Phnom Penh's Hidden Gem: Era Hotel's Unforgettable Stay
Phnom Penh's Hidden Gem: Era Hotel's Unforgettable Stay
Phnom Penh’s Era Hotel: A Whirlwind of Charm (and a Few Quirks)
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Okay, so here's the thing. I just got back from Phnom Penh, a city that completely and utterly stole a piece of my heart. And a huge part of that thievery? Was my stay at the Era Hotel. Now, listen, I’m going to be brutally honest – I'm not a polished travel blogger. I’m more of a “spilled coffee on my keyboard while writing this” kind of reviewer. So buckle up, because this is going to be a ride.
First Impressions (and the Great Elevator Saga)
Right off the bat, the Era Hotel feels like a hidden oasis. Tucked away, it's not exactly easy to find (bonus points for feeling like a secret club!), but the moment you walk through the lobby, the chaos of Phnom Penh fades. It's sleek, modern, and… well, let's just say the air conditioning was blissful.
Accessibility: Accessibility, a mixed bag. Now, I’m not needing specific accessibility features so I didn't delve too deep. What I could see, though, the lobby and public areas seemed well-designed for wheelchair users with an elevator. Though the elevator was small for some of my party and sometimes a slow ride. The staff was always on hand to assist for all the needs, showing a high value on the customer's comfort.
Finding your way through the Amenities
What really sold me on the Era Hotel was the sheer abundance of things to do. It’s like they threw everything but the kitchen sink (and let’s be honest, I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a fancy kitchen sink somewhere).
Relaxation Station:
- Spa… Oh, That Spa! Okay, this is where I spent, ahem, a lot of time. The massage was beyond divine. I opted for the traditional Khmer massage – a deep tissue experience that left me feeling like a noodle, but in the best possible way. The Body scrub and Body wrap were also temptations that paid off greatly. The Sauna and Steamroom were the perfect pre-massage warm-up. The Spa/sauna really made the experience whole.
- Pool with a View: Forget just a pool; this one boasts a view! It overlooks the city, and honestly, watching the sunset from the Swimming pool [outdoor] with a cocktail in hand was pure magic. Very serene and relaxing.
- Fitness Fanatics: (Me? Not so much, but…) the Fitness center looked well-equipped, with a full offering of equipment. Bonus: there's a Gym/fitness to keep those who take things seriously.
- Foot Bath: Yes, yes, yes. It was a quick refreshing, and was so great! It was included in the spa session.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Culinary Mishap)
- Restaurants: The Era Hotel boasts several dining options, and for the most part, the food was fantastic.
- Asian Cuisine: I am a HUGE fan of Asian food, and I devoured the things on the Asian cuisine in restaurant menu. The A la carte in restaurant was very flexible. The dishes were authentic, delicious, and reasonably priced.
- Buffet: The Breakfast [buffet] was a sprawling affair. The Buffet in restaurant was very diverse. I'm a sucker for breakfast so it was a good start to the day!
- Western Cuisine Also there was Western cuisine in restaurant if you wanted a taste from home.
- Coffee Shop: The Coffee/tea in restaurant options were quite nice for a quick pick-me-up.
- Snack Bar: I also liked the Snack bar as a fast choice.
Here comes the imperfection I was waiting for…
- The Dinner Dilemma: I will be honest: One night, my Salad in restaurant order took forever to arrive, and when it did, it was… underwhelming. Look, things happen. But the waiter's apologies and the complimentary desserts they brought out more than made up for it. The Soup in restaurant did not meet my taste unfortunately, so I didn't ask again.
Hygiene and Security (Important Stuff):
- Safety First: I felt safe and secure throughout my stay. They had CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, 24-hour security, smoke alarms, fire extinguisher, and smoke detector, which I did appreciate.
- Cleanliness is Next to Godliness: The entire hotel was sparkling, and I definitely noticed the Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, and the Anti-viral cleaning products, I guess they wanted to make sure everything's staying clean.
- The Little Things: They even had Hand sanitizer readily available, and a First aid kit in sight.
Rooms, Glorious Rooms (and the Slightly Aggressive Air Conditioning)
- The Details: The rooms are modern and well-appointed. I loved having a Sofa, a comfortable Seating area, a Desk, extra long bed, a Closet, and thankfully, Blackout curtains for those post-spa sleep-ins. The Bathroom phone was a bit of a throwback, but hey, why not?
- Amenities: I can't stress this enough:
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! It was pretty quick, and it was a relief for me.
- They also provided Free bottled water, Coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, and a Mini bar, which was a definite bonus.
- The Air conditioning was, at times, too efficient. Yes, it combats the Phnom Penh heat, but I had to play a constant battle with the thermostat.
- The View: My room was on a High floor, which offered a decent view!
