Last Updated on October 17, 2026
Introduction – Best Hotels in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is one of Southeast Asia’s most underrated city breaks, combining French-colonial architecture, lively riverside streets, Khmer culture, excellent food and surprisingly good-value hotels.
The best place to stay depends on what you want from the trip.
Riverside and Daun Penh are ideal for first-time visitors who want to walk to the Royal Palace, National Museum and Sisowath Quay. BKK1 is better for cafes, restaurants, bars and a quieter neighborhood atmosphere.
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– 7 Days in Cambodia Itinerary: Best Phnom Penh
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Table of Contents – Best Hotels in Phnom Penh
Quick picks – Best Hotels in Phnom Penh
| Hotel | Area | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Raffles Hotel Le Royal | Daun Penh | Best historic luxury |
| Rosewood Phnom Penh | Central Phnom Penh | Best modern luxury |
| Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra | Riverside | Best luxury resort-style stay |
| Palace Gate Hotel & Resort | Royal Palace | Best boutique luxury |
| Plantation Urban Resort & Spa | Daun Penh | Best boutique hotel |
| Baitong Hotel & Resort | BKK1 | Best pool hotel |
| Penh House Hotel | Daun Penh/BKK1 edge | Best value boutique |
| TRIBE Phnom Penh Post Office Square | Riverside/central | Best modern value |
| Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh | Daun Penh | Best upscale city hotel |
| SUN & MOON, Riverside Hotel | Riverside | Best mid-range riverside |
| Okay Boutique Hotel | Royal Palace area | Best affordable hotel |
| Onederz Phnom Penh | Riverside | Best for backpackers |
COMPARE PHNOM PENH HOTEL PRICES →
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Best Hotels in Phnom Penh
1. Raffles Hotel Le Royal – Best Historic Luxury Hotel in Phnom Penh
Hotel
If you want the classic Phnom Penh hotel experience, Raffles Hotel Le Royal is the standout choice.
This historic property has been part of Phnom Penh’s hotel scene for generations and combines colonial character with modern five-star facilities.
It’s located in Daun Penh, making it convenient for exploring central Phnom Penh while still offering a more secluded hotel atmosphere.
Best for: Luxury travelers, couples, history lovers and special occasions.
Why stay here:
- Historic Cambodian hotel
- Classic colonial character
- Full-service luxury
- Central location
- Excellent choice for a special occasion
CHECK RAFFLES HOTEL LE ROYAL PRICES →
2. Rosewood Phnom Penh – Best Modern Luxury Hotel
Hotel
For contemporary luxury, Rosewood Phnom Penh is one of the city’s mostdistinctive options.
The hotel occupies the upper floors of Vattanac Capital, giving guests dramatic city views and a very different experience from Phnom Penh’s historic riverside hotels.
Rosewood among the city’s top luxury properties.
Best for: Luxury travelers, couples, business trips and skyline views.
CHECK ROSEWOOD PHNOM PENH RATES →
3. Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra – Best Luxury Resort-Style Hotel
Extended stay hotel
Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra is a strong choice if you want five-star facilities without staying directly in the busiest part of the Riverside.
The property has a resort-like feel, with extensive facilities and a large pool area.
It’s particularly attractive for travelers who plan to spend some time relaxing at the hotel rather than sightseeing from morning to night.
Best for: Families, couples and luxury travelers.
CHECK SOFITEL PHNOM PENH PRICES →
4. Palace Gate Hotel & Resort – Best Boutique Luxury Near the Royal Palace
Hotel
If location is your priority, Palace Gate Hotel & Resort is difficult to overlook.
The hotel sits close to the Royal Palace in a restored colonial-style setting, putting several of Phnom Penh’s major sights within easy reach.
It among the highly rated hotels near the Royal Palace.
Best for: Couples, first-time visitors and boutique-luxury travelers.
CHECK PALACE GATE HOTEL PRICES →
5. Plantation Urban Resort & Spa – Best Boutique Hotel in Phnom Penh
Resort hotel
Plantation Urban Resort & Spa is one of the best choices if you want a boutiqueatmosphere in central Phnom Penh.
The hotel provides a welcome contrast to the busy streets outside, with greenery, a pool and resort-style facilities.
