Royal Hotel

Backpacker bargain

What we say

Photo of Royal Hotel, Just west of Psar Nath, Battambang. , Battambang
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If you're in the market for a cheap, clean hotel, which is popular with other travellers, then the Royal Hotel, but a hop skip and a jump from Phsar Nath in the centre of Battambang is difficult to beat. Like the other cheapies in town, the Royal has stacks of rooms in a rambling, Chinese-hotel style building, but unlike the others, this place is clean, and we mean clean. Spotless bathrooms, good sized rooms, cable-TV and warm-water showers make this a bargain. Set on a stub of a backroad, the Royal also gets far less noise than it's competitors that line Road 3. Plus you're just a couple of doors from the Sunrise Coffee shop (good the breakie, even if it will more than likely cost more than your room) and walking distance from pretty much everything else there is to do in central Battambang. Staff are friendly, English speaking and pretty helpful -- both for organising activities within and around Battambang as well as onward travel. Overall a very good budget option.

Contact details:
Just west of Psar Nath, Battambang. T: (053) 952 522, (016)912 034 F: (053) 952 522
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What we were quoted*

Type of room	Low season	High season	Notes
Dbl fan private b'room	5 USD	5 USD	Upto $7
Dbl air-con private b'room	10 USD	10 USD	Upto $20

* Travelfish researchers visit and review properties on an anonymous basis. By that we mean they show up, in person, and pretend to be either be a potential guest, or somebody looking for a room for a friend or relative. Where possible the researcher will inspect at least a couple of rooms. The rates you see above are what either the desk staff told us they were, or what were in the brochure when they just told us to quit bugging them and look in the brochure. For mid-range hotels and up, always shop around online for a competitive rate. Click here to find out more about what makes Travelfish different with regards our accommodation reviews.

Added to Travelfish on: 15th November, 2004
Last visited or updated on: 13th November, 2007

Royal Hotel reviews

Read 14 opinions from Travelfish readers

Great motodops! - 3rd June, 2009
It has been awhile since we stayed (Oct 2006), but wanted to get in a review... Enthusiastically agree with others that the motodops here are top-notch; funny, friendly, good English, and they knew everyone out in the countryside. Our days spent exploring in their hands was a very rewarding experience and one of the highlights of our time in Cambodia. Hotel itself was a bit worn around the edges, but was clean and friendly and felt quiet even though there seemed to be many occupied rooms. I think our large double a/c was $12. Service was very good as well, arranged a taxi to Siem Reap for $40.

Royal Hotel reviewed by CunningMcFar on 3rd June, 2009, rated 4 out of 5.
Stayed here 10/2006
This is a Travelfish recommended reviewer
Total reviews submitted: 43.
CunningMcFar also reviewed: A-One Inn, Anouxsa Guesthouse, Auberge Sala Done Khong, Baan Lotus, Bougainvillier Hotel, Cave Lodge, Champasak Palace Hotel, Fern Resort, Golden Gate Hotel, Golden Gate Hotel, Kampot River View Guesthouse, Lai Thai Guest House, Mutmee Guesthouse, New Siam II Guest House, Pakse Hotel, Salachampa Hotel, Sang Tong Huts, Sayo Guesthouse, Soppong River Inn, Sri Isan Hotel, Tamarind Village Hotel, Thong Bay Guest House, Thong Bay Guesthouse, Top North Hotel, Two Dragons Guesthouse.

Not too shabby - 31st May, 2009
This place is definitely good for a couple of nights in Battembang. Clean, spacious rooms, a small balcony and good breakfast on their vast rooftop 'terrace' made our $8 a night for a twin, good value. There are several computers in the lobby and some excellent English speaking guides. We had Bernie and 'Chin Chin', who took us on a countryside tour on their motos... their excellent driving and sense of humour made our stay in Battembang, one to remember. Recommend the Royal.

Royal Hotel reviewed by jules78 on 31st May, 2009, rated 4 out of 5.
Stayed here 5/2009
This is a Travelfish recommended reviewer
Total reviews submitted: 11.
jules78 also reviewed: Ban Thai Guest House, Dreams Hotel, Garden Home, Happy Inn, Na Inn, New Siam II Guest House, Sayo Guesthouse, Sunshine Hotel, The Billabong Hotel, Thuy Duong 3 Hotel.

