Courtyard Phnom Penh, much better than expectations and what a rooftop!

One of the stops on my world tour brought me for the first time in my life in Cambodia, with all the times I have been to Southeast Asia there has always been a reason or impediment that eventually took me elsewhere, but not this time.

Foreword

A visa is required to visit Cambodia, although our passport being among the most powerful in the world, falls under the list of those who can apply for a visa directly upon arrival or take advantage of the online procedure. In either case the cost is the same 30$.

I have gone through these procedures a couple of times, for example recently in Indonesia, so I opted to do everything on arrival.

I have to say that I had never experienced such an absurd situation, almost like a Totò and Peppino-style macchietta ready to sell me a fake visa. Everything went smoothly and shortly thereafter I was in the chaos of the capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia headed for the hotel.

Reservation

Zero Hilton facilities and only two Marriott, so the choice was forced. I went for this Courtyard because, for the same price, it inspired me more than the Fairfield, in any case we are talking about two signs that in the rest of the world would be entry level, but here they are as expensive (almost) as a Sheraton

The stay cost me 140 euro/night, and the points option was not attractive at the conversion level either. Of course I could have spent much less, but I like to sleep soundly and, if I can, also accumulate points and qualifying nights, and in this case I wanted to make the most of the qualifying double-night promotion.

Chcek-in

I arrived shortly after 5 p.m., after a never-ending journey through traffic in Cambodia's capital city.

It was starting to get dark, and in less than five minutes I was already in the room, headed to the roof top to enjoy happy hour.

As a Titanium Elite I got an upgrade to the best room in the hotel, and all possible benefits including nice extra gifts.

Location

Moving from the hotel to other iconic places is easy, and using Grab also avoids having to haggle with the tuk tuk driver or getting screwed with local currency.

I always like to make reservations without checking the area, but wander around aimlessly looking for surprises.

The room

As always, I book a basic room, at the lowest possible price and then I hope to get an upgrade because of the status. Of course then it depends from facility to facility, and who is in the hotel at that time, but I would say that 9.9 times out of 10 I always get something better than what I booked and paid for.

This was the case this time as well: high floor and really big corner room.

It is not a suite, but it is close. Even considering that In a Courtyard I do not expect this quality, I must say it was money well spent. Of course the room doesn't remind me of where I am, I could be in Singapore as well as New York, but that's also the point of chains.

A small hallway with closet and cabinet for laying luggage. As always if you like my Level8 aluminum you can get it with the discount of 10% if you use TFC10 as the discount code.

Room with king bed, with the Marriott mattress a real guarantee. sofa, which could potentially become a third bed, and a seating area with another small sofa and a small table with chairs.

The hotel is less than 5 years old, and when you consider that the pandemic was in the midst of it, it is easy to see why everything is still almost new.

The bathroom is modern, with a sliding wall of the kind Chef Barbieri doesn't like; it lacks the Japanese toilet seat that I thought by now was a standardar throughout Asia.

In the room then the classic package with minibar (empty) kettle and mega TV.

Separate chapter for the immense glass wall overlooking the city, which is really beautiful.

Upon my arrival there was already a sweet welcome surprise, while in the evening when I returned I also found the drink offered to Titanium people complete with fresh mango.

20th floor

The heart of the hotel is on the top floor. Here is the swimming pool, and the double roof top bar. Here is the executive lounge, the first time I've found one in a Courtyard, and the gymnasium, all with a great view.

Rooftop bars

As mentioned on the 20th floor is the sky bar, a small one that also serves as a pool bar.

On the upper floor accessed by the outside staircase you get to the bar here the terrace is definitely larger and more panoramic. It is exposed on three sides and it is a pity that the sunset is obscured by the only taller building nearby.

In any case, everything is very nice, the cocktails are pleasant, and between 6 and 8 p.m. there is also happy hour

The swimming pool

It's not huge, but it's perfect if you have children to let them play after a day of chasing Kmer culture; if you want, there are also a number of cribs and a few big beds where you can relax, read a book or take a nap.

It's a nice place to have a drink before jumping into the Phnom Penh night.

The lounge

The lounge is open from 10 am to 11 pm, And I was there working all morning.

Here, too, there is happy hour in the evening, but the difference is that those who have access eat and drink to mooch, and that is one of the benefits of having status in the Bonvoy program.

The gymnasium

To close the analysis of the top floor there is a small fitness area open h24. The plus is definitely the view.

Running through the clouds feels good, especially when you look at the chaos and the crush flowing 20 floors below.

Food & Beverage

On the ground floor there is a bar/cafe.

On the second floor is Mekong, which is the hotel restaurant and the place for breakfast in the morning.

Everything very nice and in the style of the rest of the hotel. A huge central island surrounded by the buffet, and lots of areas of express cuisines.

Also be careful to suggest local products and Kmer recipes.

The only jarring note was the juices were not fresh, but industrial, and no bartender, only express machines.

In conclusion

I would return there if it were not for the fact that out of professional bias I always prefer to visit new facilities, to review and to try. To reiterate you can find to sleep even for much less, but I love the quality and safety that international chains can offer.

• Bonvoy