PAVILION

The Pavilion, like its sister property, The Plantation, doesn't look like much from the outside. A pair of white elephant statues front the adjoining shop and a small brown door leads into the hotel. Beyond the door, an array of bamboo bicycles mark the entrance to the serene lush garden, with a pool surrounded by cabanas and a poolside restaurant; this is the centerpiece of the hotel. Past the pool, the reception and lobby are housed in a Khmer-French heritage building, which was originally built by King Sihanouk's mother in the 1920s. It retains much of its grace, with thick white columns, whirling ceiling fans, and a patterned tile floor, along with teak chairs, a glass tabletop held up by porcelain elephants, and some fine art pieces. The hotel has an aura of refinement and serenity about it. The majority of guests here are couples, though solo travelers make their way here as well. As children under the age of 16 aren't allowed, it's all about peace and quiet here, and having an urban escape in the center of Phnom Penh's historic zone. 

The Pavilion is in a great location right in the heart of historic Phnom Penh. It sits a block from Wat Botum, and it's a five- to 10-minute walk to the Royal Palace and the Tonle Sap riverside. There are plenty of nearby bars, restaurants, and shops, especially on happening Street 240, a two-minute walk from the hotel. The hotel is on a busy street with heavy traffic and there are a lot of tuk-tuk drivers who regularly sit outside, which some may find convenient -- others find the constant badgering annoying, but it's part of life in this city. More bars and restaurants can be found in the BKK1 neighborhood and near the National Museum, both trendy areas and within 15 minutes on foot. The airport is a 30-minute drive from the hotel. 

There are 27 rooms at The Pavilion, with another nine being added in a villa wing. All rooms have a bright, breezy charm, and while Standard Rooms are on the small wide, they do feature patterned tile floors, four-poster beds, hand-crafted lamp shades, and full length mirrors. Hardwood furniture and window frames look sharp against white walls in all room categories, while colorful patterned textiles provide pops of color. Several rooms have patios or balconies. Amenities include large flat-screen TVs, DVD players, safes, minibars, electric hot water kettles, iPod docking stations, alarm clocks, and free Wi-Fi. Suites are far more spacious, with separate living rooms and large balconies, some of which look onto the palm-filled grounds. There is also one Jacuzzi Bungalow. Bathrooms are narrow in the bulk of rooms, but feature long vanities with raised sinks and trendy antique-style fixtures plus stand-up showers. The Deluxe Suite has a nice rainfall shower. Artisanal soap and hairdryers are provided, along with free bottled water.

The Pavilion has a lovely garden pool, which is surrounded by cabanas that have mattresses and fans, some of which are hidden in the tropical foliage -- it's a great spot to spend the day relaxing, especially on hot afternoons. While the pool doesn't get that much sun, the hotel has opened a new sun pool next door as of August 2015. The hotel also has a tiny fitness center with just a few running machines and a rack of weights. There's also a spa area with three massage tables and free 25 minute massages are included in the room rate. When the hotel is full, though, these may be difficult to book as the time slots are limited. The hotel has two restaurants, including an open-air affair with a bar right next to the pool, where they serve free breakfasts and then a limited menu of Asian curries, western burgers, and some snacks throughout the rest of the day and evening. The other dining option, Tepui, is located off-site. Both Wi-Fi and parking are free here. Guests can also borrow bamboo bikes to explore the neighborhood.