One of the quiet achievers of the global hospitality scene launched a new facility in Phnom Penh’s upmarket Boeng Keng Kang barely three months ago.

Novotel Phnom Penh BKK I provides premium four-star accommodation, right in the commercial heart of the capital. As one of the latest sixth-generation iterations of the internationally recognised brand, owned by the Accor hospitality group, the Novotel delivers the latest standards of service and design, with modern features and flawless service, offering a premium experience at mid-level pricing.

One of the hotel’s standout features is its strategic location. Situated near the banks of the Mekong River and close to key attractions such as the Royal Palace, the National Museum and several bustling local markets, the hotel serves as an ideal base for both leisure and business travellers. Guests can easily immerse themselves in the local culture, sampling delicious street food or visiting historic sites, while also having access to the city’s modern conveniences.

The design theme of the hotel embraces its home in the capital, with the thoughtful integration of local art and culture. With the overarching motif of Phnom Penh, the design of each section of the building refers to one of the capital’s iconic locations, from the Royal palace to Wat Phnom, and all parts in between.

The Novotel features a carefully curated selection of piecesthroughout the premises that showcase Cambodian heritage, from traditional silk paintings to modern interpretations of Khmer motifs, each one a celebration of the capital.

Restfulness

The Novotel offers a variety of rooms, each one illustrating the attention to detail that comes from Accor’s more than 50 years’ experience ofwelcoming guests.

Standard rooms feature a contemporary design with modern amenities, while executive rooms and suites offer additional space. Warm wood tones, soft lighting, and tasteful decor create a cozy environment, all while maintaining a fresh take on the Phnom Penh theme. 

This reporter’s room featured an elaborate mural of one of the city’s iconic cyclos, a reminder of the hotel’s relationship with the Cambodia Cyclo Association. The Novotel regularly organises tours using these quaint vintage vehicles, even employing them to ferry guests from off-site parking areas during large functions.

Each room is equipped with high-quality furnishings, including plush bedding, ergonomic workspaces and expansive windows that provide stunning views of the cityscape or the majestic Mekong River.

Bathrooms are elegantly designed, featuring rainfall showerheads and beautiful toiletries, ensuring a spa-like experience for guests. The thoughtful use of colours and materials, along with a selection of teas, a minibar and complimentary wifi, make each space a relaxing place to unwind after a busy day in the city, whether attending meetings or taking in the sights.

The view from my superior room, overlooking the Independence Monument from the 18th floor, offered a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the city, and the river beyond. The inviting warmth of the plush bed linen and the quiet hum of the air conditioner made for a wonderful night’s sleep.

Beyond accommodation

One of several factors that sets the Novotel apart is the uniqueness of the fare on offer. While the majority of hotels in the city are content to tread the time-honoured path of a French bistro or “Asian-fusion” type menu, Makila, the hotel’s signature restaurant offers a truly one-of-a-kind dining experience.

General Manager Julien Péchey tells The Post how the decision was made to open Makila, Phnom Penh’s first Basque restaurant.

“There are 23 French restaurants in Phnom Penh,” notes the Frenchman. While acknowledging the quality of many of the offerings, he knew that a point of difference was required. 

“We had six concepts at the beginning. We squeezed our shortlist to three, and finally approached the owner with the idea we believed was the most unique,” he adds.

Fortunately for the capital’s gourmands, the idea of a Basque menu received the blessing of the business’s owner.

The Basque region, found in the western Pyrenees Mountains, straddles the border between France and Spain on the coast of the Bay of Biscay. Its cuisine – which features the influences of both nations, along with its own signature dishes – makes it one of the most desirable destinations on the planet for foodies.

Péchey explains that some thought was given to offering both Spanish and French fare, but the decision was eventually made to offer only the most authentic Basque dining experience.

“No fusion, no confusion,” he chuckles.

One interesting result of this decision means that there are currently no Asian offerings on the menu. If a customer asks for fried rice or noodles, the staff are more than happy to recommend a nearby restaurant that specialises in them.

Péchey, who has decades of experience in the food and beverage industry, says the strategy is working, with many customers falling in love with the phenomenal flavours of Chef Fernando Tabernero, a native of Valencia, Spain, who has more than two decades experience in some of the finest kitchens across the globe.

Authentic flavours

Starting with an array of pintxos – a Basque variation on Spanish tapas, with delicate slices of high quality Serrano ham and other delicacies – we moved on to two incredible mains.

My dining partner has a weakness for duck, and was not disappointed. The menu describes the Talo Magret as featuring succulent slices of duck breast on a traditional Basque cornmeal flatbread, and succulent was entirely appropriate. Perhaps the most delicately roasted duck breast in the Kingdom, served with a generous smear of rich foie gras, this was a great example of high-quality ingredients blended into a dish that was somehow more than the sum of its parts.

On the recommendation of GM Julien, I ordered the restaurant’s signature dish – the Poulet Basquaise, or Basque-style chicken – and was treated to a memorable performance. 

Accompanied by a sudden blast of high energy traditional Basque music, my perfectly cooked chicken breast was carved at the table by a member of the kitchen staff, clad in the ionic red beret (txapela) and neckerchief (zapi).

“It’s a unique part of our show, the live presentation of our 'Poulet Basquaise'. We have an entire performance when the dish is served à la carte,” Péchey had earlier shared.

Once carved, the mouth watering slices of moist “poulet” were served beneath a piping hot tomato and onion stew, with the attentive wait person tailoring the level of spice to my taste. 