Service and Amenities: The Good, The Great, and the Sometimes-Baffling
- The Good: The staff at the Era Hotel are truly wonderful. They were genuinely friendly, helpful, and went above and beyond to assist with everything. From the Concierge arranging tours to the Housekeeping keeping everything spotless, they were excellent. Laundry service also made my life so much easier. The Front desk [24-hour] was always helpful.
- The Great: The Airport transfer was seamless, and the Car park [free of charge] was a huge advantage in such a busy city.
- The Sometimes-Baffling: There were a few moments where communication was a bit tricky (a slight language barrier), but they always managed to figure things out with a smile.
For the Kids (and the "Young at Heart"):
- I didn’t travel with children, but I noticed they had Babysitting service and Kids meal available.
Getting Around (The Phnom Penh Dance)
- Parking: You have Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Bicycle parking, and Car power charging station
- Taxi Service available.
Wrapping Up (and My Emotional Verdict)
So, would I recommend the Era Hotel? Absolutely, without a doubt. Yes, they have some small quirks (the air conditioning, the occasional food hiccup), but the sheer beauty, the amazing spa, the friendly staff, and the overall experience more than make up for it. It ticked so many of the boxes! It’s the kind of hotel that feels genuinely welcoming and that’s something I wouldn’t trade for anything.
Final Verdict: A Solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. Go, stay, and let me know what you think!
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Alright, alright, settle in, buttercups. You're about to get the REAL Phnom Penh experience, courtesy of yours truly. Forget those sterile, bullet-pointed travel guides. This is the chaotic, sweaty, utterly brilliant truth, straight from the heart (and maybe a slightly rumbling tummy – that street food is calling!). We’re starting at the Phnom Penh Era Hotel. Buckle up, it's going to be a wild ride.
Day 1: Arrival, Confusion, and a Whole Lotta Tuk-Tuk Hell
- 8:00 AM (ish): Touchdown in Phnom Penh! Ah, the air, the humidity, the faint aroma of adventure… and maybe exhaust fumes. Customs was a breeze, thankfully. Though, I swear the guy checking my passport gave me the side-eye for, well, existing. I swear I showered!
- 8:45 AM: Finding a tuk-tuk. This is where the fun (and the haggling) begins. "How much to the Era Hotel?" "Thirty dollars!" "Uh, no. I'm thinking more like… two?" (Eventually settled for five. Victory! Until I realized it was a very slow, scenic route.)
- 9:30 AM: Arrived at the Phnom Penh Era Hotel. It’s… nice. Clean enough, pool looks inviting, and the AC is a lifesaver. Check-in was smooth, thankfully, though I almost tripped over a stray cat while trying to juggle my backpack and a desperately needed bottle of water.
- 10:00 AM: Actually, a proper shower at the hotel. I was a walking swamp after that tuk-tuk ride…
- 11:00 AM: Exploration time! First stop: The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. Okay, this is stunning. Seriously. The gold, the architecture… it's all overwhelming in the best possible way. But the crowds?! Forget about it. It’s a sea of selfie sticks and bewildered tourists (me included). I accidentally bumped into a monk, mumbled a hasty apology, and then promptly got distracted by a particularly plump pigeon. I may have anthropomorphized the pigeon later, and told it my whole life story. No judgement.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch near the palace. Found a little street-side stall selling… well, I think it was chicken and rice. The sign was in Khmer. I pointed, smiled, and hoped for the best. Turns out, it was delicious! Spicy, flavorful – the best kind of gamble. The woman running the stall kept smiling at me, and I was very sure it was because I was struggling not to drool trying to eat her food.
- 2:30 PM: Wat Langka. A much needed dose of calm after the palace madness. This place is like a giant exhale. The monks are incredibly peaceful, the chanting is mesmerizing, and I felt… grounded. Until a mosquito decided my ankle looked particularly tasty. Relatable.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the hotel for a quick dip in the pool. That Phnom Penh heat is no joke, and it's all I could think about for pretty much the whole time.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a riverside restaurant. The view is lovely – the Mekong River, the gentle breeze – and I ordered fried spring rolls. I felt a little bit of a tourist, but they were too good to resist. And how could you not drink a cocktail with a tiny umbrella?
- 8:00 PM: Night Market. Crowds, chaos, and a cacophony of smells and sounds. Perfect. The bargains are real, but be prepared to bargain hard! I ended up buying a silk scarf that I swear is actually made of pure unicorn tears. I'm not even sorry.
- 9:30 PM: Back at the hotel. Collapse into bed, exhausted but exhilarated. Phnom Penh, you’ve already stolen a piece of my heart. Now, if only I could find some bug spray…
Day 2: The Killing Fields and the Weight of History
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Coffee, and a small mountain of toast… fuel for the day, I definitely needed it.
