Rosewood Phnom Penh has been crowned the best city hotel in Asia and ninth in the world in the esteemed Travel + Leisure’s annual World’s Best awards.
“Of all the tens of thousands of hotels in the world, our property with 175 rooms, five restaurants and a couple of bars has been rated best in Asia and number nine in the world,” said managing director, Daniel Simon, at an event announcing the award.
He added that this is a great achievement for both the property and country, with Rosewood Phnom Penh the only hotel in Cambodia to feature on the list. The five-star Phnom Penh property also beat off fierce competition from strong regional contenders in Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur.

“For the last few years, we’ve been on a journey; a journey to establish Rosewood Phnom Penh as a reason to visit Cambodia,” Simon said. “We’ve curated experiences that highlight the history and culture of Cambodia. Not only the dark history but also the architecture, music, arts and, most recently, the return of lost heritage.”
The managing director said initiatives that have not only helped Rosewood secure the title of Asia’s best hotel but also helped to plant Phnom Penh on the visitor map include its gastronomic experiences.

Rosewood is the only hotel in the country to partner with home-grown celebrity chef, Chef Nak. She has curated 15 dishes that are served at Rosewood’s Brasserie Louis diner. The hotel is also uplifting Cambodia’s cocktail scene through its Bar Series, which showcases the talents of the world’s top 50 bartenders each month.
“One of our priorities is to support the local community,” Simon said, adding through its Open Door program, every year it recruits interns who normally would not have the opportunity. This year saw Rosewood hire 15 young people from rural areas in Siem Reap for a 12-month internship, with the end goal that they will be employed by Rosewood.

Simon said Rosewood also strongly supports the local arts scene. Since opening in 2018, it has hosted more than 20 exhibitions showcasing the works of over 50 local artists.
“Art is truly what brings us together and carries history from the past to the present. Through these exhibitions, we’ve not only provided livelihoods but a platform for local artists to gain recognition and foster cultural exchanges,” Simon added.

“This award is testament to the exceptional experiences and unwavering commitment to excellence at Rosewood Phnom Penh. We’re truly honored to be recognized as the best hotel in Asia and ninth in the world. We remain committed to providing an unparalleled service, promoting Cambodian culture, working with local artists and giving back to the community.”
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