Review: Rosewood Phnom Penh Hotel (Cambodia)

Wednesday newsletters feature a hotel or flight review.

I recently enjoyed a wonderful trip in Southeast Asia. You can read my trip reports here:

• Review: Finnair A350 Business Class from Helsinki to Hong Kong
• Review: Rosewood Hong Kong Hotel 
• Review: Cathay Pacific A330 Business Class from Hong Kong to Phnom Penh
• Review: Six Senses Krabey Island, Cambodia
• Review: Shinta Mani Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Review: A visit to Angkor Wat
• Review: Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia
• Review: Rosewood Phnom Penh Hotel, Cambodia (today)
• Review: Thai Airways A350 Business Class from Bangkok to Munich

Review: Rosewood Phnom Penh Hotel (Cambodia)

• Hotel website: Rosewood Phnom Penh
• Location: Google Maps
• Tip: book the Luxury Tour of Cambodia (exceptional offer)

Perched high above Cambodia’s rapidly evolving capital, Rosewood Phnom Penh offers guests a unique perspective on one of Asia’s most fascinating cities, where French colonial heritage, Khmer culture, and modern development coexist in remarkable harmony. Occupying the upper floors of the iconic Vattanac Capital Tower, this spectacular five-star hotel delivers a rare combination of sophisticated design, exceptional service, world-class dining, and breathtaking views over Phnom Penh’s skyline, the Mekong River, and the Tonlé Sap River. Since its opening in 2018 as the first Rosewood property in Cambodia, the hotel has quickly established itself as the finest luxury hotel in Phnom Penh and a benchmark for ultra-luxury hospitality in the region. Whether visiting for business, a cultural city break, or as part of a broader Southeast Asia itinerary, guests are treated to Rosewood’s signature blend of residential comfort, discreet service, and strong local identity.

Rosewood Phnom Penh features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in Cambodia.

Have you ever stayed at Rosewood Phnom Penh? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.

In this review (more info and photos below my YouTube video):

• Pros & things I like
• Cons & things to know
• My verdict
• Tips for future guests & save money
• Best time to visit
• How to get there
• Photos

Pros & Things I Like

• One of Rosewood Phnom Penh’s greatest strengths is its excellent location in the heart of the Cambodian capital. Situated within the prestigious Vattanac Capital complex, the hotel occupies a prime position between Phnom Penh’s historic districts and emerging financial center. From here, many of the city’s most important attractions are easily accessible, including the Royal Palace, the National Museum, Wat Phnom, the Central Market, and the lively riverside promenade. This central setting allows guests to immerse themselves in Phnom Penh’s vibrant energy while enjoying the comfort and security of a luxury urban retreat. Business travelers benefit from immediate access to government offices, embassies, and corporate headquarters, while leisure visitors can effortlessly explore the city’s growing culinary and cultural scene. Despite being located in the bustling center, the hotel’s location in the top floors of a skyscraper creates a remarkable sense of separation from the traffic and city chaos below. The panoramic views constantly remind guests of Phnom Penh’s unique geography, where the Mekong, Tonlé Sap, and Bassac rivers converge.

• Rosewood Phnom Penh occupies the uppermost floors of Vattanac Capital Tower One, an architectural landmark that has become synonymous with modern Phnom Penh. Rising 188 meters (617 feet) above the Cambodian capital, the skyscraper is a defining feature of the city skyline. Construction of the mixed-use development began in 2009, with the structure reaching its full height in May 2012. Most of the complex officially opened in 2014, while Rosewood Phnom Penh welcomed its first guests in 2018. Beyond the hotel, Vattanac Capital houses Phnom Penh’s most luxurious shopping mall, where international fashion houses, jewelry boutiques, and high-end lifestyle brands cater to the region’s growing affluent market. Architecturally, the tower is instantly recognizable thanks to its distinctive cantilevered terrace projecting from the upper section of the building. This remarkable structure appears to float above the city and serves as the home of Sora, the hotel’s celebrated rooftop bar (more on that below). Far more than an architectural flourish, the terrace has become one of Phnom Penh’s most iconic viewpoints, offering unobstructed panoramas across the city and the confluence of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers.