- 10:00 AM: Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21 Prison). Okay, here's where it gets real. This is not a "fun" tourist attraction. This is a deeply, profoundly moving, and heartbreaking experience. The stories, the photographs… the weight of what happened here is crushing. I saw some of the original prison cells, felt a definite chill, and walked around just, not talking. It's difficult to put into words. I think I will probably have to revisit it at some point later to fully grasp it.
- 1:00 PM: Choeung Ek (The Killing Fields). Another place that is vital to visit, but heart-wrenching. The audio guide is essential. They are so detailed, and the stories are devastating. You walk through a peaceful, serene landscape, and the only thing you hear is the audio guide telling you the horrible truths about what happened there. I cried. Like, a lot. This is not a cheerful day. Just… be prepared. Allow yourself to feel. And please, be respectful.
- 3:00 PM: A quiet walk in the park after. I just needed some breathing space. I was just trying to process it all, take it in. It’s a lot to take in.
- 4:30 PM: Back to the hotel. More pool time is needed, and strong drinks at the bar. We are really gonna need a drink.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant in the BKK1 area. A more upscale dining experience than yesterday, and well-deserved after the emotional toll of the day. I ordered something fancy, and then I ate the whole thing. Even the parts I wasn't sure about. I deserved it.
- 8:30 PM: Drinks and a talk with some fellow travelers while watching the sunset at a rooftop bar. It was important to talk, and to share feelings about what had happened during the day.
Day 3: Markets, Temples, and a Whole Lotta Street Food (Again)
- 9:00 AM: The hotel breakfast buffet. Second helpings, because, well, why not? I needed fuel!
- 10:00 AM: Central Market (Phsar Thmey). Oh. My. Goodness. This market is a sensory overload in the best possible way. Everything – and I mean everything – is here. From knock-off designer handbags to mountains of vibrant spices, beautiful jewelery, and everything else you can imagine. I got lost. Twice. But I found some seriously amazing souvenirs and learned how to haggle properly.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a street food stall near the train station. I’m not entirely sure what I ate, but it was delicious and cost me about a dollar. Bonus: No stomach problems! I think I'm starting to acclimatize to the food.
- 2:00 PM: Wat Phnom. This is the temple from which the city gets its name. It is a bit over-the-top, with the massive gold figures and the colourful statues, but it serves its purpose. It is also a beautiful place, with lush green area surrounding it, and a great view of the city.
- 3:00 PM: Shopping at the Russian Market. The name is slightly misleading (no Russians were present). Lots of souvenirs, clothing, and local crafts.
- 5:00 PM: Massage and a quick swim at the hotel. Relaxation is crucial.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner, street food edition. This time, I tried fried insects. Don’t judge me! They were actually… pretty good. Salty, crunchy, and surprisingly addictive. I may or may not have embarrassed myself with too much gusto while I was eating it.
- 8:30 PM: Drinks and some street-side people-watching. Just soaking up the atmosphere. It’s moments like these that make travel worthwhile.
Day 4: Departure (With a Heavy Heart and a Full Stomach)
- 8:00 AM: Final breakfast at the hotel. Saying goodbye to that breakfast buffet is going to be hard.
- 9:00 AM: A final wander around the hotel. I will be sad to go. It's a great hotel. I like the pool, I like the food, and the bed is so comfortable!
- 10:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Because, you know, I need a few more "essential" items.
- 11:00 AM: Check out. Saying goodbye to the Era Hotels crew.
- 12:00 PM: Tuk-tuk to the airport. Farewell, Phnom Penh! You’ve been a whirlwind of experiences, a mix of beauty and brutality, joy and reflection. I’m leaving with a heart full of memories, a stomach full of deliciousness, and a suitcase overflowing with souvenirs. And I’m already planning my return.
Don't forget sunscreen, a sense of humor, and an open mind. Phnom Penh is a city that will challenge you, inspire you, and leave an
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Era Hotel Phnom Penh: Prepare for a Rollercoaster (in the Best Way Possible) - FAQs
Okay, so, what *is* this Era Hotel thing everyone's raving about? Is it worth the hype?
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because "raving" is an understatement. The Era Hotel? Think less "sterile, generic chain" and more "bohemian explosion of charm." It's *almost* worth the hype. Almost. Listen, I'm a seasoned traveler, right? Been burned by the "boutique hotel" tag more times than I can remember. But this... this was different. The vibe? Think Wes Anderson meets Cambodian artistry. Think "Instagram-worthy" without being aggressively soulless. Totally worth it? Well, if you're looking for a cookie-cutter experience, run. Run far away. If you crave character, a little bit of chaos (in a good way!), and truly beautiful spaces? Yep, it's worth it. (Although, and I say this with love... the internet's a bit over-hyping the pool. It's lovely, but it's not the seventh wonder of the world).
