White Mansion

Once the U.S. Embassy and ambassador's residence, the White Mansion Boutique hotel exudes stately elegance. With its tall white columns flanking a carved balustrade, it looks a bit like a Southern plantation house transplanted onto an up-market Phnom Penh street. Past the entry gate, there's a white pebble garden with a Buddha statue holding a lotus flower, and once inside, the large lobby has a circular velvet sofa in the center of polished red granite floors that run throughout the hotel. A relaxing, semi-private room with lots of soft chairs sits off to one side, and a small, craft shop occupies another corner. Vibrant portraits of animals like baboons grace the walls, while a handsome teak staircase winds its way up to the rooms. The wide-windowed Le Cafe Eric Kayser sits on the hotel's ground level. The popular French bakery chain -- a full-service restaurant -- draws plenty of non-hotel visitors. It's a chic, simple space, with elegant outdoor seating as well. The hotel pulls guests from all categories, from couples and families, to business travelers and those on solo trips as well.

The White Mansion Boutique Hotel is located in the historical center of Phnom Penh, about a 15-minute walk to the Royal Palace and riverside. The main draw of staying here is the hotel's immediate location. Street 240 is one of the city's nicest streets, and is lined with up-market boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. There are plenty of bars in the area, plus a wine shop, and it can be fairly busy. More local flavor is available at the west end of the the block, along Preah Monivong Boulevard, where there are plenty of traditional Khmer eateries, coffee shops, and market stalls. The ex-pat enclave BKK1, also packed with trendy eateries, cafes, and shops, is just across Sihanouk Boulevard, just over five minutes away on foot. The National Museum and the area of funky boutiques to the north of it takes about 15 minutes to reach on foot, while the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Russian Market are five to 10 minutes away by tuk-tuk. Phnom Penh International Airport is a 30-minute drive from the hotel depending on traffic.

The 30 rooms at the White Mansion Boutique Hotel are large across all categories, ranging from 30 to 60 square meters (323 to 645 square feet). Decor embraces contemporary Khmer minimalism, with carved wooden panels appearing in headboards alongside bright silks, black-and-white photography, and handsome sculptures like Buddha heads used tastefully and sparingly. Polished red granite floors, white walls, and dark wood throughout create a chic, but spare, atmosphere. Ceilings are high, and all rooms are air-conditioned. Other features include safes, minibars with free soft drinks, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, desks, and free Wi-Fi. Gray tile bathrooms have double sinks with contemporary fixtures and large walk-in showers. Deluxe Rooms and most other room categories feature small balconies, though Deluxe Rooms on the fourth floor have large terraces with great city views. Junior Suites have additional beds, plus a small bedside seating area in addition to desk seating. Double Suites are more palatial, with a partially separated living area

Eric Kayser, the French bakery chain known for its artisanal breads, is located within the hotel. The cafe serves a free breakfast, as well as lunch and dinner; outdoor tables are available, where smoking is permitted. The cafe also serves cocktails, beer, and wine, though there is no proper bar on site, a feature some guests find lacking, while others welcome its absence and the hassle it can bring in a city like Phnom Penh. The hotel also has a pleasant outdoor swimming pool. At 25 meters (82 feet) long, it's sufficient for laps, but a bit narrow. It's lined with a few lounge chairs and drink service is available. The spa is tiny, with a few small, dark rooms offering aromatherapy treatments, and there is a shop selling crafts and souvenirs in the hotel's lobby. The hotel offers welcome toys and books for children, and babysitting services are available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.