Raffles Hotel Le Royal: A Timeless Oasis in Phnom Penh

In the city of Phnom Penh, where urban bustle flirts with colonial remnants, the Raffles Hotel Le Royal rises like a sanctuary of immortal elegance. Opened in 1929, this icon of luxury hospitality—a jewel in the prestigious Raffles collection—embodies nearly a century of Indochinese history.

For Cindy and her travel companion Sara, a recent weekend turned into a sensory immersion, a time-travel journey where past and present converse in a cocoon of contemporary comfort.

"It's my first time at the Raffles," confides Cindy upon arrival, her eyes dazzled by the majestic facade.

Arrival: A Journey into Colonial History

The approach to the hotel lives up to every promise. "The building is magnificent. It's like stepping into another era, a 1960s colonial spirit," describes Cindy with instinctive poetry. Its Art Deco architecture, adorned with delicate sculptures and shaded verandas, revives the splendor of French Indochina.

The lobby, a vast cathedral of marble and precious woods, unfolds with chandeliers and fervently restored vintage furniture.

"There are so many well-decorated hotels, but here it's a unique charm... The soul of the building, its intimate structure, ensures that," she specifies.

The only fleeting shadow: an initially stiff reception, quickly warmed by authentic Khmer hospitality.

Rooms and Bathroom: The Art of Absolute Comfort

The rooms, ideally sized—"neither too vast nor too cramped"—are absolute serenity nests. The Raffles Signature bedding reigns supreme: "Perfect. Truly the pinnacle. So comfortable, you float on a cloud," raves Cindy. Egyptian cotton sheets, ergonomic mattress, and custom pillows promise divine sleep.

The bathroom, a white marble sanctuary, offers a rain-effect shower and deep bathtub. The toiletries—woody shower gel, velvety lotion—exude discreet luxury. "You can feel the quality," she notes, even if "the fragrance leans masculine," a chic chypre note that surprises elegantly in this feminine setting.

Pool and Gardens: An Urban Oasis of Tranquility

A refuge from the capital's tumult, the central pool paints a living tableau. Fringed with century-old palms and lotus ponds, it breathes whispered peace. "Very calm, restful. No screams. A setting of aesthetic beauty, disconnected from the city. You don't hear the traffic. Very green, teeming with trees," recounts Cindy. By day, light dances through the foliage; by night, string lights and torches transform it into a dreamlike scene.

Ultimate refinement: poolside beauty trays adorned with ylang-ylang dry oils and aloe vera hydrating creams. "This dry oil is divine, scented, velvety on the skin. It's not ordinary," she savors.

Gastronomy: French Flavors on Khmer Soil

At the Phnom restaurant's buffet, breakfast is a cosmopolitan feast. Eggs Benedict reimagined with fresh Tonlé Sap fish, "perfectly balanced with a touch of acidity," crab and avocado toast suggested by a savvy server ("She insisted: 'It's delicious'"), fluffy pancakes, and artisanal breads.

"Impeccable service, from waiting to recommendations. Sweet or savory, everything was sublime," sums up Cindy.

Wellness: Exceptional Spa and Fitness

Spa and gym crown the experience. The gym, "brand new with top-tier modern equipment," lines up cutting-edge Technogym machines, ideal air conditioning, and thoughtful touches like fresh fruit and scented towels. "Direct spa access, a real plus," highlights Cindy.

Bubbling jacuzzi, eucalyptus-scented hammam, Finnish sauna: "Ideal temperature, dimly lit, sumptuous. Everything for an exceptional spa." Perfect for two travelers, despite high-season crowds.

The Verdict: Unmatched Stay Quality

Nestled in the city center—"Ideally located, everything's walkable"—the Raffles blends luxury and convenience. Sara, won over, declares: "I loved the food, the room, the jacuzzi... But beyond that, it's this quality of life. We barely slept, but so well, chatting until midnight."

A "very positive, restful stay in a period setting," despite room for improvement in welcome. Final score: 9.5/10. For souls craving chic authenticity, Raffles Hotel Le Royal is an essential address.

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