Seriously though, what's REALLY good about it? Like, what's the *killer* feature?
Okay, killer feature. For me? It’s the *people*. No, not the staff (though they are wonderful, more on that later). It's the *vibe* the people *create*. It's the way the lobby feels at 7 pm – buzzing with conversations, laughter, the clink of glasses. It's the feeling that you're part of a little community, not just a guest. One night, I was nursing a rather potent cocktail (the "Phnom Penh Sunset" – highly recommended, and I'm not normally a fruity drink kind of person, but *wow* did it hit the spot after a day of temple-hopping). I overheard a couple arguing softly nearby, not in a bad way, just a sort of bickering way. And then, they just *started talking to me.* About their trip, where they'd been, the joys and aches of travel... Just... genuine human connection. That's the killer feature, the thing no hotel chain can replicate.
Is the food any good? Because hotel food can be... dicey.
Alright, the food. It's… mixed. Let’s be brutally honest, shall we? The breakfast buffet is… okay. Standard hotel fare. I’d grade it a solid C+. But the *restaurant*? The one where you can actually order off a menu? Different story. The Amok fish? Glorious. Absolutely glorious. I ate it three times, and I’m *still* dreaming about it. The Khmer curry? Amazing. Like, I wanted to lick the bowl clean amazing. Now, I had a slight mishap with the spring rolls on my first night. They were… a tad over-fried. But hey, everyone has an off day, right? (And I *did* mention the cocktail, right? It softened the blow.) So, bottom line: breakfast? Fine. Restaurant? Go. Eat all the Amok fish.
What about the rooms? Are they clean? Do they have air conditioning that *actually works*?
Okay, the rooms. Yes, they are clean. *Very* clean. (The maid service is top-notch, and consistently left little origami animals on my bed, which, for a grown-ass woman, was strangely delightful.) And YES, the air conditioning *works*. Thank the travel gods. Phnom Penh is HOT, like, "melt your face off" hot. I had the Deluxe Room, and it was perfectly comfortable with a decent amount of space, big bed, and a lovely balcony overlooking the inner courtyard. And this is where I might veer off track a little… because… I had a *moment* in my room. It's stupid, it's silly, but hear me out. One night, I was exhausted from a day of exploring. I'd showered, put on my pajamas, and I was just… there. The moon was shining in, and the hotel just *felt* right. And I actually… cried. Happy tears! Because I was *so* grateful for the comfort, the peace, the feeling of being completely, utterly safe. (Sorry, that's probably too much information, but it’s the truth! I'm not usually an emotional wreck, promise.) So, yeah, the rooms are good. Possibly even soul-soothing if you're feeling it.
How's the location? Is it easy to get around? Are there noisy tuk-tuks all night?
The location is… pretty darn good. It's in a central-ish area. Not right in the middle of the crazy (which is a *good* thing, IMO). It's walking distance to some decent restaurants. You can hail a tuk-tuk easily enough. And the answer you really want to know? The tuk-tuks… yes. Some are noisy. But… here's the thing. You're in Phnom Penh. Embrace the chaos! It's part of the charm. It's honestly quieter than you'd expect. Yes, you'll hear the occasional horn, the faint sound of somebody laughing, but the hotel insulates you fairly well, so it's not a dealbreaker. I slept like a baby.
The staff – are they helpful? Do they speak English?
The staff? They are *amazing*. Seriously. They're friendly, they're helpful, they're genuinely kind. And yes, most everyone speaks excellent English. I had a slight issue with a taxi booking (my fault, not theirs!), and they went above and beyond to sort it out for me. One of the girls at the front desk, I think her name was Sokha (or something similar, forgive my terrible memory!), was phenomenal. She even offered me a local sweet treat when I was looking a bit frazzled one day. It's those little things that make a difference, you know? They genuinely *care* about the guests. And that, my friends, is gold.
Is there anything, *anything* I should be warned about? Like, any downsides? (Be honest!)
Okay, honesty time. There are a few *tiny* downsides. The pool, as I mentioned, is lovely, but not huge by this point. The hotel sometimes gets a little noisy at night due to some internal courtyard acoustics. The gym isn't great (but hey, you're in Phnom Penh! Walk!). And… I had a *slight* issue with the Wi-Fi strength in my room at times. Minor inconveniences, really. And this might sound shallow, but… (and I'm only mildly ashamed to admit this)… the bathroom could use a slightly brighter light. Sometimes, I felt I didn't have a great view of my face in the mirror. But honestly? These are nitpicks. Honestly. IfEscape to Paradise: Montagu's 360on62 Farm Cottages Await!
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