The Plantation

Location

Right by the National Museum. Great access to the main city sights, dining and bars on foot or by tuk tuk.


Review

The Plantation Hotel is the newest offering from the people that started Phnom Penh's boutique hotel scene with the opening of The Pavilion in the mid 2000s. Since then they've opened other small properties around town.



At 70 rooms, The Plantation's by far their biggest undertaking.  Happily, they've retained the elements here that have made their smaller properties so popular - tasteful design and renovation, generous gardens and common areas, friendly staff and a casual atmosphere.

This is a very nice Phnom Penh base - both the rooms and the generous gardens and colonial style indoor common spaces create a great feel.

The Plantation is spread across two architectural styles. The reception area dates back to the 1930s and French colonial rule. The larger buildings where the rooms are located date from the 1950s or 60s. The whole complex was until recently the Ministry of Labour.

There are two main room configurations and a large suite. The Superior rooms (22sqm) are the lead-in and are a comfortable size but quite a lot smaller than the Deluxe rooms (30sqm).

Deluxe rooms looking over the pool command a premium. All rooms feature modern open bathrooms.

The Plantation is highly recommended though during our visit in July 2012, there were persistent internet issues. The food quality was also less impressive than some of the other properties from the same owners.

Like its boutique counterparts, The Plantation takes its contribution to Cambodia's development seriously. Apart from preservation of architectural heritage and green space, the group also participates in renewable energy programmes and other socially responsible activities.

In light of the hotel's philanthropic orientation, the name, The Plantation, may be taking colonial nostalgia a tad too far.  During French colonial times, rubber and corn plantations were places of terrible barbarity. We're guessing the owners intended the name to evoke greenery and plenty. Recommended!


Brief
2 pools including 1 large pool with gardens and daybeds, wonderful indoor and outdoor common space, balconies, plenty of natural light and fresh air, gym, free wifi (this was not working well during our visit), breakfast.