Where to Stay in Phnom Penh. Hotels, Neighborhoods, Accommodation

Accommodation Types

Diverse Lodging Options

Hostels
Dorm beds and private rooms, social common areas. Good value for frugal travelers. Check Hostelworld.
Guesthouses
Budget-friendly, family-run, basic tidy rooms, local feel. Common throughout the city.
Mid-range Hotels
Modern features like pools, on-site restaurants, air-conditioned rooms. A balance of comfort and cost.
Boutique Hotels
Stylish, unique themes, personalized service. Often in renovated colonial-style architecture.

Specialized Stays

Luxury Hotels
International chains and upscale local properties. Extensive facilities, multiple dining, spas. Book at IHG Hotels or Booking.com.
Homestays
Limited in city, more in rural areas (Koh Dach). Full cultural immersion.
Vacation Rentals
Apartments, studios, houses via Airbnb or Vrbo. For longer stays, families, groups.
Community-based Tourism
Scarce in city. Koh Dach (Silk Island) offers chances to experience rural life.

Neighborhood Guide

Each area offers a distinct character, amenities, and proximity to attractions.

Daun Penh Riverside

Advantages:

Close to the main sights (Royal Palace, National Museum, Wat Phnom).
Many restaurants, bars, cafes.
Good for walking.

Disadvantages:

Can be noisy.
Touristy areas experience persistent hawkers.
Petty crime vigilance at night.

Boeung Keng Kang 1 BKK1

Advantages:

Upscale, expat-friendly, trendy.
Quieter, cleaner streets.
High-quality dining, boutiques, spas.
Very safe.

Disadvantages:

Further from historical sites.
Higher accommodation and dining costs.

Tuol Tompoung Russian Market

Advantages:

Artistic, bohemian vibe.
Access to Russian Market for crafts, souvenirs.
Independent cafes, local eateries.

Disadvantages:

Further from riverside/historical center.
Requires transport for main attractions.

Safety and Transport

Safety Aspects

Daun Penh: Vigilance for petty crime at night. BKK1: Very safe. Tuol Tompoung: Typical urban precautions.

Proximity to Attractions

Daun Penh: Walkable to historical sites, river tours. BKK1: Ridesharing recommended for sightseeing. Tuol Tompoung: Relies on tuk-tuks/ridesharing.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking secures preferred accommodation and savings.

Advance Booking Recommendations

High Season (Nov-Feb): Reserve ONE-3 months ahead for best selection and prices.
Shoulder Season (Mar-May, Jul-Aug): Book 2-4 weeks ahead. Good deals are possible.
Low Season (Jun, Sep-Oct): Find good deals a week or two prior, or walk-in rates.
Walk-in Negotiation: Achievable for budget guesthouses in low season, less for the middle of/luxury hotels.

Trusted Platforms and Policies

International Platforms: Reliable options: Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, TripAdvisor.
Vacation Rentals: Airbnb for apartments and houses. Vrbo also an option.
Cancellation Policies: Vary by property and platform. Check before reservation. A lot of them have free cancellation.
Seasonal Price Swings: Highest in dry season (Nov-Feb), around holidays. Lower during wet season (Jun-Oct) and hot months (Mar-May).

Trusted Housesitters for unique stays

Housesitting

TrustedHousesitters: Explore options for house and pet sitting for unique stays.
A way to experience local life and save on accommodation.

Accommodation Budgeting

Budget Tip: Consider booking in the shoulder or off-season for better rates.
Open-ended travel dates can significantly impact costs.

Long-Term Rental Options

Serviced Apartments

Ideal for prolonged visits, especially in BKK1 or Chamkarmon. Features kitchens, more space. Explore options on Agoda for deals.

Online Rental Platforms

Platforms like Airbnb offer diverse long-term rentals. Connect with local hosts.

Tips for Long Stays

See what others say for insights. Book beforehand for optimal selection. Good for expats and digital nomads.

Accommodation Recommendations

Top picks across different budget levels and traveler types.

Budget & Mid-Range Stays

Budget-Friendly Hostels

Social atmosphere, cleanliness, good facilities.

Mad Monkey Hostel
Onederz Hostel Phnom Penh
Sla Boutique Hostel
The Blue Corner Boutique

Mid-Range Comfort

Rooftop pools, city views, serene escapes.

Patio Hotel & Urban Resort
Ohana The Pearl of asia Palace
The Plantation Urban Vacation spot and Spa
Villa Langka

Luxury & Unique Properties

Luxury Stays

Historic charm, panoramic views, extensive facilities.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal
Rosewood The Pearl of asia
Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra
Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh

Family & Extended Stays

Hotels with pools, larger rooms, self-catering options.

Serviced apartments in BKK1
Airbnb apartments
Hotels with family packages
Properties near parks

Solo Traveler Picks

Hostels with social common areas to meet others.
Guesthouses organizing tours for convenient exploration.
Hotels in safe, locations in the center with good security.
Bicycle-friendly guesthouses for local exploration.

Properties with Cultural Legacy

Raffles Hotel Le Royal
Historic luxury hotel dating to 1929, old-world historic colonial appeal.
The Plantation Urban Vacation spot and Spa
On former Royal Palace antechamber site, tranquility meets history.
Palace Gate Hotel & Resort
Luxury property with views of the Royal Palace.
Some boutique hotels in renovated colonial homes.