Nice enough - 21st February, 2009
It won't win any style awards, but this is a fine place to stay. The place is a bit run down, but clean, with big bathrooms. Lots of options, and a decent cafe on the roof that can pack up a meal for you to take with you for a bus or boat trip. Internet available in the lobby. Battambang is small and everything is walkable within 5-10 minutes. We paid $8 a night for a double with cold water shower. Moto drivers are indeed good, most with great English. Highlight of the trip for sure. We paid $12 for two people (two separate motos to see Wat Ek Phnom and the rice paper villages. Would stay here again, but get hot water next time:)

Royal Hotel reviewed by jenstew55 on 21st February, 2009, rated 4 out of 5.
Stayed here 12/2008
This is a Travelfish recommended reviewer
Total reviews submitted: 13.
jenstew55 also reviewed: Bus Stop, CM Blue House, Garden House, Geckozy Guesthouse, Grand View Guest House, Mandalay Inn, Nett Hotel, Okay Guest House, Okay Guest House, The Atlanta, The Riverside Guest House, TR Guesthouse.

Clean, good bargain - 18th May, 2008
Cost $6 for large double room with hot water. The hotel has a nice outside covered restaurant/bar on the top floor--we only ate breakfast there and it was fine but can't really comment on other food. It is a great place to hang out in late afternoon with a beer and watch the city. Not many other places to hang out. Ate several meals at White Rose and were all excellant. Staff are helpful if you ask them. Motodrivers plentiful and friendly, not too pushy.

Royal Hotel reviewed by jennette on 18th May, 2008, rated 4 out of 5.
Stayed here 3/2008
This is a Travelfish recommended reviewer
Total reviews submitted: 13.
jennette also reviewed: Andaman Resort, Bright Lotus 1 Guest House, Khlong Chao Resort, Lan Kham Hotel, Monkey Island, New Beach Guest House, Sang Aroun Hotel, Siam Hut, Somphamit Guesthouse, Sunrise Guesthouse and Restaurant, Sypaseuth Guesthouse, Vong Pasued Guest House.

Ok - 21st January, 2008
Came here after a long full day of travelling from Isaan, after the usual commission tour of share taxi preferences, we stopped here and the only room left was the 20 dollar suite-like room. It was a very nice room and I enjoyed the night here before moving to a more comfortable setting. This place is much geared up for the tour group. The food was alright. No complaints over my night here but it was nice to check out.

Royal Hotel reviewed by Fishman on 21st January, 2008, rated 3 out of 5.
Stayed here 12/2007
This is a Travelfish recommended reviewer
Total reviews submitted: 39.
Fishman also reviewed: Angkor Inn, Angkor International Hotel, Blue Star Guest House, Bus Stop, Elephant Garden, Kampot Guesthouse, Khao Wang Hotel, Kiwi Orchid Guest House, Ko Kong Asean Hotel, Koh Kong Guesthouse, Maneerote Hotel, Monkey Republic, Pop Guesthouse, Rabieng Restaurant and Guesthouse, Ratchathani Hotel, Rattanapong Hotel, Rose Inn, Ruan Thai Guesthouse, Sakal Bungalows, Sam's House Guest House, Samainiyom Hotel, Sawasdee Khaosan Inn, Sintavee Hotel, Siri Hotel, Sirima Guest House, Sunset Huts, Thai Hotel, The Bed and Breakfast, Tokyo Mansion, Treehouse, Yom River Guesthouse.

Read 9 more reviews

Great place in a great town. - 14th December, 2009
I spent 4 days at the Royal. All the mid-range rooms were gone so i opted for the $3 cheapie on the roof, it was fine and clean, and only had to share a (clean) bathroom. The staff were great but the motodops were awesome, the friendliest, nicest guys you will meet. They are honest and all-too knowledgable about the area guys, my guy wven invited me to his sister's wedding!! The staff even give you a small gift as you check out which is a nice touch.

Royal Hotel reviewed by almondy23 on 14th December, 2009, rated 4 out of 5.
Stayed here 11/2009
Total reviews submitted: 5.
almondy23 also reviewed: Ao Phai Hut, P Guest House, River Guest House, Sugar Cane Guest House 1.