• The hotel experience begins long before guests reach their rooms. When they arrive at Rosewood Phnom Penh’s elegant ground-floor reception, visitors are welcomed by the hotel’s attentive staff before being guided to a set of high-speed elevators that transport guests between the ground lobby and the spectacular sky lobby on the 35th floor. The ascent creates a sense of anticipation as the bustle of Phnom Penh gradually fades away. Upon arrival in the sky lobby, guests are greeted by sweeping views of the city skyline and the confluence of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers, visible through floor-to-ceiling windows that surround much of the space. Occupying the entire floor, the lobby feels more like an exclusive private club than a traditional hotel reception. The central check-in area flows seamlessly into a stylish lounge space – called the Living Room – which offers a sophisticated setting for breakfast, afternoon tea, cocktails and informal meetings. On the opposite side of the lobby are a refined pâtisserie, a boutique and an art gallery showcasing Cambodian craftsmanship. Together, these spaces transform the sky lobby into a destination in its own right and reinforce the feeling of being in a luxurious sanctuary high above the Cambodian capital.

• The design of Rosewood Phnom Penh perfectly captures the hotel’s ambition to express a strong sense of place while maintaining international luxury standards. Created by Melbourne-based BAR Studio, the interiors blend contemporary elegance with carefully curated references to Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage. Khmer motifs, handcrafted materials, local artwork, and subtle French colonial influences are woven throughout the property, creating spaces that feel authentic. The overall aesthetic is refined and understated, favoring warm textures, natural materials, and sophisticated detailing over excessive ornamentation. Public spaces are particularly impressive, balancing intimacy with grandeur despite the dramatic scale of the tower. Rich wood finishes, stone surfaces, bespoke furniture, and carefully selected decorative elements create a residential atmosphere that aligns perfectly with Rosewood’s philosophy of luxury hospitality. Throughout the hotel, guests encounter works by Cambodian artists and artisans, reinforcing a connection to the destination while supporting local creative talent. The abundant natural light provided by expansive windows further enhances the design, ensuring the ever-changing cityscape becomes part of the interior experience.

• Accommodation at Rosewood Phnom Penh ranks among the most spacious and luxurious in Asia. The hotel features 175 guestrooms, including 37 suites, with entry-level Executive Rooms starting at a generous 50 square meters (538 square feet). Even the standard rooms feel exceptionally spacious thanks to their thoughtful layouts, high ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows that maximize the spectacular views. During my stay, I was upgraded to a Mekong Suite, a beautifully appointed one-bedroom corner suite offering panoramic views of the Mekong River and the Phnom Penh skyline. Designed with a residential feel, the suite featured a spacious living room, an elegant entrance foyer, and a large walk-in wardrobe. The ensuite bathroom was equally impressive, complete with dual vanities, a deep soaking tub positioned beside the window, a spacious walk-in rain shower, and premium toiletries. Technology was seamlessly integrated throughout, while excellent sound insulation ensured a remarkable sense of tranquility despite the hotel’s central location. Guests seeking additional exclusivity can choose from an impressive collection of suites, culminating in the expansive Norodom House, a signature accommodation spanning approximately 225 square meters (2,422 square feet).

