Perched atop the iconic Vattanac Capital Tower, Cambodia’s tallest building, the Rosewood Phnom Penh commands breathtaking views of the capital’s evolving skyline and the mighty Mekong River. This ultra-luxury hotel, occupying the top 14 floors of the 39-story skyscraper, has redefined hospitality standards in Cambodia since its 2018 opening.
Accommodations: A Masterpiece of Contemporary Elegance
The hotel’s 175 rooms and suites blend modern sophistication with Khmer architectural elements. Starting at a generous 50 square meters, even the entry-level Executive Rooms feel palatial. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame spectacular city views, while custom-made furnishings in neutral tones complement the dark wooden floors and locally-inspired artwork.
The suite collection, ranging from the 90-square-meter Manor Suite to the magnificent 200-square-meter Norodom House, offers residential-style luxury. The Norodom House, the hotel’s crown jewel, features two bedrooms, a private kitchen, dining room, and a wraparound terrace offering panoramic views of the Royal Palace and Wat Phnom.
Culinary Excellence at New Heights
Rosewood Phnom Penh’s diverse culinary landscape spans multiple venues, each offering distinct experiences that cater to discerning palates. At the heart of the hotel’s gastronomic offerings lies an impressive collection of restaurants and bars that showcase both international excellence and local flavors.
Brasserie Louis, perched on the 35th floor, remains the hotel’s signature dining venue. Here, classic French cuisine harmoniously coexists with authentic Cambodian dishes. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the confluence of the Mekong, Tonlé Sap, and Bassac rivers, creating an atmospheric backdrop for dishes like Beef Cheek Bourguignon and Fish Amok, a traditional Khmer curry.
Zhan Liang stands as a testament to Chinese culinary artistry, offering an elevated dining experience that celebrates regional Chinese cuisines. The restaurant’s sophisticated interiors, featuring dark woods and traditional motifs, set the stage for masterfully prepared dishes. The dim sum selection, available daily, has become a weekend institution among Phnom Penh’s elite.
Cuts, with its art deco-inspired design, has established itself as the capital’s premier steakhouse. The restaurant sources exceptional cuts from renowned producers worldwide, including Wagyu from Japan’s Miyazaki Prefecture and Black Angus from Australia’s Rangers Valley. The walk-in wine cellar houses over 1,500 labels, with sommeliers ready to suggest perfect pairings.
The Whiskey Library offers an intimate sanctuary for spirits enthusiasts, housing one of Southeast Asia’s most impressive collections of rare and limited-edition whiskies. The leather-clad space features over 200 labels of single malts, blends, and bourbons. Regular tasting events and masterclasses hosted by international experts have made it a destination for whiskey aficionados. The venue’s private lockers allow members to store their personal bottles, creating an exclusive club atmosphere.
Butterfly Patisserie elevates the art of dessert to new heights. This elegant boutique combines the precision of French pastry-making with creative Asian influences. Master Pastry Chef Vincent Claudepierre crafts exquisite creations that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. The signature butterfly-shaped chocolates, made with single-origin cacao, have become sought-after gifts.
Sora, commanding the 37th floor, has revolutionized Phnom Penh’s nightlife scene. This sky bar blends sophisticated mixology with Japanese izakaya-style dining. The curved space offers 360-degree views of the city, with different areas dedicated to various experiences – from the high-energy main bar to intimate lounging spaces. The bar’s Japanese whiskey collection is particularly noteworthy, offering rare bottles and flights that tell the story of Japanese whiskey-making.
Living Room provides an all-day dining venue with a refined residential feel. Morning pastries and artisanal coffees give way to light lunches and afternoon tea service. The venue’s drink menu includes an extensive selection of rare teas sourced from across Asia, including limited-edition Chinese and Japanese varieties.
