Fairfield by Marriott Phnom Penh, feels like New York City (if you don't look out the window)

Second time for me in Cambodia and second hotel, Always targeting facilities where you can accumulate points and take advantage of benefits-

After the Courtyard was the turn of Fairfield, only two Marriott facilities currently in the capital city of Phnom Penh, but several new hotels are under construction in a nation that is slowly opening up to tourism and which, this year, many have told me, has seen the number of Italian travelers soar (will it be the fault/merit of Beijing Express?).

Foreword

These two hotels are different, but very similar. Two brand new facilities, Two insignias that are considered low-cost in the U.S., but which could easily be offered here with more valuable insignia from the Marriott portfolio.

Reservation

I stayed two nights in this hotel, booked via app at a price of about 100$ per night, certainly expensive by the standards of the place, but not by the quality offered and the guarantee that only chains can offer.

And I'm not just talking about the quality of the room, but in general the all-around standard. I also could have used points, 13 thousand Bonvoy per night, but cash payment was definitely cheaper.

Location

Perhaps the biggest flaw of this hotel is the location. It is 10 minutes away from the banks of the Mekong and from what are the most touristy areas of the city. Considering that traffic can be deadly (in every sense of the word) the fact that it is so far off the beaten path may scare off most.

We are in the Chip Mong neighborhood, in any case move with tuktuks (using Grab I recommend) you spend an average of 1 to 1.5€ and also have the thrill of trying the bizarre and nonexistent local traffic rules.

Check-in

I arrived from the airport, again with Grab, and the doorman invited me to go to the 27th floor where the reception is.

Here the view is really fantastic over the whole city, paperwork done in a few minutes and in no time I was on the 41st floor in my room, thanks to the status I was able to get a deluxe room instead of basic, as per my usual reservation.

The room

The price may be high, but the quality of the product is all there. Starting with the fact that we are in a 50-story tower, newly built and housing a bank and hotel.

The room, however, would not please Bruno Barbieri, a serious judge on "4 hotels." the reason is quickly stated: there is no real closet, and the bathroom is not only not windowed, but is overlooking the room.

Sure there are sliding walls that give privacy, but if you have to leave the room, you playfully have to go through the bathroom.

For me traveling alone is not a problem, and the large room with an open view of the whole city I found it really TOP.

There is everything one looks for in this type of hotel, in fact there is much more. Starting with the sofa in front of the window, a large shower, and a mega-screen TV.

There is no coffee maker and for the first time I must say that I did not find even a small welcome gift in the room, which in Asia is practically a given. (ps if you like my Level8 Aluminum Trolley you can have it with 10% discount like all the rest of the Level products.

The most phantasmagorical thing in the room was the bed, really super mattress and topper, but what shocked me were the 6 pillows of three different types, from the softest to the strongest.

A real wall on the bed and, I must admit, in far too much, but luckily I was alone in this big bed, pulled absolutely "crossbow."

The structure

As mentioned, it is a new tower. On the ground floor, but with a side entrance, there is only the doorman.

On the 27th floor is the lobby, which is very beautiful and scenic. Here is also the main restaurant where you can eat all day long, from breakfast to evening.

One floor above is the rooftop pool, which is really beautiful and perfect for hiding from the chaos below. It is not very large, but it is appropriate for the type of clientele I think may frequent this hotel. The flaw is perhaps the lack of a bar and the need to order by phone for food or drink.

On the opposite side of the pool is the gym, brand new and 100% made by Technogym with the most modern equipment available on the market.

Then there is also a small lounge, which is more of a waiting space, there is nothing but a coffee machine. But I remember that in a Fairfield I wouldn't even think of finding a lounge.

On the 47th floor is the rooftop bar. Unfortunately, I could not appreciate the terraces since it always rained the two evenings of my stay, the indoor part is still elegant and wanting,

On the upper floor is a true terrace with a 360-degree view of the city.

Breakfast

Stained-glass windows flood the room with light, Is a perfect setting for breakfast. Essential furnishings the soft colors help the awakening.

The offer is perhaps the most Fairfield-like thing about this hotel, far be it from me to be rude since in a hotel of this sign in the U.S. both would have powdered eggs, porridge and little else.

Here there is noodle and egg station, and other "basic" dishes definitely the least filling breakfast I have found recently in Asia. But I remind you that this chain offers free breakfast to everyone, regardless of status.

In conclusion

The standard is very high, the staff super attentive. Everything brand new, opened in mid-2023, and everything kept really well. The Chip Mong neighborhood may not be very central, but it is definitely undergoing a major transformation. I honestly wouldn't know what to choose today between this and the Courtyard, in fact yes the one that costs less.

• Bonvoy