• Although Rosewood Phnom Penh is primarily an urban luxury hotel, its wellness facilities – which occupy an entire floor – provide an impressive sanctuary above the city. Sense, A Rosewood Spa, offers a carefully curated menu of treatments inspired by both Cambodian traditions and international wellness practices. The atmosphere is calming, with muted tones, refined materials, and attentive therapists creating an experience that feels highly personalized. Treatment rooms are spacious and private, while holistic wellness programs focus on relaxation, restoration, and balance. Adjacent fitness facilities feature modern equipment and panoramic city views, transforming even a routine workout into a memorable experience. The spa’s highlight is a 22-meter (72-fit) indoor lap pool bathed in natural sunlight. Surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows and offering sweeping city views, it is the perfect place for a refreshing morning swim, a relaxing afternoon with family, or unwinding after a day of sightseeing or meetings. The combination of spa, fitness, and pool facilities successfully reinforces the hotel’s identity as a refined urban retreat. While wellness may not be the primary reason to choose Rosewood Phnom Penh, the quality of these facilities comfortably matches the standards expected from one of Asia’s leading luxury hotels.

• Dining is one of the defining highlights of the Rosewood Phnom Penh experience. The hotel’s collection of restaurants and bars ranks among the most sophisticated culinary offerings in Cambodia, attracting both international visitors and affluent local residents.
  • Cuts, located on level 38, is the hotel’s award-winning signature steakhouse, renowned for its premium hand-cut meats, open grill room, private dining suites, and an impressive wine cellar housing more than 3,000 bottles.
  • On the 35th floor, Brasserie Louis serves as the all-day dining venue, offering French classics and Cambodian-inspired dishes, while its lavish breakfast combines an extensive buffet with à la carte selections.
  • Adjacent to the lobby, the Living Room provides an elegant setting for light meals, afternoon tea, and cocktails.
  • Japanese restaurant Iza, on level 37, brings the lively atmosphere of a traditional izakaya to Phnom Penh, centred around robata grilling and shared dining.
  • Guests can also visit Zhan Liang, a destination Chinese restaurant in the adjacent shopping centre, specialising in Cantonese, Sichuanese, and Northern Chinese cuisine.
  • The undisputed star is Sora. Perched on the 37th floor and extending onto a dramatic cantilevered terrace, Sora is the highest rooftop bar in Phnom Penh. Here, expertly crafted cocktails are paired with uninterrupted views of the city skyline, particularly spectacular at sunset.
  • Located within the indoor section of Sora, the Whisky Library offers a refined cigar and whisky experience with rare single malts and skyline views.

• Rosewood Phnom Penh exemplifies everything that has made Rosewood Hotels & Resorts one of the world’s most respected luxury hospitality brands. Rather than imposing a uniform style across its global portfolio, Rosewood embraces its philosophy of “A Sense of Place,” ensuring that every property reflects the culture, history, and character of its destination. In Phnom Penh, this approach is particularly successful. The hotel avoids generic luxury and instead creates an experience deeply rooted in Cambodia through its architecture, art, cuisine, design, and service culture. Guests benefit from the brand’s renowned attention to detail, highly personalized service, and residential approach to hospitality, all delivered with remarkable consistency. Yet the property never feels detached from its surroundings; instead, it serves as a sophisticated gateway to understanding the city itself. For travelers already familiar with the brand, Rosewood Phnom Penh will feel reassuringly familiar while offering a distinctly Cambodian identity. For newcomers, it provides an outstanding introduction to Rosewood’s vision of contemporary luxury and demonstrates why the brand continues to rank among the elite names in international hospitality.

Cons & Things To Know

• One of the few drawbacks of Rosewood Phnom Penh is its limited outdoor space. Apart from Sora, the spectacular rooftop bar that only opens in the late afternoon and evening, most of the hotel’s facilities are located indoors. Travelers who enjoy spending time in lush gardens, outdoor lounges, or resort-style grounds may find properties such as Raffles Hotel Le Royal more appealing in this regard. That said, what Rosewood lacks in outdoor space, it more than compensates for with its breathtaking views, sophisticated design, and exceptionally luxurious atmosphere (which is unmatched in Cambodia’s capital).