Great staff and rooftop bar - 3rd December, 2009
Centrally located and my room was simple and clean. The staff was always friendly and helpful and I spent a lot of time at the rooftop bar, reading, taking in the views, and chatting with the bartender and manager's son. I've got to agree about the drivers here, all around good guys, always friendly and joking with customers and staff. I recommend Buffalo if he's available. When I wanted to take the boat to Siem Reap but was concerned about the safety of the trip, the manager arranged the tickets and made sure to let me know that if I got to the dock and didn't like it, he'd refund me and get me on the bus. Highly recommended (and the boat trip to Siem Reap was awesome).

Royal Hotel reviewed by scafire_jesse on 3rd December, 2009, rated 4 out of 5.
Stayed here 9/2009
Total reviews submitted: 2.
scafire_jesse also reviewed: Cat Cat View Hotel.

recommended - 26th February, 2009
The Travelfish description is very accurate. Prices are now $7 for fan, cold-water private bath; $2 more for hot water.

Royal Hotel reviewed by shooter on 26th February, 2009, rated 4 out of 5.
Stayed here 1/2009
Total reviews submitted: 4.
shooter also reviewed: Bella Bella House, Jonadda Guest House, Treehouse.

Great Place - 22nd October, 2008
Hotel and rooms were very clean. We chose a room with aircon, which was a nice treat. Staff were helpful and arranged our boat tickets to Siem Reap. Rooftop seating was nice at sunset but we chose to eat elsewhere. Hired 3 moto drivers to take us around for the day and had a fantastic time. Their English was great and their humor was even better. Whether you stay here or not, I suggest organizing a $10 tour with the guys that hang around the reception area.

Royal Hotel reviewed by HelenGertrude on 22nd October, 2008, rated 5 out of 5.
Stayed here 10/2008
Total reviews submitted: 3.
HelenGertrude also reviewed: Star Bar, The Prince Mekong Villa.

recommended - 13th September, 2007
stayed here only 2 nights, nice and clean spacious room with fan. and off course: TAKE THE COUNTRYSIDE TOUR BY MOTORBIKE !! good guides, great trip

Royal Hotel reviewed by harpastum on 13th September, 2007, rated 4 out of 5.
Stayed here 8/2007
Total reviews submitted: 5.
harpastum also reviewed: Blissful Guesthouse, Blue Lagoon, Rosy Guest House.

great moto drivers - 26th July, 2007
Battambang is a great town and was made even better by the good moto drivers that hang around outside Royal. They speak excellent English and are safe drivers. We had great fun on the countryside tour. (We didn't actually stay at the Royal Hotel)

Royal Hotel reviewed by rakhee2108 on 26th July, 2007, rated 0 out of 5.
Stayed here 6/2007
Total reviews submitted: 6.
rakhee2108 also reviewed: Blissful Guesthouse, Cloud 9, Okay Guest House, Sohka's Guest House.

Good place to stay - 24th January, 2007
Very central location just beside the old market and Sunrise Coffee house, close to everything. Friendly staff. Good with the restaurant on the roof. Easy to get in touch with other travellers there. But there are better and cheaper restaurants in town. We asked the owner to arrange moto driver for us, and we got good englisg speaking guide.

Royal Hotel reviewed by AMD on 24th January, 2007, rated 3 out of 5.
Stayed here 1/2007
Total reviews submitted: 4.
AMD also reviewed: Siam Beach.

friendly and cheap - 11th April, 2006
popular with groups: large rooms, with or without AC, there's a switch to put it on if you pay for it(if you don't pay the switch is locked)!!! nice terrace for breakfast or dinner, friendly staff

Royal Hotel reviewed by babar63 on 11th April, 2006, rated 4 out of 5.
Stayed here 12/2005
Total reviews submitted: 2.
babar63 also reviewed: .

Attractive-ish but not secure - 2nd October, 2005
Checked in late at night, and was put into a nice air-con room (sans air-con remote) for the fan room rate, complete with small private balcony. Somewhere around 6:30am, someone opened my door with a key and slammed it against the solid ''chain'' I'd bolted across the door. Though the door only opened an inch or so, it was quite disturbing, particularly after the gangsters I'd encountered on the train from Phnom Penh to Battambang.

Royal Hotel reviewed by waxybrushes on 2nd October, 2005, rated 2 out of 5.
Stayed here 10/2005
Total reviews submitted: 10.
waxybrushes also reviewed: Baan Jong Come Guest House, Madame Guesthouse, Number 9 Sister Guesthouse, Sarah Guest House.

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