Wellness Above the Clouds
The Sense Spa, positioned on the 33rd floor, offers a tranquil escape with six treatment rooms overlooking the city. Traditional Khmer healing techniques are incorporated into signature treatments, using locally-sourced ingredients like Kampot pepper and organic coconut oil. The 24-hour fitness center features state-of-the-art Technogym equipment and personal training services.
While the hotel doesn’t have a conventional pool, it compensates with a stunning indoor lap pool on the 33rd floor. The 20-meter pool, surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, offers a unique swimming experience with city views that few hotels worldwide can match.
Cultural Canvas: Rosewood’s Artistic Soul
The Rosewood Phnom Penh’s commitment to Cambodia’s artistic renaissance is prominently displayed through its innovative Art Gallery and Art in Residence program, establishing the hotel as a significant patron of contemporary Cambodian art. The dedicated gallery space, spanning the hotel’s public areas, serves as a dynamic platform for both established and emerging local artists, with carefully curated exhibitions rotating every three months.
The Art in Residence program, launched in 2019, has become a cornerstone of Phnom Penh’s contemporary art scene. This initiative goes beyond traditional hotel art programs by offering selected artists short-term residencies within the hotel. During their stay, artists create new works inspired by their surroundings, interact with guests through workshops and talks, and contribute to the hotel’s growing permanent collection. Notable past residents have included Sopheap Pich, internationally recognized for his rattan sculptures, and Thang Sothea, whose architectural installations explore Cambodia’s rapid urbanization.
The hotel’s permanent collection, comprising over 600 pieces, tells the story of Cambodia’s cultural evolution. Curated by renowned art consultant Sasha Young, the collection features commissioned works that range from traditional Khmer-inspired pieces to bold contemporary installations. Highlights include the dramatic 20-meter ceiling installation in the sky lobby, created by FONKi, a Cambodian-Canadian street artist, which depicts the flow of the Mekong River using modern abstract techniques. Each floor of the hotel showcases themed collections, with detailed catalogs available for art enthusiasts who wish to explore the works in depth.
Regular art tours, conducted by local art historians, offer guests intimate insights into Cambodia’s contemporary art movement, while monthly “Art & Wine” evenings combine gallery viewings with wine tastings, creating a sophisticated cultural salon atmosphere.
Meetings and Events with a View
The hotel’s meeting facilities span 1,300 square meters, including the pillarless Vattanac Ballroom with its 6.5-meter ceiling height. Five additional meeting rooms feature advanced technology and dramatic city views, making them ideal for both corporate events and social gatherings.
Location: The Heart of Modern Phnom Penh
Situated in the central business district, the hotel provides easy access to both historical landmarks and modern attractions. The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda are just a 10-minute drive away, while the art deco Central Market is within walking distance. The emerging BKK1 district, known for its boutiques, restaurants, and bars, is also nearby.
The hotel’s concierge team curates unique experiences, from private tours of Wat Phnom, the city’s oldest Buddhist temple, to sunset cruises on the Mekong River. They can also arrange visits to the emerging gallery scene in Toul Tom Poung or exclusive access to private collections of Khmer artifacts.
Beyond Luxury
From its lofty perch atop Vattanac Capital Tower, this vertical urban resort has redefined luxury hospitality in Southeast Asia, setting benchmarks that extend far beyond traditional five-star service. Whether you’re sipping craft cocktails at Sora while watching the sun set over the Mekong, enjoying a treatment at Sense Spa inspired by ancient Khmer healing practices, or discussing contemporary art with a resident artist, each moment here feels curated yet authentic. For travelers seeking to experience Cambodia’s exciting transformation from a privileged vantage point, Rosewood Phnom Penh offers not just accommodation, but a front-row seat to history in the making. It’s more than a luxury hotel; it’s a testament to Cambodia’s bright future and an embodiment of modern Asian sophistication.
ROSEWOOD PHNOM PENH
+855 23 936 888
Vattanac Capital Tower
66 Monivong Boulevard, Sangkat Wat Phnom
Khan Daun Penh, 120211, Phnom Penh
Kingdom of Cambodia