Raffles Cambodia: Two Historic Gems Dominate the 2026 Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards

At the prestigious Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia-Pacific 2026, Raffles Hotel Le Royal has been crowned Cambodia's best city hotel, while its sister property, Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor, claims second place in this highly coveted ranking.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal

These two iconic heritage hotels were also recognised across several additional categories: Raffles Hotel Le Royal takes second place for the country's best hotel swimming pools, with Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor placing fourth in that same category, as well as fourth for best hotel spas. To top it all off, Dagmar Lyons, General Manager of Raffles Hotel Le Royal, was named among Cambodia's best general managers in the same rankings.

"We are deeply honoured that Raffles Hotel Le Royal has been named Cambodia's best city hotel," said Dagmar Lyons. "This recognition belongs to our entire team, who bring the spirit of 1929 to life every day while delivering the warm, intuitive service for which Raffles is renowned worldwide."

Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor

Joseph Colina, General Manager of Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor, added:

"It is a great privilege to see our property recognised among the finest Cambodia has to offer. As a historic gateway to the wonders of Angkor, we are proud to preserve and share this extraordinary legacy."

These distinctions in the "Best City Hotels" category come in the wake of Raffles Cambodia's launch of the "Grand Path of History" tour and a new book chronicling the golden age of travel in Southeast Asia. A permanent exhibition at Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor also showcases rare photographs, video archives, architectural drawings, and various vintage artefacts.

Originally opened in Phnom Penh in 1929, Raffles Hotel Le Royal today features 175 elegantly appointed rooms and suites. The property underwent a meticulous one-year restoration in 2019, reinterpreting its heritage in a bold, contemporary style blending French colonial, Khmer, and Art Deco influences.

Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor in Siem Reap opened in 1932 to welcome archaeologists and adventurers heading to the temples of Angkor Wat. The hotel remains an authentic expression of 1930s French Art Deco style, with rooms, suites, and villas that blend old-world charm, Cambodian influences, and modern comfort.

Both properties are among only ten Cambodian hotels to have received MICHELIN Keys in the Guide's inaugural edition in the country last year. Additionally, Raffles Hotel Le Royal was ranked the second-best hotel in Southeast Asia in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards 2025.

In a further celebration of their shared heritage, the two hotels launched the exclusive "A Tale of Two Cities" package last year — a seven-night stay designed as a seamless journey between the two properties, described as "a trip like no other, where grand history, enchanted glamour, and extraordinary adventure intertwine."