Plantation among Phnom Penh’s strongest boutique/value options.
Best for: Couples, boutique-hotel lovers and travelers who want a relaxing stay.
CHECK PLANTATION URBAN RESORT PRICES →
6. Baitong Hotel & Resort – Best Hotel with a Pool in BKK1
Hotel
Baitong Hotel & Resort is an excellent option for travelers who want the cafés, restaurants and atmosphere of BKK1.
BKK1 has become one of Phnom Penh’s most popular areas for travelers who prefer a more residential and contemporary neighborhood over the tourist-heavy riverside.
The hotel itself adds a resort-style pool and greenery.
Best for: Couples, digital nomads, longer stays and travelers who like cafés and restaurants.
CHECK BAITONG HOTEL & RESORT RATES →
7. Penh House Hotel – Best Value Boutique Hotel
Hotel
Penh House Hotel is a great middle ground between a basic budget hotel and a full luxury resort.
It’s particularly appealing if you want a stylish property, a pool and a central location without paying five-star prices.
Best for: Couples, first-time visitors and value-conscious travelers.
CHECK PENH HOUSE HOTEL PRICES →
8. TRIBE Phnom Penh Post Office Square – Best Modern Value Hotel
Hotel
TRIBE Phnom Penh Post Office Square is a strong option for travelers who prefer contemporary design and a younger hotel atmosphere.
Its central location makes it useful for exploring the riverside and historic areas.
Best for: Couples, younger travelers and business/leisure trips.
CHECK TRIBE PHNOM PENH PRICES →
9. Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh – Best Upscale City Hotel
Hotel
Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh combines the reliability of an international hotel brandwith a central location near Phnom Penh’s historic core.
It’s a good choice if you want a polished hotel experience but don’t necessarily need a resort outside the city center.
Best for: Business travelers, families and first-time visitors who prefer an international brand.
CHECK HYATT REGENCY PHNOM PENH RATES →
10. SUN & MOON, Riverside Hotel – Best Mid-Range Riverside Stay
Hotel
For travelers who want to stay close to the river without paying luxury-hotel prices, SUN & MOON, Riverside Hotel is worth comparing.
A riverside location means you can easily combine sightseeing with evening walks along Sisowath Quay.
Best for: Couples, first-time visitors and travelers who want a central location.
CHECK SUN & MOON RIVERSIDE HOTEL →
11. Okay Boutique Hotel – Best Affordable Hotel Near the Royal Palace
Hotel
If you’re looking for a more affordable place to stay close to Phnom Penh’s majorhistoric attractions, Okay Boutique Hotel is worth considering.
It’s in the Royal Palace and National Museum area, making it convenient for a short sightseeing-focused trip.
The property among the accommodation options near the Royal Palace.
Best for: Budget-conscious couples, short stays and first-time visitors.
CHECK OKAY BOUTIQUE HOTEL PRICES →
12. Onederz Phnom Penh – Best for Backpackers
Hostel
Traveling solo or trying to keep your accommodation costs as low as possible?
Onederz Phnom Penh is a hostel-style option near the Riverside.
Onederz among Phnom Penh’s low-cost accommodation choices, it a hostel rather than a conventional hotel.
Best for: Backpackers, solo travelers and social travelers.
CHECK ONEDERZ PHNOM PENH AVAILABILITY →
Where to Stay in Phnom Penh – Best Hotels in Phnom Penh
Choosing the right neighborhood can completely change your experience of Phnom Penh.
Riverside / Sisowath Quay – Best for First-Time Visitors
If this is your first trip to Phnom Penh, Riverside is the easiest area to understand.
The riverfront puts you close to:
Best for backpackers
Best Hotels in Phnom Penh Booking Checklist
Before booking, check:
- Neighborhood
- Distance to Riverside
- Distance to Royal Palace
- Pool
- Breakfast
- Airport transfer
- Air conditioning
- Elevator
- Free cancellation
- Taxes and fees
- Recent reviews
- Noise level
Book Your Phnom Penh Trip – Best Hotels in Phnom Penh
- Royal Palace
- Silver Pagoda
- National Museum
- Sisowath Quay
- Central Market
- Restaurants and bars
- Evening river walks
Riverside/DaunPenh the best choice for walkability and first-time sightseeing.
