Raffles’ two hotels in Cambodia – Raffles Hotel Le Royal Phnom Penh and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap – are currently undergoing a major refurbishment. The projects, which will be completed by November 2011, include updating of the guestrooms at both hotels, a revamped lobby, bar and ballroom in Phnom Penh, and the renovation of two villas in Siem Reap.
Opened in 1929 and 1932 respectively, these are the only luxury hotels in Cambodia that pre-date the Khmer Rouge era. They were brought into the Raffles portfolio in 1997.
The refurbishments will use original pieces of Khmer artwork sourced from local artists, including silverwork, wood carvings, to lacquer works and sculptures. Cambodian silks and other materials will also be used in upgrades.
At both hotels, the state rooms (double rooms) will be upgrades with new wooden floors using dark, sustainable local woods, and local Cambodian silks. Further rooms will be refurbished in 2012. In addition to the state rooms, Raffles Hotel Le Royal will add two new Balcony Suites overlooking the gardens, and the Lobby and the Conservatory Bar will be brought up to date. The layouts of these spaces will be re-configured the lighting updated and furniture restored.
The Phnom Penh hotel’s meeting rooms and ballroom will also be refurbished, with new colour schemes, sound and light systems.
At Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, the two private villas will be completely refurbished. Villa Uma will feature a new plunge pool, decking, daybeds and landscaping, new colonial furniture and wooden flooring throughout. Villa Kama meanwhile, will retain its traditional colonial feel with teak furniture, but with new lighting, landscaping and outdoor rattan furniture.
John Johnston, President of Raffles Hotels & Resorts, said; “Raffles Hotel Le Royal and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor are without doubt the hotels in Cambodia with the most heritage, character and atmosphere. In the last year, we have introduced the legendary Raffles Butlers at both hotels, to give our guests truly personalised service 24-hours a day. This refurbishment is the next chapter: it will reinstate the hotels’ original exotic glamour and take them up to the next level of comfort and luxury – for real five-star service and style.”