More about Pavilion Hotel
Some room for improvement
by TripAdvisor Member nickw1
We stayed at the Pavilion for 3 nights this month, and while it was comfortable and clean, we felt that the #1 rating on Trip Advisor for the city of Phnom Penh might raise expectations higher than should be expected.
Agree with previous comments from other reviewers that it's quiet, secure etc., but some basics like reliable hot (or even warm) water weren't met.
On arrival we were given a key and shown to our room, but weren't provided with any information from there. The hotel room was without a phone, hotel information guide, a fridge or any consumables other than a bar of soap.
The free internet provided is a great extra, but as mentioned it is painfully slow, which can be frustrating. We are aware however that this may be a citywide problem.
Breakfasts are basic but nice.
If you intend to pay by credit card, please note that the terminals have a habit of going offline. We ended out needing to go into town to withdraw cash to pay for the room.
Overall, we would still recommend the hotel, but ultimately felt that the lack of a few basic facilities was surprising for such a highly regarded establishment.
An oasis
by TripAdvisor Member PercyP_g
I stayed two nights at the Pavilion and was not disappointed. It is in a great location. My room was lovely, beautifully furnished with a mix of modern and traditional style furniture. The pool is a godsend at midday in June when only "mad dogs and English men" venture out and the setting is every bit as gorgeous as the photos suggest. The free Internet is a definite plus (and I didn't find it to be particularly slow). I would really like to have had a plate of fresh fruit for breakfast in place of the second croissant (as I did at other Cambodian hotels), given that fruit is cheap and plentiful. My one reservation about my stay would be the lack of welcome. Often during the day there was no one on duty at all at the front desk (though there always seemed to be somebody stationed outside the front gate--so guests don't need to worry about people wandering in off the street) and the atmosphere was very impersonal--odd for such a small establishment.
Beautiful and quiet...well worth it!
by TripAdvisor Member lkw77
I stayed in the Pavilion for two nights, in two different rooms. The rooms are lovely, and the pool area with surrounding sitting area is absolutely gorgeous. The staff were very helpful and booked us a car to the airport. There is also free internet, and it is within close walking distance to the Royal Palace. The breakfast, however, only consists of two croissants and coffee, fyi. But for the price and the location away from the noisy riverfront, it is well worth it.
Gorgeous Hotel
by TripAdvisor Member JacquieP
We stayed for 2 nights in June at this absolutely beautiful Hotel.The lush private gardens,swimming pool and delightful rooms were a welcome retreat after spending a very emotional day at the Killing fields and Tuol Sleng genocide museum.
The staff were attentive and friendly ,the poolside breakfast was yummy and free computer a real bonus.
We would recommend the services of John a tuktuk driver who hangs out under the trees opposite the hotel gates.
The only let down was the rather surly french managers who struggled to raise a smile.
We spoke with other travellers along our journey and the same comment was made by others who had stayed at this hotel too. We would like to add that we applaud their sex tourist free policy!!!
Beware NGO's
by TripAdvisor Member ValerieSydney
We stayed at The Pavilion for three nights at the beginning of June 2007. Overall, it is the perfect spot - the building has so much character, and the garden and pool are beautiful and relaxing and it is in a good location. All the local staff were friendly, helpful and welcoming.
However, on the afternoon of our first day, after a fairly emotionally draining trip to the Killing Fields and S21, we returned to the Hotel planning to lounge and relax by the pool. However, from mid-afternoon (to I don't know what time as we fled), the bar and pool were overtaken by a mass of what seemed to be NGO's resident in Cambodia. I understand that they likely spent vast sums of money in the bar, but they really did become quite painful and that previous wonderful ambience disappeared quickly, and it became like a cross between Club Med and Butlins. Perhaps the new building next door could host the bar for non-residents of the hotel to overcome this, but otherwise the place is highly recommended.
Very nice boutique hotel..
by TripAdvisor Member EdTheEd
We stayed at the Pavillion Hotel in June 07. It is a great place to relax from the hectic city - nice staff, excellent food, and very comfortable sala-style lounges next to the pool. We loved it and it is great value, too!
Very charming boutique hotel
by TripAdvisor Member Wombatkev
What a lovely hotel! We have just returned from a wonderful 3 night stay . The hotel has a nice ambience with old world colonial charm. All the rooms are different (it's well worth paying $5 more for a superior room upstairs), with four-poster beds & mosquito netting. The rooms have safe deposit boxes but no phones.
Bathrooms are modern, and we had no problems with the hot water, as noted by some earlier posts. The bathrooms come with only 2 bars of soap. Some additional toiletries (shampoo, shower cap) would be nice, though not really expected at this price. The continental breakfast is simple and adequate, although some additional choice apart from croissants would be nice.
The hotel manager, a very pleasant lady by the name of Nassiba, is friendly and helpful. She showed us the new wing under construction next door and we'll try to book one of the 4 rooms with swimming pools on our next trip!
Just a short stroll down the same street is a place called "Open Wine" where there's a nice grill restaurant and Fanny's Ice Cream from Vietnam, which is incredibly yummy.
Phnom Penh doesn't offer much in terms of sightseeing compared with other Asian capitals, but the shopping and food is incredibly cheap, and people are very hospitable. Worth noting are some of the many Chinese seafood restaurants on Monivong Blvd, which are very reasonably priced and cater more for local businessmen rather than tourists.
We will definitely return!
Peaceful retreat
by TripAdvisor Member CheshireCat81
This hotel is a real gem.
Tucked away behind the Royal Palace in central Phnom Penh, this is a peaceful retreat from the city in a newly renovated colonial style building.
The garden is well maintained with sun loungers dotted about amongst the foliage. The mosquitoes also love the foliage, and make their presence felt as soon as the sun goes down - insect repellant required!
There is a delightful swimming pool to cool off in after a day of sightseeing, or shopping.
The staff are friendly, and helpful.
Bedrooms are spotless, and comfortable.
The owner was in the process of re-building the house next door to accomodate a further 10 rooms.
There is a small resturant by the pool serving a reasonable selection of good food.
