Comfortable Stays on the Mekong: The Best Mid-Range Hotels in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is a city of energy and contrast, quickly moving beyond its historical gravity to become a vibrant, modern Southeast Asian capital. For travelers, this means finding a great place to stay has never been easier, especially if you’re looking for that sweet spot of comfort and convenience without venturing into the highest price tier.
Selecting your neighborhood is the first step in enjoying your stay. The city’s best mid-range and slightly above-mid-range hotels are primarily concentrated in two key areas. The Riverside (Sisowath Quay/Daun Penh) area is the bustling, lively heart of the city, placing you within easy walking distance of the Royal Palace, National Museum, and the vibrant riverfront promenade, with its many restaurants and bars. The alternative is the increasingly fashionable Boeung Keng Kang 1 (BKK1) district. BKK1 is a more upscale, expat-friendly area known for its quieter streets, chic cafés, boutiques, and excellent dining, offering a more tranquil base that is still a short tuk-tuk ride away from the main sights.
Our recommendations focus on hotels that deliver an excellent price-to-value ratio—places where you can expect spacious rooms, high-quality amenities, and a reliably pleasant experience. Here is our curated list of great hotels in Phnom Penh that blend comfort, location, and value for travelers seeking an above-average stay.
Riverside & Central Gems: Walk to the Palace
These hotels are perfectly situated for first-time visitors who want to be immersed in the city’s history and main attractions. They offer a restful retreat just moments from the action.
Palace Gate Hotel & Resort by EHM This hotel offers a genuine touch of luxury in a prime location right next to the Royal Palace grounds. Set in a beautifully restored French colonial villa, it combines historic charm with modern, polished quarters. Guests consistently praise the excellent service and the stunning rooftop infinity pool and bar, which provide a beautiful, tranquil oasis after a day of sightseeing. It truly feels like a five-star experience at a four-star price point.
- Pros: Exceptional location, stunning pool with river views, large and well-appointed rooms, outstanding service.
- Cons: Can be a little noisy on lower floors due to central location; some guests find the on-site restaurant prices to be on the higher side.
Palace Gate Hotel & Residence by EHM A sister property to the Resort, the Residence offers refined all-suite accommodations for travelers desiring more space, making it a great choice for longer stays or families. The aesthetic is elegant and genteel, providing a quiet and comfortable haven near the Royal Palace. It maintains the high standards of comfort and service associated with the EHM brand.
- Pros: Spacious suite-style rooms, great for extended stays, high level of comfort and cleanliness, excellent staff.
- Cons: Slightly less central than the Resort, which may require a short tuk-tuk ride to some attractions.
Pavilion Hotel Housed in a compound of restored colonial villas, one of which was a former royal residence, the Pavilion offers a unique, tranquil environment. This adults-only hotel (guests must be 16+) features airy rooms and suites, multiple swimming pools (one lushly shaded, one sun-drenched), and beautiful tropical gardens. It feels like a boutique retreat but operates with the efficiency and polish of a larger hotel. It’s centrally located but provides a true sense of privacy.
- Pros: Stunning historic architecture and gardens, multiple pools, very quiet and peaceful setting despite the central location, high-quality room décor.
- Cons: Adults-only policy means no families with younger children, rooms can be unique and vary in layout.
Plantation Urban Resort & Spa Situated just behind the Royal Palace, this hotel offers a massive, central courtyard with two beautiful pools, creating an immediate sense of resort-style relaxation. The bright rooms often feature balconies, and the hotel has a modern-meets-traditional Khmer aesthetic. It is praised for its incredible value given the facilities, which include a full spa.
- Pros: Excellent value for the resort-style facilities, two large pools, great central location near the Royal Palace, very well-maintained grounds.
- Cons: Some of the rooms facing the street can experience minor noise, and the open-concept bathrooms in some rooms may not be to everyone’s liking.
Aquarius Hotel & Urban Resort Located on Street 240, a more tranquil street close to the Royal Palace and Wat Botum Park, Aquarius is a stylish, contemporary choice. Its highlight is the stunning rooftop infinity pool and the SLLA Skybar, which offers panoramic views of the city skyline, including a glimpse of the Royal Palace. The rooms are sleek, comfortable, and well-equipped with modern amenities.
- Pros: Exceptional rooftop pool and view, modern and clean design, walking distance to major sights, good food and drink options.
- Cons: The area is quieter than the main riverfront strip, which means fewer late-night options right outside the door.
Amanjaya Pancam Hotel Right on the lively Sisowath Quay riverfront, this hotel is a classic Phnom Penh fixture. It offers spacious suites, many with private balconies that overlook the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers. The location is perfect for those who want to be right in the middle of the action, with a constant buzz of street life and easy access to sunset boat cruises.
- Pros: Unbeatable location right on the riverfront, large suites, great views from river-facing balconies, lively bar and restaurant.
- Cons: The street noise from the Quay can be noticeable, particularly in the lower-floor, river-facing rooms.
Modern Comfort & Excellent Views
These hotels are notable for their contemporary approach, often featuring high-rise views and branded reliability, offering a consistent and high-end experience for a manageable price.
SUN & MOON, Riverside Hotel A newer, distinctively designed hotel, SUN & MOON offers a polished, high-standard stay. Despite its name, it’s slightly set back from the main river strip, near the Bassac area, offering a more contemporary urban business hotel vibe. It’s an excellent choice for a consistently comfortable and modern stay with a full range of amenities and a focus on wellness.
- Pros: New, clean, and modern facilities, good room size and comfort, excellent range of on-site amenities, high level of service.
- Cons: Not in the immediate heart of the tourist hub, requiring a short ride to the Royal Palace/Old Market area.
Wyndham Grand Phnom Penh Capital As a well-known international chain, the Wyndham Grand provides a high level of consistent quality and luxury. Located a bit further north in the Daun Penh area, it’s a newer, statuesque tower offering stunning views of the city and rivers. This is a great pick if you prioritize luxury amenities like an exclusive sky pool, fitness center, and multiple high-end dining options, all at a surprisingly accessible price point for the brand.
- Pros: Excellent value for a major international 5-star brand, large, luxurious rooms, fantastic views, comprehensive facilities.
- Cons: Located a little out of the way, making a tuk-tuk or taxi necessary for most tourist attractions.
The Peninsula Phnom Penh While its name evokes a world-class luxury brand, this hotel (and its associated residences) is a new, high-rated option on the opposite side of the river in the growing Chroy Changvar district. The location offers a completely new vantage point with spectacular, unobstructed views of the city skyline, especially from its rooftop infinity pool. For travelers who don’t mind crossing a bridge (an easy tuk-tuk ride) to get to the main sights, the comfort, brand reliability, and modern facilities here are top-tier for the price.
- Pros: Exceptional value for the quality, stunning panoramic city and river views, luxurious and spacious rooms, brand-new facilities.
- Cons: Located across the river from the main tourist/central districts, requiring a short commute for sightseeing and dining.