Stay here: Rosewood Phnom Penh

What’s the deal? 

You’ll spot the Rosewood Phnom Penh long before you arrive. Occupying the top 14 floors of the Vattanac Capital Tower (Cambodia’s tallest building until 2022), the hotel rises far above its neighbours, creating a sense of anticipation as you approach the city.

This dramatic verticality lends the property, opened in 2018, a celestial atmosphere from the moment you ascend from its moody, low-lit ground floor to the panoramic 35th-floor lobby. That “wow” factor continues throughout your stay: from generously sized corner suites and a serene swimming pool to a sleek gym and several excellent bars and restaurants in the clouds, you’re constantly treated to captivating views of Phnom Penh’s confluence of river and city.

Sora, Phnom Penh’s highest bar, juts out like a beak from the curving upper floors of the tower, and is stylishly designed to resemble a dragon facing east. It’s one of the best sunset spots in the city, so tables – especially those on the edge of the deck – book up fast. Reserve well in advance to beat the nightly influencer crowd. Expect live music and top-tier cocktails: Rosewood Phnom Penh has become a training ground for Cambodia’s rising mixology talent, helping elevate the country’s profile on the global bar scene.

That spirit of elevation extends to the in-house art gallery. Far from an afterthought, it’s a thoughtfully curated showcase of Cambodia’s most influential and emerging artists, located adjacent to the lobby. Immerse yourself in a diverse mix of media, from digital installations to intricate textile works.

At Sense, A Rosewood Spa , you’ll enter a softly lit cocoon of clean lines and invigorating aromas. Rosewood’s globally renowned spa programme is infused with Cambodian flair here. The Phnom Penh Signature Massage uses a fragrant blend of turmeric, lemongrass and plai (a native ginger) to energise and soothe, combining Khmer and Swedish techniques. At 90 minutes, it’s a blissful indulgence and a perfect follow-up to a day spent exploring the city’s dusty, bustling streets.

Why stay?

This is one of those rare properties that does it all under one roof – and makes leaving its luxurious confines genuinely difficult. There are eight venues, from the Butterfly Patisserie (a Rosewood signature) and the all-day Living Room to a stellar lineup of bars and restaurants. Cuts is the fiery steakhouse in the sky, serving high-grade beef, superb wines and ample veggie options. Iza is a lively izakaya-style space with a robata-yaki grill and sushi/sashimi station. Zhan Liang offers refined Chinese dining in the basement, complete with Cambodia’s largest lazy Susan. Lastly, Brasserie Louis serves French-Cambodian fare and hosts a bottomless Sunday brunch. Whether it’s whisky with a cigar or breakfast yum cha, you’ll find it somewhere in the Rosewood Phnom Penh. 

Rooms and suites are generously sized, starting from 538sq ft for the Executive Room and rising to more than 2,000sq ft. The Monivong House itself is a standout: a one-bedroom suite with a private study, walk-in wardrobe, dining area and expansive living room, all framed by sweeping views of the city skyline. But if you’re looking to go even bigger, the Norodom House is the hotel’s most opulent offering. Spanning over 2,400sq ft, this palatial suite includes a grand dining room, dressing chamber, oversized marble bathroom and bespoke furnishings throughout – a true urban retreat in the sky. For families or groups, the Two-Bedroom Family Monivong House offers 2,260sq ft of space, featuring two bedrooms, a private study and a spacious living and dining area, making it ideal for longer stays or multi-generational travel. 

The location? You’re in refined company across the road from the elegant Raffles Hotel Le Royal, and a short stroll or tuk tuk ride away from the banks of the Tonle Sap River, Wat Phnom Daun Penh and Central Market, with the Royal Palace and city’s museums within half an hour’s ride away. 

Cathay editors say…

“For a spot of real indulgence, don’t miss an appointment at Pedi:Mani:Cure , a ludicrously decadent nail studio by celebrity podiatrist Bastien Gonzalez. There are few places in the region that your fingers and toes will receive such a high degree of expert attention. Timeslots are snapped up far in advance, so secure yours when booking your stay and look forward to some dizzy pampering in the skies.”