Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh Ready to Play a Role in the Post-Pandemic Revival of the City

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (April 21, 2022) – The newest international luxury hotel in Phnom Penh, Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh, is ready to play its part in the post-pandemic revival as the city once again becomes an important tourism hub.

Like many destinations around the world, Cambodia's capital suffered from the global crisis when international tourists nearly stopped arriving over the past two years. But now, with the country fully open to tourists, it is ready to showcase its qualities as one of the most dynamic tourist destinations in Southeast Asia.

The key to the city's future success lies in world-class hotels such as Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh. Opened in January 2021 during the pandemic lockdown, it is one of the most exciting hospitality innovations in recent years.

With 247 rooms, including 43 living suites, this hotel is the largest internationally branded hotel in the city.

Located in the cultural and business district of Doun Penh, the hotel is 30 minutes from the airport and close to the Royal Palace, National Museum, and the river.

"Before the pandemic, Phnom Penh was making big strides as one of the growing capitals of Southeast Asia," said Herman Kemp, General Manager of Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh. "It is a dynamic megacity that blends modernity with tradition. There's an attractive café culture, lively bars, and a thriving diverse culinary scene. On the other hand, there is historical architecture, bustling markets, an amazing riverside location on the Mekong River, and classic Khmer culture and hospitality."

The portals to these attributes could not be more appealing than Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh. The project was designed by the renowned Singaporean architecture firm SCDA Architects and the well-known Thai company PIA Interior. The hotel's modern interiors, combining contemporary and colonial aesthetics, reflect Cambodia’s unique history by smoothly integrating Khmer architectural elements, French colonial influence, and specially commissioned works of contemporary Khmer artist FONKi.

When guests arrive at the hotel parking area, they encounter a welcoming central feature: a beautiful French building guarded by fragrant frangipani. Originally built as a colonial villa in the early 1900s, this meticulously restored lemon-yellow Colonial House with wooden shutters, arched doors, and tile roof now serves as the hotel entrance, offering guests a nostalgic arrival experience.

The Colonial House is home to The Attic, an old-school speakers club-style bar tucked under the rooftop. Other notable F&B venues include Metropole Underground, an Art Deco-themed space and the first underground venue in Phnom Penh, and FiveFive Rooftop Restaurant & Bar where guests can enjoy creative cuisine with stunning views of the Royal Palace, the Mekong River, and the city skyline.

Other hotel features include a 22-meter open-air infinity pool surrounded by abundant greenery, and the Jivapita Spa, which offers a wide range of wellness treatments often inspired by Khmer health traditions. A 1400 square meter event and meeting space makes the hotel suitable for both business and leisure—especially important in one of the region's developing commercial centers.

"It has been a very difficult time for Cambodia, as it has been for countries around the world," added Kemp. "But we look to the future with optimism and are ready to offer our guests a taste of what makes this city so special."

With its early 20th-century lemon-yellow colonial house contrasting the main hotel, Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh presents an engaging blend of modern and historical elements.

The 22-meter open-air infinity pool, surrounded by lush greenery, is one of the hotel's main entertainment features.