Best for: First-time visitors and short stays.
Downside: The riverside can be noisy, especially around busy nightlife areas.
Daun Penh – Best for Sightseeing
Daun Penh is the historic heart of Phnom Penh.
It’s a particularly good choice if your itinerary focuses on the Royal Palace, National Museum, Wat Phnom and the colonial center.
Best for: Culture, sightseeing and first-time visitors.
Top hotel picks: Palace Gate, Plantation, Okay Boutique.
BKK1 – Best for Cafes, Restaurants and a Quieter Stay
Boeung Keng Kang 1, usually called BKK1, is one of Phnom Penh’s most popular neighborhoods with long-stay travelers and expats.
It’s known for cafes, international restaurants, wine bars and a more residential atmosphere.
It an all-rounder, although it can be more expensive than some other central areas.
Best for: Couples, digital nomads, food travelers and longer stays.
Top hotel picks: Baitong Hotel & Resort and Penh House Hotel.
Tonle Bassac – Best for Restaurants and Nightlife
Tonle Bassac sits south of BKK1 and is increasingly popular for restaurants, bars and boutique hotels.
It’s a good choice if you want access to Phnom Penh nightlife without staying directly on the busiest Riverside streets.
Best for: Couples, foodies and nightlife.
Russian Market / Toul Tom Poung – Best for Local Atmosphere
Travelers looking for a less touristy experience can consider the Russian Market area.
You’ll find local markets, cafes, restaurants and a more residential side of Phnom Penh.
Best for: Repeat visitors and longer stays.
Trade-off: You’ll generally need a tuk-tuk or ride-hailing service to reach the main Riverside attractions.
How Much Does a Best Hotels in Phnom Penh Cost?
One of Phnom Penh’s biggest advantages is the range of accommodation available at different price points.
Everything from very inexpensive hostels and guesthouses to international five-star hotels. Some strong boutique hotels around the US$60–135 range, while luxury properties can move well above US$200 depending on dates.
Approximate planning budget
Budget: US$15–40 per night
Good mid-range: US$40–90
Boutique/luxury value: US$60–150
Luxury: US$150–400+
These are planning ranges rather than guaranteed rates. Your exact price will depend on dates, room type, season and cancellation terms.
COMPARE YOUR PHNOM PENH DATES →
3 Days Phnom Penh Itinerary – Best Hotels in Phnom Penh
A three days Phnom Penh itinerary gives you enough time to see the major historical sights while leaving room for food, cafes and the Riverside.
Day 1 – Royal Palace, National Museum & Riverside
Morning: Royal Palace
Start your trip at the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda.
This is one of the most important cultural attractions in Phnom Penh and an easy starting point if you’re staying around Daun Penh or Riverside.
BOOK A PHNOM PENH CITY & CULTURE TOUR →
Late Morning: National Museum
Walk to the National Museum to explore Khmer art and sculpture.
Afternoon: Central Market
Continue to Central Market for shopping, snacks and local atmosphere.
Evening: Sisowath Quay
Walk along the riverfront around sunset.
This is one of the best times to experience Phnom Penh’s Riverside.
Day 2 – Tuol Sleng & Killing Fields
This is the most emotionally difficult day of the itinerary, but also one of the most important for understanding Cambodia’s modern history.
Morning: Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
Visit the former S-21 prison, now the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.
Allow enough time to explore respectfully.
Afternoon: Choeung Ek Genocidal Center
Continue to the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, commonly known as the Killing Fields.
A guided tour can provide historical context and help visitors understand the sites.
Evening: BKK1
After a heavy sightseeing day, return to BKK1 for dinner.
The neighborhood has a strong selection of cafes, restaurants and bars.
Day 3 – Wat Phnom, Cafes & Riverside
Morning: Wat Phnom
Start at Wat Phnom, one of Phnom Penh’s best-known historic landmarks.
Lunch: BKK1 or Riverside
Choose a local Cambodian restaurant or a modern café.
