Escape to Paradise: Frangipani Royal Palace Awaits in Phnom Penh!
Escape to Paradise: Frangipani Royal Palace Awaits in Phnom Penh!
Escape to Paradise: Frangipani Royal Palace Awaits in Phnom Penh! - A Messy, Honest Review (and Why You NEED to Go)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, glossy review. This is the truth, ripped from the heart of a travel-worn soul, about the Frangipani Royal Palace in Phnom Penh. And honestly? I'm still daydreaming about it.
First off, let's get the boring stuff out of the way. You know, the "logistics" they call them.
Accessibility: They say they have facilities for disabled guests. I didn't personally need them, but it looked like they tried. And, seriously, in Phnom Penh, that's an accomplishment. I’d double check if you need a truly accessible room, though.
Internet & Techie Stuff: Free Wi-Fi in ALL rooms? Praise be! (But let's be real, you're still going to be checking your email, aren't you? I was. Constantly.) They also had LAN connections and Wi-Fi in public areas. So, yeah, you're covered.
Cleanliness & Safety (The COVID-19 Era): Okay, this is where they really shine. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection? Yep. Room sanitization between stays? Absolutely. They're taking this seriously. I saw staff with masks and hand sanitizer everywhere. Honestly, it felt safer than my local grocery store back home. And they even had a doctor/nurse on call. Phew. (Although, thankfully, I didn't need them. My only real issue was a slight overindulgence in the delicious pastries.)
Rooms, Glorious Rooms! (Available in all rooms, and here's the reality):
- Air conditioning: Thank GOD. Phnom Penh is a furnace.
- Blackout curtains: Essential for sleep-deprived travelers.
- Coffee/tea maker: My morning savior.
- Free bottled water: Always a plus. Dehydration is NOT your friend in Cambodia.
- Mini bar: Tempting, very tempting…
- Wi-Fi [free]: Again, a lifesaver.
- Those little details that make a difference: They had everything! Extra long bed, safety/security features, hair dryer, and so on but the best was the slippers I wore all day!
Dining, Drinking & Snacking (Prepare for a Food Coma):
This is where the Frangipani truly becomes an experience. Restaurants! Bars! And the holy grail: Poolside Bar! I spent a frankly embarrassing amount of time sipping cocktails and just… being.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Honestly, it was an experience. A true Asian breakfast experience with the freshest fruit, the most fluffy pastries you could ever imagine. The international cuisine was also superb. Everything looked so good
- Restaurants: Variety of dishes, and the ambiance was amazing.
- Coffee Shop: If you are a coffee lover, it is a must to visit their cafe!
- Poolside Bar: Another must! What to eat and drink while swimming and enjoying the day!
But here’s a confession: I spent an afternoon just utterly lost in the pool with a view. The sun was sinking, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple. The pool itself was the perfect temperature. I ordered a cocktail (maybe two, maybe three… who's counting?), and just melted. It was pure, unadulterated bliss. That moment, my friends, is what vacations are all about. It's the kind of memory that stays with you.
Services & Conveniences:
They pretty much have everything. Cash withdrawal, concierge, laundry, dry cleaning, daily housekeeping. I wasn't even sure what to do with myself with all the conveniences. I'd also like to mention the gift shop!
Things To Do, Ways To Relax (OMG, So Much Relaxation!):
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Sauna: I did them all. Seriously. Don't judge me. I was on vacation.
- Fitness Center: It was there… I intended to use it. But, you know, cocktails, pastries, and the allure of the pool…
- Swimming pool: A glorious outdoor pool, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and general relaxation.
- Foot bath: After a long day of exploring, this was heaven sent!
For the Kids: Look. I don't have kids. But they seemed pretty well catered for with babysitting and kids facilities.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer: Super convenient.
- Car park [free of charge]: Bonus.
- Taxi service: Available. Easy peasy.
The Imperfections (Because Nothing's Perfect):
Okay, listen, it's not flawless. Sometimes, the service in the restaurant was a little slow. And, yeah, a few of the staff spoke only basic English. But honestly? That's part of the charm. They were all incredibly friendly and helpful, even if there was a slight language barrier. And hey, it forced me to brush up on my smattering of Khmer phrases.
The Verdict:
Frangipani Royal Palace isn't just a hotel; it's an escape. It's a place where you can disconnect from the chaos, recharge your batteries, and indulge in some serious self-care. It's luxurious, yes, but it's also warm, friendly, and surprisingly affordable. For the price, the value is outstanding.
My final, utterly biased, opinion? Book it. Right now. Do it. You won't regret it. And if you see me there, buy me a cocktail. I'll gladly share my stories.
