TEAV Boutique Hotel

The TEAV is an intimate boutique hotel with style that outmeasures its size. It was designed by a couple of local architects who have fused traditional Khmer beauty with post-modern industrial style through handmade furniture and fixtures. Local artwork hangs throughout the hotel. On the outside, the TEAV has a simple low-rise wood-and-glass exterior, with a few small hedges and a pair of red bicycles fronting the entrance. A narrow passageway decorated with handcrafted metal elephant sculptures leads into the lobby, where one wall has a display of world clocks shaped into a traditional Khmer yaan, which provides blessing and protection. There are also Angkor Wat-inspired line paintings, mostly of traditional Khmer women (Teav is a Khmer word for elegant and nice courtesan women), plus metal sculptural pieces crafted from recycled steel and iron. For those who love small boutique hotels, this is a real winner, and there is plenty to admire and appreciate in its aesthetics and design. A short stroll around the hotel will make you realize just how much thought and attention to intricate details went into this place, something that all of the couples, families, and business travelers that pass through admire.

The TEAV Boutique Hotel is located in Phnom Penh's most trendy neighborhood, BKK1, which is where most ex-pats live, and is home to dozens of happening restaurants, bars, and cafes. There is a great array of ethnic cuisine, laid-back bars, and shops just around the corner from the hotel. Sidewalks here are far wider than elsewhere in the city, making it easy to stroll and pretend you aren't in a developing metropolis -- though those looking for a bit more local flavor will have to walk farther afield. The TEAV lies on a quiet side street off of several larger thoroughfares, and it is easy to get around to all parts of the city from here. Phnom Penh International Airport is a 30-minute drive, and it's only 10 minutes by tuk-tuk to the riverside, Royal Palace, and most of the sights of Phnom Penh. There is also easy access from here to the Russian Market which is about a 10-minute drive away.

There are only 12 rooms at the TEAV, all of which are quite spacious, as even the standard Deluxe Rooms have 32 square meters of living space, which is almost double of what's offered at many of the boutique hotels in central Phnom Penh. Khmer-influenced handcrafted art hangs on the walls, with Apsara dancers made from wire and hand-painted musicians or scenes of Cambodian life adding a local, cultural touch. Rooms feature modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and DVD players, minibars, electric hot water kettles, and safes. Bathrooms come with walk-in rainfall showers or sleek granite shower/tub combos (in higher level accommodations), granite sinks, bathrobes and slippers, and a complete set of toiletries. While the Deluxe Rooms don't have balconies or views, the larger Premier Deluxe Rooms and Suites do. The balconies overlook the pool, and are furnished with contemporary wicker chairs and tables. Suites are suitable for families or long term guests, as they have full kitchens, a dining counter and stools, irons and ironing boards, and a separate living area.

The TEAV Boutique Hotel is a small property, but it does have an intimate restaurant and small swimming pool. The pool has a couple of large cabanas, or loggias, on one side, equipped with mattresses, cushions, and lights -- perfect for lounging in. Right next to this is the TEVI restaurant and bar, which serves free breakfasts for guests with Asian and western a la carte options, and then does authentic Khmer cuisine for both lunch and dinner. There is also an all day bar here, for beer, cocktails, soft drinks, and tea and coffee. Tables are set up in red and white decor, and located right by the pool. The hotel also has a few computers upstairs for guests to use, DVDs available at the front desk, and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Parking at the hotel is free. Staff can assist with laundry requests for a fee, and also offers free SIM cards and set-up.