Raffles Phnom Penh Review: Has It Maintained Its Magic?

I had previously stayed at Raffles Hotel Le Royal in August of 2022 and had nothing but great memories from that experience. At that time, I had rated the hotel a perfect 10/10, you can read that first review here at my original Raffles Hotel Le Royal review. One of my favorite things to do is return to hotels that I ranked highly and see if they can keep up their standards years later. Therefore, I was incredibly excited to come back in 2026 to see how Raffles Phnom Penh fared! This Raffles Phnom Penh review will explore whether this legendary property has maintained its excellence.

Location and Setting

Located in the city center, Raffles Hotel Phnom Penh is super convenient for moving about the city. The location is one of the property’s strongest assets, positioning you perfectly to explore Cambodia’s vibrant capital while providing a tranquil oasis to return to after a day of sightseeing.

Arrival and Lobby: First Impressions

From the moment I arrived, I received the same great warm welcome I remembered from years ago. The hotel lobby is superb, super classy, yet not too large so it still feels intimate and has an old world charm that’s increasingly rare in modern hotels. This is one of the aspects that makes any Raffles Hotel Phnom Penh review worth writing.

Check-in happens while you’re seated in the lobby, not at a reception counter, which immediately sets a tone of personalized service. The welcome drink was tasty and refreshing but not too sweet, striking the perfect balance. Shortly after, I was escorted to my room with genuine warmth from the staff.

State Room Twin Bed – Pool View

The State Room was exactly what you’d expect from a classic luxury hotel, a brightly colored room with that timeless luxury hotel vibe from your dreams. All materials felt high quality, from the linens to the furnishings, maintaining the standard I remembered from my previous stay.

The beds were exceptionally comfortable, ensuring restful nights throughout my stay. A large desk provided ample workspace for those traveling on business. The coffee and tea station came equipped with a proper coffee machine and capsules, not just an electric kettle, a nice touch that elevates the experience.

The bathroom featured both a bathtub and separate shower stall, offering flexibility depending on your preference. One standout feature in this Raffles Hotel Phnom Penh review is the butler service, which could help with things like tea preparation, laundry, and even complimentary chocolates. The lovely pool view from the room added to the overall ambiance, creating a serene atmosphere.

Raffles Phnom Penh Review: Pools and Wellness

The amazing dual pools in the center courtyard remain one of the hotel’s crown jewels. There’s a children’s pool and an adult pool separated by a covered walkway, allowing families and couples to enjoy their respective spaces. Around the pool, you’ll find plentiful seating options, ensuring you can always find a comfortable spot.

The hotel has thoughtfully included many games and even a ping pong table around the pool area, adding a playful element to the relaxation. The fitness center is located upstairs and is well-equipped with everything you’d need for a proper workout.

One unique offering highlighted in this Raffles Hotel Phnom Penh review is the complimentary yoga sessions. We enjoyed participating in one, which turned out to be a fairly alternative style but pleasant nonetheless. The relaxation areas were as amazing as I remembered them, featuring a jacuzzi, steam room, and sauna. All were lovely and maintained that classic aesthetic that defines the property.

Food and Beverage: Restaurant Le Royal

Restaurant Le Royal is the hotel’s fine dining establishment, and the dining room itself is absolutely glorious. The restaurant offers both traditional Cambodian and modern Cambodian food, providing an excellent opportunity to explore the local cuisine in an elevated setting.

We sampled several dishes during our stay, and while all were competently prepared, only the pork truly stood out, mainly because of its lovely texture. The food was good but didn’t blow me away the way some other aspects of the Raffles Hotel Phnom Penh experience did. It was solid, well-executed cuisine, but perhaps not quite reaching the heights one might expect from such a storied property.

The Legendary Elephant Bar

The Elephant Bar deserves special mention in any Raffles Hotel Phnom Penh review. This bar still has the same charm it did years ago, and I was absolutely blown away by the service. Not only did Jason the bartender remember me from years ago, he also remembered my drink order. This level of personalized service was super impressive and speaks volumes about the quality of staff retention and training.

This year I wasn’t drinking alcohol, so I went for an alcohol-free negroni which was actually quite tasty considering the lack of alcohol. The bartender crafted it with the same care and attention as any traditional cocktail. This is a great establishment that has withstood the test of time, maintaining its reputation as one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic hotel bars.

Breakfast at Le Phnom 1929: A Change Worth Noting

Breakfast was by far the part that left me most impressed during my first stay in 2022, so I was eager to experience it again. The restaurant, Le Phnom 1929, felt the same, gorgeous in itself with that colonial elegance. However, the format of breakfast had been changed from a lavish buffet to an a la carte menu only.

I have to say this was a serious letdown compared to the initial glorious buffet experience. While the new format offers an all-you-can-order a la carte menu, it simply doesn’t capture the same magic. We tried several options, and although everything was decent, nothing felt particularly special. The variety and visual appeal of the previous buffet setup created an experience that the current menu just doesn’t replicate.

Additionally, the service during breakfast was also lacking a bit, with occasional inattention and even a forgotten coffee order. This was surprising given the otherwise exemplary service throughout the property. It’s worth noting in this Raffles Hotel Phnom Penh review as it represents a significant change from my previous experience.

Things to Do in Phnom Penh

While Raffles Hotel Phnom Penh offers a wonderful retreat, you’ll want to explore the fascinating city during your stay. Here are some top-rated experiences:

Final Verdict: Raffles Hotel Phnom Penh Review

Overall, this is still a great hotel with lots of history and character. The property itself is absolutely glorious, I love the design and atmosphere that transports you to a different era. The service remains terrific, with nothing but smiling faces throughout the staff. The central location continues to be a major advantage for exploring Phnom Penh.

However, I must be honest in this Raffles Hotel Phnom Penh review: although the experience was lovely, it didn’t quite match the initial experience from years ago. The change in breakfast format was particularly noticeable, and some minor service inconsistencies at breakfast contrasted with the otherwise impeccable standards.

That said, it’s still a solid choice for luxury accommodation in Phnom Penh. The historic property, beautiful pools, legendary Elephant Bar, and personalized butler service make it a memorable stay. The Raffles name carries weight for good reason, and this property largely lives up to that legacy, even if some elements have evolved over time.

For travelers seeking a hotel with genuine history, classic colonial charm, and a central location, Raffles Hotel Phnom Penh remains an excellent option. While it may have lost a tiny bit of its magic since my 10/10 rating in 2022, it’s still easily one of the best hotels in Phnom Penh and worthy of consideration for your Cambodia itinerary. I hope you enjoyed this Raffles Hotel Phnom Penh review!