SEO – Keyword Rich, But Honest (and Slightly Crazy):
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Secondary Keywords: "Things to do Phnom Penh," “Pool with a view,” "Best Hotels in Phnom Penh," "Phnom Penh travel," "Cambodia vacation," "Hotel review," "Phnom Penh dining," "Asian breakfast Phnom Penh"
Long-Tail Keywords: "Phnom penh best hotel for relaxation", "Family hotel Phnom Penh", "Best accessible hotel in Phnom Penh", "Phnom Penh hotel with pool view", "Safe hotel stay Phnom Penh during COVID"
My Offer, Because You Deserve a Treat:
Tired of the everyday? Yearning for an escape?
Escape to Paradise: Frangipani Royal Palace Awaits in Phnom Penh!
Here's what you get (and why you NEED it):
- Luxurious rooms: That will make you feel like royalty (trust me, I felt like one).
- A pool with a view: Where your worries will literally melt away.
- Delicious food and drinks: From the incredible Asian breakfast buffet to the poolside cocktails.
- A safe and clean environment: They take COVID-19 seriously, so you can relax knowing you're in good hands.
- A perfect location: Close to everything, yet far enough to feel like you've truly escaped.
- Discounted rate: Book now using code FRANGIPANIADVENTURE and save up to 15% on your stay!
- Complimentary massage: The first 10 guests will get to experience a complimentary spa session.
Stop dreaming and start living! Click here to book your escape: [Insert Fictional Booking Link Here] Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to experience the best of Phnom Penh!
Kuala Lumpur Luxury: Unbelievable 2-Pax Suite at Empire Damansara!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is…well, this is my attempt at surviving the Frangipani Royal Palace Hotel in Phnom Penh. And honestly, just surviving Cambodia’s humidity is a victory in itself.
The Frangipani Fiasco: A Messy, Opinionated, and Probably Slightly Over-Hydrated Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Immediate Regret (Maybe?)
- Morning (Phnom Penh time is…a mystery to me): Touch down at Phnom Penh International. Immediately sweat. Like, a LOT. My travel buddy, bless her heart, is already negotiating the tuk-tuk price. I'm mostly just staring at the airport doors, wondering if I could just…stay there forever, nestled in the cool AC. But no, onward and upward (or, rather, into the sticky air).
- ~11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: The Tuk-Tuk Tango: The tuk-tuk ride. Oh, the tuk-tuk ride. Traffic. Dust. Horns. The constant ding, ding, ding of a scooter threatening to become one with my kneecaps. I'm pretty sure I saw a chicken riding on a scooter. This is when I started questioning my life choices. But the driver kept grinning, so I grinned back, mostly out of sheer terror-induced politeness.
- ~12:30 PM: Check-In – The Frangipani's Embrace (Kinda): The Frangipani Royal Palace. Finally. The staff is lovely, all smiles and silk, which is immediately disarming. The lobby…smells like…well, frangipani, obviously. And maybe a hint of old books? My room…okay, it’s not quite the palatial suite I’d envisioned from the website, but it's clean-ish. And the aircon works! Small victories. Unpack. Immediately realize I brought too much. And too many wrong things. Why did I pack that sequined evening gown? I'm pretty sure my most glamorous activity here will be sweating profusely while trying to eat street food without getting the runs.
- ~2:00 PM: Lunch - "Nom Banh Chok Adventure" (aka, My Stomach’s New Nemesis): Local restaurant, recommended by the hotel. I'm all about embracing the culture! So I order something called Nom Banh Chok. It looked delicious, smelled amazing. It was…spicy. SO spicy. My eyes watered. My nose ran. I’m pretty sure my face turned the color of a particularly angry chili pepper. My friend, who had the foresight to order a simple rice dish, just laughed. I drank approximately three liters of water. Survival.
- Afternoon (Nap Time! Duh.): Aircon, my sweet savior. Nap. Wake up. Repeat. Jet lag is a beast.
- Evening: Street Food Reconnaissance & Near-Death Experience (by Crosswalk): Okay, so I ventured out again. For street food. Again. This time, I tried…something fried. It was delicious (and slightly questionable). Crossing the road? Forget everything you know about traffic laws. It's a free-for-all. I'm pretty sure I dodged about ten scooters and a stray dog to make it to the other side. I'm convinced I've aged ten years in the last hour. We ended the night with a couple of local beers, watching the chaos unfold from a safe(ish) distance…and vowing to spend the rest of the trip in the hotel pool.
Day 2: Temples, Tears (Probably Sweat), and Tuk-Tuk Terror Returns
- Morning: Woke up with a vague sense of impending doom (courtesy of that fried food, I suspect). But, onwards! To the temples! We hired a tuk-tuk driver for the day. He seemed nice, if a little intense about wanting me to buy silk scarves.