The performance that accompanies the dish is proving popular, with other curious diners moved to order it. The energetic performance and table-side service certainly made the experience an engaging one, and would make any special occasion memorable.

‘Hello’ to an aperitif

Located next to the restaurant is Kaixo (“hello” in Euskara, the Basque language), a welcoming bar and coffee space. It was here that I enjoyed a glass of Izarra, an iconic liqueur, and the perfect end to my journey through the unique flavours of the region.

An inviting open plan space, Kaixo serves as a friendly social hub for the lobby of the hotel. With a range of signature cocktails, as well as European-standard coffee and quick bites and snacks, it’s the perfect place to meet friends or catch up on emails.

A range of Basque desserts, including the ubiquitous cheesecake and a decadent crème brûlée, all lovingly prepared on site, tempt those of us with a sweet tooth  

Also available is a vast array of herbal teas, in keeping with the relaxing atmosphere of the space.

Wellness, for the whole family

The teas on offer are a reflection of one of the key aspects of the hotel’s philosophy, Péchey informs me.

“The Novotel brand is different from other hotels. I sum it up as three ‘pillars’. Family, wellness, business,” he says.

The wellness theme carries over to an entire floor of the building. With the well equipped In Balance gym and yoga space, relaxing pool area and even a meditation app, the fifth floor of the building reflects the hotel’s commitment to providing a healthy space.

Also located on the fifth floor is Bodia Spa. Guests are able to avail themselves of the iconic Cambodian brand’s full range of treatments, from hot stone massages to facials, and body scrubs to pedicures. The spa utilises its namesake products to offer services that combine traditional Khmer techniques with modern wellness practices.

The poolside “bar”, Rosemary, is alcohol free, offering a wide range of fruit shakes and juices, and once again, tea.

In keeping with the theme, smoking is prohibited in both the outdoor and indoor areas of the entire floor, ensuring a clean, fresh, relaxing atmosphere, and supporting another of the foundational pillars of the Novotel, “family”.

“In fact, we have an extensive kids menu, and even a free gift for children when they check in,” Péchey tells me.

Children under 16 years of age stay for free, and can even accompany their parents to the extensive breakfast buffet free of charge.

“We present each kid with a toy when they check in, andoffer a sofa bed to any parents who are travelling with their children,” explains Péchey.

Serious business

Naturally, thanks to its central location, the hotel also attracts many businessmen and women. The available facilities are extensive, with meeting rooms, conference halls and even a ballroom sized space on offer.

“We have five storeys dedicated to business travellers,” Péchey explains, as we admire the view from one of the 20th floor meeting spaces. Featuring expansive windows and even balconies, the common business areas feature complimentary coffee and yes, tea, from 5 or 5.30am.

In addition, he shares details of a complimentary two-hour free-flow wine and cocktailservice which is available to business guests, allowing them to unwind after their busy days.

The business centre is especially popular, with a large NGO winding up a week of meetings on the evening I visited. An acquaintance who attended shared her pleasure at the way they had been taken care of during their conferences and workshops.

“Nothing was a problem for the staff,” she says, adding, “They found the balance between attentive service and discretion, which is surprisingly difficult to find.”

Péchey notes that priority check in and checkout is available for busy guests, and that several of the meeting rooms are complimentary.

From Dubai to Phnom Penh

One of the most whispered-about developments is the upcoming opening of global sensation Above Eleven. Originally launched to great fanfare in Bangkok, and now one of the most popular rooftop destinations of Dubai’s glamorous skyline, it promises another of the most sensational experiences to hit Phnom Penh. 

Above Eleven is famous for its perfect execution of Nikkei, a fusion cuisine that combines Japanese and Peruvian elements, all expertly matched with expertly crafted cocktails that compliment the bold flavours of the dishes.

Consistently ranked among the top ten bars and restaurants in both Bangkok and Dubai, Péchey’s enthusiasm for the new addition is infectious.

“It's a big menu. It includes sushi, but there is a lot of live cooking, a whole show at the restaurant. They do a Tomahawk on fire for example. Very crazy!” he says.

There are mixologists and a DJ playing the latest music, so it's an experience. They even make guacamole live at the table,” he adds.

He explains that he and his team spent a full year searching for the perfect chef to match to the concept, finally finding him working in Qatar.

With a style described as “bringing the Peruvian spirit and Japanese precision to offer the ultimate experience”, Phnom Penh’s hippest denizens are already salivating at the chance to experience the atmosphere that has become sucha hit in Dubai.

The rumoured late-October opening is sure to be one of the hottest tickets in the city.

Home away from home

With a wealth of options and a careful attention to detail, the Novotel Phnom Penh BKKI offers something for almost every traveller.

The central location means it is ideally placed for guests who want to explore the capital, as well as those who have important meetings scheduled in the central business district.

The blend of globally recognised service standards with the essence of the Kingdom mean it offers a welcome escape from the clamour of the city, while never losing the charm of its host country.

If I had to recommend a relaxing base for friends or family visiting the Kingdom, or a staycation for anyone looking to pamper themselves with outstanding food and spa treatments, the capital’s newest addition to the hospitality scene would be it.

I will definitely be back for the 'Poulet Basquaise', and I can’t wait to experience what the people of Dubai have been raving about when Above Eleven comes to town.

Our reporter received a complimentary stay. The views expressed are his own.