Amanjaya

Press Reviews

Frommer's
"Riverside at Sisowath Quay, this three-story corner building is a true house of style. The porous laterite walls of the lobby, the same stone used in Angkor, and Buddhist statues throughout contribute to a cool boutique vibe. Though sparse in services and amenities, rooms are spacious, done in rich red silk hangings and bedspreads in bold contrast with dark wood trim and floors. All rooms have king-size beds. The suites are enormous and worth the extra outlay. All bathrooms are immaculate affairs done in wood and tile, with neat tub/shower units in standard rooms and separate shower and tub in suites, delineated by unique large-stone gravel paths in concrete. Rooms vary in size and shape; best are the corner suites with panoramic views of the river and busy street below. Noisy traffic is the only drawback."

The Independent, November 2008
"In Phnom Penh, boutique hotels are springing up like mushrooms. Many of the colonial-era French villas were left intact by the Khmer Rouge and are now being turned into funky places to stay and eat. The Cambodian capital seems to be faithfully sticking to the original small, independently owned spirit of boutique hotels, unlike many of the huge hotel chains.

On Sisowath, and probably the pick of the bunch, is the sumptuous Amanjaya – the corner suites have the best riverside balconies in the city."

Lonely Planet
"Amanjaya is the original boutique hotel in Phnom Penh, boasting a striking location overlooking the Tonlé Sap. It has 24 stylish and spacious rooms and a touch more class than its neighbours, but it lacks the swimming pool to round things off.

While Amanjaya is not a member of the super-plush Aman chain, the wooden floors, subtle lighting and stylish decor of the lobby won't disappoint. Service is friendly and efficient, and while it's only four floors there is a lift to spare the stairs. The huge rooms are decorated in modern Chinese rosewood furniture, and cloaked in lavish red silk drapes and upholsteries. All are spotlessly clean and have a balcony with views - either directly over the riverfront, or a combination of river and the stupas of Wat Ounalom. The downside is that prices are on the high side when compared with cheaper neighbours. Downstairs the K West Steakhouse and bar is a good place to chill and watch the world go by, although the atmosphere is more international hotel watering hole than Cambodian diner."

The Telegraph, January 2006
"Hot, crowded and sporadically frenzied, the Cambodian capital is worth at least a couple of nights to see key sights such as the Royal Palace, National Museum (with treasures from Angkor), Russian Market and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.

The most enjoyable area to stay is by the river, where you'll find the all-suite Amanjaya, a gem of a hotel that feels part of Cambodia rather than some multinational chain.

There are only 21 rooms, all with shiny wooden floors, large bathrooms and a small balcony, and plenty of lively bars and restaurants are within walking distance."

Guest Reviews

Reviews are only from people who have stayed there and booked through i-escape.

• “A small boutique hotel well located overlooking the river front with a very nice roof terrace bar. Rooms were well furnished with good bathrooms but let down by some minor details – basin plug jammed open, rather noisy air-con and a very run-down looking staircase. The adjacent restaurant / breakfast room was not very good. Staff generally polite and helpful.”
  Fiona, United Kingdom (18.02.11)

• “Loved hotel room, position in P.P. excellent. Food was OK but there is intense competition nearby therefore the restaurant needs to up its game. Hotel has just opened a roof top terrace overlooking the river which is a lovely location but was a little disorganised. You need to make seat reservations during busy periods, i.e. the boat festival.”
  Gay, United Kingdom (25.11.10)

• “The room was lovely with a comfy bed and great shower but as people say watch out for the highly polished floor! The hotel was in a great spot on the river, close to many attractions. Staff were lovely and even got the lift working again quickly when it was "out of order" as my partner was struggling to climb the stairs due to a dodgy knee!
  The only drawback was that during our stay they seemed to be doing some sort of maintenance to the roof which meant continuous banging and crashing from around 8am onwards - our room was on the top floor!”
  Jamie, United Kingdom (09.08.10)

• “We really enjoyed staying here. The hotel is located in an excellent position for getting to the sights and there are also plenty of bars and cheap but good restaurants nearby.We didn't eat lunch or dinner in the hotel. Hotel staff are very friendly and helpful. We were particularly impressed with the level of English spoken in the city in general which always makes life a bit easier. Our room was clean and spacious but the polished wood floor really is a death trap, especially when wearing slippers. They're currently renovating some rooms so there was a bit of noise. Breakfast was excellent with a good choice and well prepared and presented food. We particularly liked the fact that it was not a buffet. Beware of tuk-tuk drivers who are laying in wait outside. They even watch for you to open the curtains and wave and shout out at you on the balcony! Agree your price before you go anywhere. Thoroughly recommended.”
  Felicity, China (22.06.10)