Hyatt Reveals First Hotel in Cambodia’s Capital

Hyatt is kicking off 2021 with its ongoing expansion in Southeast Asia. Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh is the first Hyatt property to open in the Cambodian capital, and also marks the debut of the Hyatt Regency brand in the Kingdom of Wonder. Singapore-based SCDA Architects and Thai firm PIA Interior collaborated on the project, which seamlessly blends contemporary and colonial influences, and accentuates the region’s Khmer architecture vernacular. A former colonial villa, the hotel’s main 14-story building greets visitors with hardwood floors, which also continue through each of its 247 accommodations. Ranging from 328 to 1,087 square feet, the guestroom lineup peaks with the royal suite, which comprises two ensuite bedrooms, a walk-in closet, powder room, pantry, separate living and dining areas, and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame city views. Soo K. Chan, founding principal and design director of SCDA cites the “conscious effort to not only faithfully preserve the old colonial house, but fully integrate it” as the design’s standout. Five F&B options are also housed onsite, including the early 20th century, metro-themed bar Metropole Underground, the Old World speakeasy-style cocktail spot the Attic serves as a key cocktail spot, and the FiveFive Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, which crowns the property. In addition to the 490-person Regency Ballroom, Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh’s more than 15,000 square feet of onsite meeting and event space includes the Poolhouse, which features an open terrace and outdoor barbecue area, and nine meeting suites. Rounding out the onsite amenities is the Jivapita spa, which houses a 24-hour fitness center, Himalayan salt room, steam room, outdoor infinity pool, and poolside bar. “Despite the limited spatial constraints of this city site, the design managed to endow the main public spaces with a garden setting,” Chan adds, “without compromising the historical integrity of the venerable old house.”