As loyal readers will know, there’s a certain type of hotel that I am drawn to. Although Baitong Hotel & Resort in Phnom Penh isn’t exactly like what I usually go for, in that it’s quite large, it met all of my expectations and more. Despite its size Baitong offers a nice balance of boutique charm and larger hotel amenities.

Everywhere you look at Baitong there is tropical greenery — appropriately, as ‘baitong’ means green in Khmer. The hotel’s design includes negative spaces that are packed with plants, which meant that my room, which had a window facing one of these urban gardens, had lovely verdant views. Plants similarly cascade down balconies and climb up columns, and the so-called “forest pool” on the second floor actually does send rainforest vibes. A smaller jacuzzi pool on the floor above only adds to the effect, as water cascades over the side creating a waterfall into the shaded pool below. There’s another, larger and more popular pool on the fourth floor that’s sunny and surrounded by sun loungers.

Conveniently situated on Street 282 in BKK1, Baitong offers a very walkable Phnom Penh experience (and its central location means that tuk tuks show up in mere seconds when ordered via app). With 106 rooms Baitong is not small by any means, but the larger size allows for two pools, a jacuzzi, a Bodia spa, gym, and one of the best hotel breakfasts in Phnom Penh. Although it’s big, there are a plethora of public spaces, with nooks and spots to relax or have a chat scattered around every floor so it never felt crowded or too busy. Friends who took advantage of massages at the Bodia spa said it was excellent. All guests are given a voucher for a free 15-minute head and shoulder massage, as well as a discount for other spa services.

Rooms are painted deep teal and grey, with grey slate floors and both sheer and blackout curtains. To me, the palette has a very masculine energy, and I’d usually be more drawn to Penh House’s mid-century-in-the-tropics feel. But frankly, if the paint and floor tiles are my only complaints, Baitong should be delighted and how easy they’re getting off (I’m a known complainer). And I must acknowledge that the men I know who have stayed there loved the style.

A particular favorite of the group I was with is the rooftop bar, which has panoramic sunset views of the city, and perhaps most appealing, a two-hour happy hour every night from 5 to 7 p.m. where cocktails are 50% off. The cocktail list features standards (negroni, Manhattan, whisky sour, old-fashioned) but also some “creative” cocktails, which I usually think are disgusting, but Baitong nails it with their self-named spritz and basil smash, all full-priced between $5.50 and $6.50, making for a quite reasonable $3ish sundowner during happy hour.

Breakfast is included with most rooms; it’s served in a dedicated room on the rooftop and offers a more variety than most Phnom Penh hotels. There is a to-order menu that includes a few continental breakfasts such as eggs benedict and avocado smash, and Cambodian standards such as pork or chicken and rice. Surprisingly, the continental dishes were better than the Cambodian ones. The real treats were the kuy teav (noodle soup) and the made-to-order omelet bar, where you could choose your toppings and ingredients and a chef would make it for you on the spot. The buffet bar had an incredible range of choices; some which were very unexpected (beef stroganoff) and others very welcome (fresh mango, papaya and jackfruit). The breakfast room was the only place that ever felt crowded, and although the service was chaotic (although very sweet and friendly), I was very pleased with the wide range of choices.

Prices are around $90-100 for a standard king room, and $130-140 for a room with a private pool, steam room, and creatively, a steam closet to de-wrinkle your clothes. On Booking.com you can find lower rates if you have the “Genius” benefit, which brings the price of a standard king down to around $80, and I found the same room on Agoda for $65, so be sure to shop around.

→ Check prices and book a room at Baitong Hotel & Resort at Agoda now

Baitong Hotel and Resort

10 Street 282, BKK1, Phnom Penh
+855 61 223 838