We review Rosewood Phnom Penh: Cambodia’s skyline-defining luxury hotel

For many travellers, Phnom Penh is simply the gateway to Angkor Wat or Cambodia’s southern coastline. Spend a little longer here, however, and the city reveals a different character. French colonial architecture, ornate temples, and an increasingly confident dining scene sit alongside striking contemporary landmarks. And for those looking for an idyllic stay, there’s no place better than Rosewood Phnom Penh.

While this stay was hosted, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

A review of Rosewood, Phnom Penh

Hotel Snapshot

Hotel: Rosewood Phnom Penh
Address: Vattanac Capital Tower, 66 Monivong Boulevard, Sangkat Wat Phnom, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Number of rooms: 175 rooms and suites
Brand: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
Year opened: 2018
Style: Contemporary luxury hotel occupying the upper floors of Phnom Penh’s landmark Vattanac Capital Tower
Wellness facilities: Sense, A Rosewood Spa, indoor swimming pool, fitness centre, steam rooms and men’s sauna
Prices starting from: Approximately $350USD per night, depending on season and room category.

The location

Rosewood Phnom Penh occupies the upper floors of the landmark Vattanac Capital Tower, one of the city’s most recognisable buildings, with its distinctive dragon-shaped façade. From here, Wat Phnom, the hilltop temple from which Phnom Penh takes its name, is an easy walk away, while Central Market can be reached within minutes by tuk-tuk. The Royal Palace and National Museum of Cambodia are a little further south, with the hotel’s complimentary tuk-tuk providing a convenient way to explore many of the city’s best-known sights.

At the base of the tower, the Vattanac Capital Mall is home to a collection of international luxury fashion brands, adding another dimension to the hotel’s appeal for guests interested in high-end shopping between sightseeing. Cambodia’s striking new Techo International Airport, designed by Foster + Partners, is around 45 minutes away, making transfers into the city refreshingly straightforward.

The arrival

We began in a discreet ground-floor reception before travelling up to the Sky Lobby high above the city. The lift journey offered an early glimpse of the hotel’s artistic character, with striking textile artwork replacing the more conventional paintings. Stepping out into the Sky Lobby, floor-to-ceiling windows framed sweeping views across Phnom Penh, while elegant seating areas and carefully chosen sculptures create an immediate sense of Rosewood.

Check-in was efficient, with staff completing formalities without delay. The process is noticeably more streamlined than other properties, I would actually call it transactional, so I really suggest you take a moment to ask about opening hours, the complimentary tuk-tuk service and the hotel’s facilities during check-in. A little extra guidance at the start will help you make the most of your stay.

The rooms

Our Grand Premier Room occupied a corner position, with floor-to-ceiling windows wrapping around to showcase spectacular views across Phnom Penh, stretching from the city skyline to the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers.

Dark timber floors and a restrained palette are complemented by Khmer-inspired accents, coffee table books and decorative art, creating a space that feels elegant without being over-designed. The sofa and coffee table area made the perfect spot to sit back and admire the view. Fresh local fruit, including Cambodia’s distinctive red bananas, was on hand as a thoughtful welcome.

The bathroom was equally impressive. A generous bathtub sits beside another expansive window, again making the most of the panoramic views, while a separate rain shower, double vanity and spacious dressing area contribute to a feeling of luxury and space. One particularly clever design feature was the concealed door to the WC, integrated into the mirrored wall panelling, preserving the room’s contemporary aesthetic. Thoughtful touches, including natural bath salts, were a nice addition.

One unusual quirk is the room temperature. Guest rooms are pre-set to a minimum temperature higher than we would typically choose for sleeping, and lowering it requires an engineer to access the concealed control panel behind the bedroom mirror, which I have never experienced before.

The food & drink scene

From breakfast before exploring to dinner as the city lights began to sparkle, Brasserie Louis is the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, where French techniques meet Cambodian flavours. Breakfast began with an ample buffet spread featuring smoked salmon, cold cuts, cheeses, fresh seasonal fruit, daily-changing pastries and freshly squeezed juices served in individual glass bottles, complemented by an extensive à la carte menu. It put a smile on my face to see my son’s favourite egg and soldiers on the menu, whereas I opted for a few Cambodian breakfast dishes. Make space for the bai sach chrouk, one of the country’s best-loved morning dishes, where thin slices of marinated pork are grilled over charcoal and served with jasmine rice, pickled vegetables and a light bone broth; delicious! Traditional noodle soups are also on offer, giving the option to alternate between local specialities and familiar classics over a longer stay.

Dinner showcased a more contemporary interpretation of Khmer cuisine. A highlight dish was Cambodia’s iconic hor amok, prepared with Mekong river catfish, whose firm white flesh is steamed inside a banana leaf with coconut cream, lemongrass and Khmer spices. The result was delicately fragrant, wonderfully creamy and best enjoyed with steamed rice to soak up every spoonful of the sauce. Another standout was the Khmer baby chicken served with banana flower confit and peanut sauce. Senior Sous Chef Chanthern explained that this particular dish was inspired by a recipe his mother cooked while he was growing up, making it not only deeply personal but one of his favourite dishes.

As the sun sets, attention shifts to Sora on the 37th floor, Phnom Penh’s highest sky bar. Storytelling cocktails are the focus, and during our visit, the bar was offering a playful LEGO-themed cocktail menu, with several drinks accompanied by brick creations. The panoramic sunset views alone make the visit worthwhile. Families should note that children are only permitted between 5 and 6 pm, giving a short but definitely worthwhile window to enjoy the experience together.

Although we did not have time to try them, the hotel also offers Cuts for premium steaks and seafood, Iza for Japanese izakaya-style dining, Living Room for coffee, cakes and light meals, and the Whisky Library. Fine Chinese dining can be found in the Vattanac Capital Mall basement, complete with a Premium Tea Library; in hindsight, this was one venue I wish I had discovered before checking out.

Wellness

The standout wellness feature was undoubtedly the beautiful 22-metre indoor swimming pool. Framed by floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city, it provided a calm retreat after a day of sightseeing, whether swimming laps or just unwinding on one of the generously sized loungers with a glass of infused water. The peaceful atmosphere made it somewhere I could happily spend an hour without even getting into the slightly chilly pool. As it remained open until 9 pm, I was able to enjoy an evening dip almost entirely to myself, while the city lights looked even more magical reflected across the water.

The fitness centre was well equipped with cardio and strength-training equipment, together with a stretching area. The changing rooms included steam rooms for both men and women, while the men’s also featured a sauna.

Although I was too busy exploring and did not make time for a treatment, Sense, A Rosewood Spa occupied the same floor and draws on traditional Khmer healing practices alongside contemporary wellness therapies, with seven treatment suites completing the wellness offering.

Frequently asked questions: Rosewood Phnom Penh