As Shakespeare once said, ”Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.” Phnom Penh‘s King Grand Suites Boutique Hotel II, to give its full moniker, most certainly has aspirations in that direction. Its large rooms and warm welcome are perfectly located on a quiet thoroughfare that still manages to be just around the corner from popular bars and and a choice of restaurants. Independence Monument and Wat Langka are just a pleasant five minute stroll away.

Oi, kissing swans — get your own room!

From the green-tinged Buddha that greets you at the entrance to the carefully pointed napkins on the fully set tables in the restaurant, it’s obvious that this hotel spends time on getting things just so. Opened at the end of 2012, the decor and the fittings are fresh and clean, although the grass green carpet in the corridors is a bright surprise. Those with dodgy knees or an aversion to climbing stairs will be grateful for the lift — an unexpected plus for a hotel with only 20 rooms over four floors.

A grand entrance.

The great thing about a hotel that knows what it’s doing is that what you expect is delivered. King Grand (we’re now on first name terms) has everything you’d want from a city centre hotel. There’s WiFi throughout, naturally. The inclusive a la carte breakfast has the option of eggs benedict, surely the poshest sounding way to start your day. The moderately-sized pool is discreetly hidden by a bamboo fence, meaning you won’t be gawked at by every passerby.

A pool view almost makes up for not choosing the jacuzzi room.

As you would hope, the rooms are generously sized, with a sofa seating section and a balcony. Each room comes with a safety box big enough for a laptop, a fridge, hot shower, large flat-screen TV and do-it-yourself tea and coffee. The beds are very comfortable, but first you’ll need to evict the smooching swans made from towels. Some rooms come with both shower and tub, others have just a large shower. You’d likely be happy enough with a deluxe or superior room, but then you’d discover that the King Suite comes with a jacuzzi on the private garden terrace. And the staff will be happy to fill it up for your return from a hot and dusty day of sightseeing. Hmmm …

King Grand Suites is a good choice for families due to the large rooms, while (some) couples may appreciate the romantic touches. The proximity of bars like Equinox and Liquid, an eclectic choice of restaurants, plus several coffee shops, delis and boutiques, make King Grand a solid city break choice. If all 20 rooms are booked up here, try the sister property, King Grand Boutique Hotel, about seven minutes closer to the riverside.

We were quoted $60 for a superior double in high season, although the hotel’s website rate is $149 (so do look at Agoda.com for a better rate if booking in advance, or take your chances walking in. (Other rack rates: deluxe double $79, deluxe jacuzzi $229 and family suite with two double beds, $349).

Best rate guarantee at Agoda.com!

King Grand Suites Boutique Hotel II
11 Street 57, Boueng Keng Kang 1, Phnom Penh
T: (023) 334218
info@kinggrandsuites.com
www.kinggrandsuites.com

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