The Kabiki

Set amidst a large tropical garden, The Kabiki is one of Phnom Penh's best hideouts. All guests come here on foot, as taxis are not allowed past the security gate on the lane in which the hotel resides. Travelers head up a walkway filled with fruit trees like mango, jackfruit, and other tropical shrubs. The lobby is in a colonial-style white building, guarded by stone lions, marked with fine wooden French doors. Inside, there's a marble floor with long sofas, large windows looking out at the garden, and a resident cat taking up space and giving the place a relaxed vibe. Most guests spend their time at the pool and restaurant, both of which are out in the foliage, and the hotel differs from many others in town in that it's a great spot to spend time in as opposed to being merely a base for sightseeing; in fact, many guests here extend their stays or return just to relax. Couples and families are the main clientele. 

The Kabiki is located in the center of historic Phnom Penh, just a couple of minutes' drive up from Sihanouk Boulevard and Independent Monument. The hotel itself sits on a quiet lane that's next to government officials' homes and behind the North Korean Embassy, and there's a security gate on either side of the lane, with taxis not being allowed in; this keeps the street safe and quiet, although guests must walk in with their luggage 100 feet from the corner. Tuk tuks are always available out on the corner for all transport needs, and the resort can arrange cars for transport whenever needed. It's about a 15-minute walk from here to the riverside and Royal Palace, and there are tons of options for eating, drinking, and shopping nearby, including both local and international restaurants. With popular 240 Street and all its restaurants and shops just up the road, it's a convenient place to stay, and only a 40-minute drive from the airport. 

The Kabiki has only 18 rooms, but they come in a variety of sizes and setups. There are both twin- and double-bed rooms, as well as those with garden views, balconies, or patios. All rooms have 32-inch flat-screen TVs, minibars, tea/coffee facilities, safes, ceiling fans and air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Decor is fresh and simple, including white walls and wood four-poster beds with white mosquito netting, slate-gray stone floors, wooden work desks, pops of yellow and lime green, and black-and-white photos of rural scenes of Cambodia on the walls. The Superior and Deluxe Rooms offer daybeds and DVD players, and some have small furnished balconies. Bathrooms are bright with white walls and dark gray tile, and most have walk-in showers (some have tubs), along with bathrobes and slippers. The hotel also caters to families, unlike many boutique hotels in this area, and Family Rooms have bunk beds tucked into niches behind the main beds, plus patios outside under the trees.

The Kabiki has lush grounds full of fruit trees and paths meandering around them. In the garden is the hotel's main feature, the swimming pool, which has green-colored water and completely blends in with the surroundings. There are loungers around the pool, and even a couple of tree-shaded cabana "salas" with mattresses and cushions that are very popular among guests. The pool stays open until the evening, so there's plenty of time to enjoy the scene. There's also a small children's pool right next to the main pool. At the other end of the pool is a small open-air restaurant where free breakfast for guests is served, and later the restaurant opens for lunch and dinner, with both Khmer cuisine and international dishes, along with drinks throughout the evening. The sister property's spa, a few minutes away, is available to guests and offers a variety of massage treatments. Parking is free, and babysitting is available.