery, spa, gym, tennis
courts, swimming pool and grounds running down to the
river. However, you'll 'll find far more charm and style for your
money elsewhere. $180
★

AROUND THE NATIONAL MUSEUM AND
ROYAL PALACE
★

Blue Lime 42 Street 19Z (off Street 19) T 023
222260, W bluelime.asia; map p.66. This boutique hotel,
tucked away down a little alley behind the National Museum,
has the understated, contemporary style and service ethos to
rival anything in Paris or New York. An exclusive haven from
the bustle of town, the rooms are minimalist and fresh, with
all mod cons, and some have their own private plunge-pool
and terrace. The day-beds around the main pool itself are the
perfect place to unwind, and the restaurant serves Western
food. Breakfast included. $45
Lone Star Saloon 30 Street 23 T 012 577860,
W lonestarcambodia.com; map p.66. Friendly,
American-owned guesthouse just around the corner from
buzzy Street 172, with four surprisingly large a/c rooms;
even the “small” room is sizeabl e. H uge portions of Texan-
style food is served downstairs. $25

Camory Backpackers 167 Sisowath Quay T 012
664567, W camoryhostelandrestaurant.com; map
p.66. With a top location right on the waterfront, three
squeaky clean a/c dorms and friendly, caring staff, this
small hostel is a cut above; the big front dorm comes with a
deep river-facing balcony and all beds have reading lamps.
There's also a good restaurant and bar, and breakfast is
included in the rate. Book ahead. $12
FCC Phnom Penh (Formerly known as the Foreign
Correspondents Club of Cambodia) 363 Sisowath Quay
T 023 992284, W fcccambodia.com; map p.66. Booking