- ~9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Wat Phnom & Wat Ounalom - (Wow, So Many Temples): Wat Phnom was beautiful. Honestly, breathtaking. The architecture, the atmosphere, the sheer vibe of the place. I even managed to navigate the crowds. My reaction? I felt some deep sense of peace combined with a bit of awe. But also, the humidity was back at full blast. My ponytail was officially a sweaty, limp mess. Then came Wat Ounalom, with a different vibe, different colors, different…everything. And I still have no idea which Buddha is which. But definitely worth a visit.
- ~12:30 PM: Lunch: The "Amok vs. The Belly" Battle (Round 2): Ordered the fish amok again. It's a local curry, but my stomach has reached a certain level of familiarity with the ingredients now. I won!! (But not before a brief moment of panic.)
- Afternoon: S-21 Museum (Tuol Sleng): A Different Kind of Day: This was…tough. Emotionally draining and heavy. Important. Necessary. I actually didn’t take many photos there – it didn’t feel right. It’s a place to mourn. To remember. To confront a dark chapter of history. I was subdued for hours afterward. We needed to just sit and quietly appreciate the beauty of the hotel pool.
- Evening: Back to the Pool! & "Happy Pizza" (Debatable, Probably): Spent the rest of the day by the pool. Bliss. Then, we were talked into trying the "happy pizza" at a nearby restaurant. "Happy" is the operative word. Let’s just say, I had more thoughts that night than I've had in the last decade. My friend, being more sensible, stuck to a regular pizza. I definitely needed that pool. Deeply.
Day 3: The Frangipani, More Food, and Departure (Hallelujah?)
- Morning: Lazy Breakfast & Hotel Hopping (Or, Attempting to): Breakfast at the hotel. The usual. Fruit (that was a life savior), eggs, coffee. And a final, lingering look at that perfectly inviting pool. We had intended to visit a floating village but the mere thought of another boat ride, not to mention the potential for more questionable food, made us back down. We decided to treat ourselves to a final swim. Checked out of the the Frangipani – and surprisingly, I felt a pang of nostalgia!? Maybe. Or maybe that's just the after-effects of the happy pizza.
- ~10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Killing Time & Souvenir Shopping: We went, and bought some things. I bought silk scarfs. And a few too many fridge magnets. The local markets. The hustle. The bargaining. Fun, in a slightly stressful, sweaty kind of way.
- ~12:30 PM: Farewell Lunch (Mostly Tears of Relief): Decided to eat at a nice restaurant this time, that served Western food. (I needed a break.) Tried to ignore the slightly panicked feeling about the impending flight.
- Afternoon: Airport Bound (Freedom is Near!): Another tuk-tuk ride. Same chaos. Same questionable driving. But this time, I was prepared. I clutched my silk scarves, my fridge magnets, and a half-eaten bag of chips like they were the keys to my sanity.
- Evening: Flight. Home. Dreaming of air conditioning and bland food. But also, already, thinking about when I can go back. Cambodia, you strange, beautiful, chaotic, and slightly terrifying place, you got me.
Final Thoughts:
The Frangipani Royal Palace Hotel was… fine. Clean-ish. Comfortable-ish. The staff was lovely. The pool was a godsend. Would I recommend it? Sure. If you're prepared for the heat, the chaos, and the potential for a very unhappy stomach. But honestly? The mess, the imperfections, the sweat, and even the potential for a food-related catastrophe…that’s what made the trip memorable. And I still haven't figured out how to get rid of the smell of frangipani on my clothes. Which, I guess, is just a souvenir in itself. Now, excuse me while I go take a shower, and immediately start planning my next adventure. I'm already addicted. And maybe next time, I’ll pack something other than that sequined evening gown. Maybe.
Bali Luxury Villa: Private Pool, Canggu Paradise Awaits!
So, is the Frangipani Royal Palace actually... Royal? Or just fancy?
Oh, honey. Let me tell you. "Royal" is a strong word. It's ROYAL-adjacent, maybe? You're not bumping into actual, you know, *royalty*. More like, *maybe* the ghost of a very well-dressed colonial official might haunt the hallways. I'm not complaining, mind you! The architecture? Stunning. That courtyard? Insta-worthy before Instagram even existed. But palaces, by definition, have *palatial* budgets. This… feels like a palace that's been loved a little too hard, maybe a little *too* charmingly worn. I swear, I found a chip in the paint that looked like it had been there since the French were still running the show.
