Text by Wan Azfarozza Wan Athmar
Photos by Eric Gonzales
For iconic hotels like Raffles Le Royal Phnom Penh and Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor Siem Reap, words like grand, luxurious, and historic naturally come to mind. But wouldn’t that be stating the obvious? This time, I sought for something offbeat, distinctive, yet perfectly aligned with the timeless charm and elegance of these hotels. Here are some hidden gems I discovered.
- Lift Me Up or Take the Stairs
Many hotels preserve their original architecture just for show, but not Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor Siem Reap. Built in the 1930s, it still operates its original lift—yes, it’s fully functional! I took a leap of faith and experienced a ride in this antique elevator, feeling transported to a bygone era. Although modern elevators are available, there’s no thrill quite like this vintage ride.
At Raffles Le Royal Phnom Penh, I decided to take the stairs—maintained with original woodwork from the 1920s. These are the very stairs graced by legends like Jackie Kennedy and Charlie Chaplin. I couldn’t resist the chance to retrace their steps, even if it meant catching my breath. And it was well worth the climb.
- Hello?
One of the first things I did in my room was test the vintage telephone. It looked like an antique piece meant for decor, adding to the hotel’s classic ambiance. To my surprise, it worked! Hearing a voice on the other end gave me a delightful sense of nostalgia. At that moment, it was Smartphone 0 – Antique Phone 1.
- Art You Serious?
When I saw that Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor Siem Reap offered an art tour, I was thrilled. Art captivates me, especially when there’s a story behind each piece. The hotel arranged a personal tour with Nat Di Maggio, curator of the collection. Featuring local artists, each artwork in the lobby and bar held tales of Cambodian culture and creativity. What might seem like mere decor to a passerby took on new meaning as I learned their stories.
Raffles Le Royal Phnom Penh has its own impressive art collection, but here, the building itself is the masterpiece. Every detail—from the flooring to the lighting—made me feel as if I was stepping into an artwork.
- Food for Thought
Ever thought you could time-travel with food? At 1932 Restaurant in Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor Siem Reap, you can. The menu is organized by decade, each dish accompanied by a historical narrative. Choose a taste from the 1930s, 1950s, or the golden age of the 1960s.
Meanwhile, at Restaurant Le Royal in Phnom Penh, you’ll find royal Khmer recipes, including the Jacqueline Kennedy Heritage Menu—a tribute to Jackie Kennedy’s visit in 1967.
Raffles Le Royal Phnom Penh and Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor Siem Reap stand in a class of their own, weaving luxury with history in a way that transcends the typical hotel experience. These aren’t just places to stay—they’re places to step into history.
For further details check out Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor and Raffles Hotel Le Royal.