• Because the hotel occupies the upper floors of one of Phnom Penh’s tallest skyscrapers, the entire experience revolves around being high above the city. The lobby, restaurants, guest rooms, swimming pool, and even the elevators are designed to showcase the panoramic skyline. While this creates a truly unique sense of place, travelers seeking a more intimate, heritage-style, or garden-oriented hotel experience may prefer a lower-rise property. Personally, I found the views absolutely mesmerizing, particularly at sunset and after dark when the city lights begin to sparkle. Sora, in particular, is one of the most impressive rooftop bars I have visited anywhere in Asia.

• Another potential drawback is that Phnom Penh itself remains somewhat overlooked by international leisure travelers. Compared with regional giants such as Bangkok, Hong Kong, or Singapore, Cambodia’s capital rarely features prominently on typical Southeast Asia itineraries. This relative lack of attention, however, may actually work in the city’s favor. Phnom Penh is evolving rapidly and has emerged as one of Asia’s most dynamic and fascinating urban destinations. Visitors will find a surprising number of cultural attractions, excellent restaurants, and important historical sites, including the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields. These sobering memorials provide essential context for understanding Cambodia’s tragic past while highlighting the resilience and remarkable progress the country has achieved since.

• Finally, Rosewood Phnom Penh may be one of Asia’s most underrated luxury hotels. While this is hardly a criticism of the property itself, it does mean that the hotel often receives less international recognition than many comparable luxury hotels in cities such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, or Bangkok. The upside is that room rates can represent excellent value relative to the level of luxury, service, design, and exclusivity on offer. In many ways, Rosewood Phnom Penh feels like a hidden gem that deserves far more attention from luxury travelers.

My Verdict

• Layout: 9/10
• Design: 10/10
• Pool: 9/10
• Rooms: 10/10
• Food: 9/10
• Breakfast: 9/10
• Spa: 9/10
• Service: 9/10
• Wow factor: 9/10
• Value for money: 10/10
• Overall experience: exceptional 9.3/10

Tips & Save Money

• Save money: I can offer my readers access to an exclusive luxury journey through Cambodia. It is the exact same luxury itinerary that I recently experienced in Cambodia, following the same route and the same extraordinary hotels. The exceptional 12-night itinerary is carefully designed to showcase the country’s most extraordinary destinations, finest hotels, and most unforgettable experiences. The itinerary combines the ancient wonders of Angkor Wat, the tropical beauty of Krabey Island, the pristine wilderness of the Cardamom Mountains, and the vibrant energy of Phnom Penh. Guests stay at Cambodia’s most acclaimed luxury properties, including Shinta Mani Angkor, Six Senses Krabey Island, Shinta Mani Wild, and Rosewood Phnom Penh. If you are interested in this itinerary, simply send me an email (info@theluxurytravelexpert.com) with your preferred travel dates and the number of people in your travel party.

• Save money: get VIP perks at Rosewood Phnom Penh when booking through Virtuoso:
  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
  • $100 USD resort credit, to be utilized during stay
  • Early check-in / late check-out, subject to availability

• Save money: read here my tips for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel like (and/or receive many free perks).

• Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

Best Time To Visit

Cambodia has a tropical monsoon climate with three distinct seasons. The cool, dry season from November to February is generally considered the best time to visit, offering the most comfortable conditions for exploring the temples and surrounding attractions. The hot, dry season runs from March to June, while the rainy season lasts from July to October. Daytime temperatures typically exceed 30°C (86°F) throughout the year, although late December and early January can be somewhat cooler. Visitors should be prepared for particularly high humidity during April and May, as well as September and October, when the combination of heat and moisture can feel quite oppressive. From May through October, southwest monsoon winds bring more frequent rainfall, cloudier skies, and occasional storms, although many travelers welcome the resulting drop in temperatures and the lush green landscapes that emerge during this period.

How To Get There

Rosewood Phnom Penh is located a 45 min drive from Phnom Penh’s new Techo International Airport. Click here for a continuously updated list of airlines that offer direct flights to Phnom Penh.

Photos

Below is a selection of my photos from Rosewood Phnom Penh. To view additional images, including breakfast and dinner at the different restaurants, click here.

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