And, just an observation: the air conditioning? Not always the royal treatment. Let's say, sometimes you feel a *little* close to the elements. One night, I actually woke up drenched in sweat just from the humidity and thought, "Oh, this is how royalty feels in Cambodia during the monsoon." But hey, that's part of the *experience*, right?
The Pool. Tell me *everything* about the pool. Because, you know, heat.
Okay, the pool. The *pool*. This is where it gets interesting, people. Firstly, it's lovely, don't get me wrong. A beautiful oasis in the middle of the city. It's the quintessential lush, green, tropical setting. But lemme tell you a story...
One day, I thought, "I'm going to relax. I'm going to be zen. I'm going to be one with the pool." I packed my sunscreen, my book, and my *attitude*. I got there. Sunbeds were aplenty, *that* was easy. I was happily soaking up the rays, sipping my cocktail. Then, out of nowhere, a small army of children showed up in screaming technicolor and a water-balloon war started. It felt like I was in a comedy sketch! I sat there, holding my cocktail, trying to decide if I should join in--or pretend to be the ultimate aloof traveler - and maybe, just *maybe* I'd become the main target... in the end, I decided to join the war. The next day, I found a waterlogged copy of *Moby Dick* floating in the pool... and that was alright.
So. The pool. Gorgeous, potentially chaotic, and a must-see for the perfect, memorable afternoon in Cambodia. Make sure you are ready for *anything*!
The Breakfast Situation: Yay or Nay? Because a bad breakfast can *ruin* a morning.
Okay, I'm going to be honest. Breakfast is...it’s a bit of a mixed bag. It's NOT the Ritz, don’t get your hopes up. There's always the usual buffet -- eggs (made-to-order – that's a plus!), some pastries, the usual fruit platters. The coffee can be *iffy* on occasion – or, let's be real, most of the time. But you *are* in Cambodia. Embrace the chaos!
The real win? The noodle soup station. That is where it's at. Honestly, find the noodle soup station. Order it. Get a big bowl. Add all the chili paste you can handle. That's your breakfast champion, and that's where all the good times live. I had it *every* morning. And maybe a second helping, too. And maybe a third, sometimes. Don't judge me! I was on vacation!
How's the Location? Is it actually walkable to anything cool? Or stuck in the middle of nowhere?
Location? Pretty good, honestly. It’s not *right* in the middle of the backpacker zone, which, in my humble opinion, is a *massive* plus. You're close enough to walk to the Royal Palace (DUH!), the National Museum (definitely worth an afternoon), and the riverfront. Tuk-tuks are *everywhere*. The staff *always* help you get one. Just be prepared to get your bargaining game on. They're... enthusiastic, let's say, when it comes to prices.
One day, I *thought* I knew where I was going. I confidently hopped in a tuk-tuk, started talking to the driver about life and art and philosophical ideals...and ended up at a tire factory. Totally my fault. That's Phnom Penh, baby! Embrace the glorious confusion.
Okay, the Staff? Are they helpful? Are they…weird? Tell me *everything*!
The staff? Ah, the *staff*. They're… charming. Wonderfully charming, mostly. Eager to please. And very, very polite. You’ll find yourself saying "Sawkdei!" (hello in Khmer) before you even realize it.
There are the moments, though. Like, one time, I asked for an extra pillow. It took three phone calls and a visit from two different housekeeping staff before it arrived. And then it turned out to be *extremely* lumpy. But you know what? It made me laugh. It's part of the experience! They're trying their best. And their English is, let's face it, better than my Khmer will *ever* be. Be patient. Be kind. And tip generously – they work hard!
Room Sizes and Amenities? What do you *really* get, like, honestly?
Rooms? They’re generally... well, they vary. Some are spacious, some are a little cozy. The "Royal" wing rooms are definitely worth the upgrade if you can swing it. But even the standard rooms are perfectly adequate. Think basic comfort – a comfortable bed, a surprisingly good shower, and generally clean.
Amenities? Don’t expect the latest tech. There's usually a TV, but the channels? Limited. The Wi-Fi can be a bit… spotty, depending on where you are and when you're trying to use it. Pack a book, embrace the digital detox. I, for one, was quite happy to be off the grid. You're there to *experience* Cambodia, not stare at your phone! Also, the hotel's toiletries are basic. Bring your own shampoo – trust me on that one.
Would you go back? Be honest.
Honestly? YES, I would. It’s not perfect, but that's what makes it memorable. It’s got character, it's got charm, and it's a fantastic base for exploring Phnom Penh. The location is great, the pool is (mostly) divine, the staff are lovely, and the noodle soup is a culinary revelation.
Plus, where else can you feel like you're staying in a (slightly wonky) palace in the middle of a bustling city? It's not the Four Seasons, but it's got heart, and that, my friendsBest Hotels Blog
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