review of Arunreas Hotel, Phnom Penh

Arunreas Hotel, Boutique Hotel, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Words and photos: Monica Tindall

Vibrant and edgy, Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh seems to be rapidly rising. As the recent dark past fades into the pages of textbooks, the cultural glory of the Khmer’s rich and long history is resurfacing once again. As temples and monuments are slowly refurbished, the city too sees a boom in boutique hotels, chic cafes and fashionable entertainment options. Epitomising celebration of the old while embracing the new is Arunreas Hotel, in the city’s centre.

review of Arunreas Hotel, Phnom Penh
Arunreas Hotel, Phnom Penh

Minutes from the somewhat chaotic tourist districts, dining and shopping areas, Arunreas Hotel provides a haven of calm and elegance: an ideal base from which to explore and a welcome retreat to return to.

The grand snow-white frontage of the corner lot is the first indication of the luxury to be found inside. The lobby continues the story with soft lighting and Cambodian paintings and sculptures, and the hallways to the rooms follow with an extraordinary number of contemporary art pieces found throughout.

best luxury boutique hotels in Phnom Penh
Beautiful Carved Doors Mark the Entrance
review of Arunreas Hotel, Phnom Penh
Lobby
review of Arunreas Hotel, Phnom Penh
Hallways are decorated with local art pieces

Offering a personalized experience, this 12-room boutique hotel promises convenience and comfort in a stylish setting. From the provision of complimentary high-speed Internet and an iPhone 6 in the room, to individualised recommendations for dining and tours, to the arrangement of services such as massage, we feel like royalty throughout our stay.

Rooms come in three categories: City Petite, City Grande and Arunreas Majestic. Starting at 25sqm, 46sqm and lastly 60sqm, all are treated to same theme of design, with polished wooden floorboards, quality upholstery in neutral tones with splashes of royal colour and metallic hues, and finished off with vases of fresh orchids. Rooms are fit with the latest in technology including an iPhone 6, high-speed Internet, Bose docking station, and flat screen TV. L’Occitane toiletries, and Frette bathrobe and slippers, upscale the experience even more.

review of Arunreas Hotel, Phnom Penh
Arunreas Welcome

Our Arunreas Majestic suite is a spacious sanctuary of contemporary design with reminders of the magnificence of the once ruling Khmer Empire. Intricate stone carvings, sandstone tiles and bas-relief imagery pay homage to the past, while cutting edge technology, plush bedding and a lavish plunge bath, spoil us regally with modern comforts.

review of Arunreas Hotel, Phnom Penh
Sitting Area in Arunreas Majestic Suite
review of Arunreas Hotel, Phnom Penh
Arunreas Majestic Suite
review of Arunreas Hotel, Phnom Penh
Bathroom in the Arunreas Majestic Suite
review of Arunreas Hotel, Phnom Penh
Enormous Bathtub in the Arunreas Majestic Suite

A trio of restaurants (one onsite, and two nearby) provides distinctive experiences. Elegant French dining is found at Topaz. A tempting walk-in wine cellar is the first feature to catch our eye and Gallic cuisine backs up our find with presentation and deliciousness. Find our full review via this link. Cambodia’s only Masterchef, Luu Meng, heads the kitchen at Malis, and it is here where we explore contemporary Cambodian cuisine. Follow us here to find our most loved dishes. We enjoy breakfast each day at Khéma and are impressed with the quality of fare. Hubby is wowed by the sheer number of French pastries for the choosing, and I’m pleased with the excellent rendition of eggs Florentine. Even for those not staying in the hotel, the free-flow breakfast for only $10 is a huge attraction. Included in the single price (complimentary for hotel guests) is an unlimited serving of beverages and items from the breakfast menu. Tea, coffee and juice keep us hydrated, and a number of egg dishes, French toast, pancakes, fruit, yoghurt and cereal ensure we’re well fueled for a day of exploration. I must return to the French pastries however, as they are superb. So good in fact, that we can’t help but notice the high number of French nationals seated throughout the restaurant and their contented smiles as they devour baskets of a variety of savoury and sweet baked goodies. Hubby has found himself croissant heaven.

review of Arunreas Hotel, Phnom Penh
Breakfast at Khema Restaurant is a Must
review of Arunreas Hotel, Phnom Penh
Those Fabulous French Pastries
review of Arunreas Hotel, Phnom Penh
Another Brekkie Item
review of Arunreas Hotel, Phnom Penh
Pastry and a Coffee at Khema Restaurant

Considering Phnom Penh is a relatively new tourist destination, we have been pleasantly surprised by the quality of services in both food and accommodation. While the city continues to develop, Arunreas Hotel and its associated restaurants have clearly got things together. Comfortable, stylish and convenient, I can highly recommend Arunreas as a choice luxury stay in Phnom Penh.

Reasons to visit: convenient location; peaceful haven from the surrounding chaos; English speaking staff; excellent food and beverage outlets (the breakfast must be one of the best in the city – even if you’re not staying at the hotel, I suggest taking at least one morning meal here); beautiful rooms; the Arunreas Majestic suite and its enormous bathroom and tub.

Arunreas Hotel
Phnom Penh City Centre
Corner of Street 228 & Street 51
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
+855 (0)15 813 888
+855 (0) 023 213 969
[email protected]
www.arunreas.com/luxury-hotel-phnom-penh

7 Comments

  1. The building takes my breath away, what a beautiful place! The breakfast sure looks good too.

  2. This is a fantastic place! Majestic, elegant and relaxing, and the breakfast looks tantalizing!

  3. Hello, what a pretty hotel. The room looks just beautiful. The breakfast looks delicious too.

    Happy Sunday, enjoy your new week ahead!

  4. A luxurious place to relax and enjoy. Great breakfast!

  5. Sorry that I haven’t been able to visit as much lately. I’ve been busy bashing my head for ideas on three upcoming assignments, an exam revision, and campaign-related matters.

    I’m so spoiled by the breakfast choices – and the building looks grandeur!

  6. wow those French pastries…I am dying….so good!

  7. Oh my Goodness! I’m totaly in love with this gem. Such a exquisite boutique hotel. Monica your life is so hard….hahahaha. hugs

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.