Afternoon: Free time
Use your final afternoon for:
- Shopping
- Cambodian coffee
- Spa treatment
- Local markets
- Hotel pool
- Souvenir shopping
Sunset: Mekong River Cruise
Finish the trip with a sunset cruise along the Mekong and Tonle Sap.
Best Hotels in Phnom Penh by Traveler Type
Best overall luxury
Best modern luxury
Best resort-style hotel
Best near the Royal Palace
Best boutique hotel
Best BKK1 hotel with a pool
Best value boutique hotel
Best for Riverside sightseeing
Best for backpackers
How to Choose the Best Hotels in Phnom Penh
Stay near the Riverside for your first trip
If you only have two or three nights, minimize transportation and stay around Riverside or Daun Penh.
Choose BKK1 for a longer stay
BKK1 is better suited to travelers who want cafes, restaurants and a quieter neighborhood atmosphere.
Get a hotel with a pool
Phnom Penh can be hot, so a pool is a genuine quality-of-life upgrade rather than just a luxury amenity.
Check the exact location
A hotel advertised as “Riverside” may be several blocks away from the actual river.
Check recent reviews
Pay particular attention to recent comments about:
Noise
Cleanliness
Air conditioning
Water pressure
Wi-Fi
Staff
Construction nearby
Best Hotels in Phnom Penh Booking Checklist
Before booking, check:
- Neighborhood
- Distance to Riverside
- Distance to Royal Palace
- Pool
- Breakfast
- Airport transfer
- Air conditioning
- Elevator
- Free cancellation
- Taxes and fees
- Recent reviews
- Noise level
FAQ: Best Hotels in Phnom Penh
What is the best area to stay in Phnom Penh?
For first-time visitors, Riverside and Daun Penh are generally the easiest choices because they put you close to the Royal Palace, National Museum and riverfront. BKK1 is better if you prefer cafes, restaurants and a quieter neighborhood.
What is the best luxury hotel in Phnom Penh?
Raffles Hotel Le Royal is the classic historic luxury choice, while Rosewood Phnom Penh is the leading contemporary luxury option.
What are the best hotels near the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh?
Palace Gate Hotel & Resort is one of the strongest choices because of its proximity to the Royal Palace. Hotel KVL and Okay Boutique Hotel are other options in the surrounding area. Several highly rated properties within a short walk of the palace.
Is Riverside Phnom Penh a good place to stay?
Yes. Riverside is one of the most convenient locations for first-time visitors because you can walk to major cultural attractions and enjoy the riverfront in the evening. The trade-off is that parts of the area can be noisy.
Is BKK1 a good area to stay in Phnom Penh?
Yes. BKK1 is particularly good for travelers who enjoy cafes, restaurants, bars and a more residential atmosphere. It is usually quieter than the busiest Riverside streets but farther from the main riverfront sights.
How many days should I spend in Phnom Penh?
Three days is a good starting point. It gives you enough time for the Royal Palace, National Museum, Riverside, Tuol Sleng and Killing Fields, while leaving time for food and neighborhood exploration.
Are hotels in Phnom Penh expensive?
Phnom Penh offers excellent value across the hotel market. Range from inexpensive hostels to luxury hotels costing several hundred dollars per night, with particularly strong value in the mid-range and boutique categories.
Conclusion – Best Hotels in Phnom Penh
For first-time visitors: Stay around Riverside or Daun Penh.
For luxury: Choose Raffles Hotel Le Royal or Rosewood Phnom Penh.
For boutique style: Plantation Urban Resort & Spa is an excellent choice.
For a quieter neighborhood: Stay in BKK1, with Baitong Hotel & Resort and Penh House Hotel among the strongest options.
For value: Compare Penh House Hotel, TRIBE Phnom Penh Post Office Square and Okay Boutique Hotel.
For backpackers: Onederz Phnom Penh is a straightforward low-cost choice.
The biggest advantage of Phnom Penh is that you don’t have to spend luxury-hotel money to get a comfortable, well-located stay. Particularly strong value in the city’s boutique and mid-range segment.
MBA Global Business | PMP | Train-the-Trainer
From bank to exploring Asia. Combining professional research with first-hand travel experiences to create practical hotels, tours, itineraries and travel guides.