Hyatt is blazed new ground in Southeast Asia with the opening of Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh on January 6, 2021, marking the first Hyatt hotel in the Cambodian capital and the debut of the Hyatt Regency brand in the Kingdom of Wonder.
Discussing the hotel’s location and guest offerings, Juan Mercadante, General Manager of Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh, said: “We have a lot of very interesting offers at the hotel because Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh is one of the greatest hotels in the area and is situated right in the middle of the city.”
With 247 guestrooms, including 43 residential-style suites, Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh was set to become the city’s largest internationally branded hotel. Located in the Doun Penh district, the hotel is about a 30-minute drive from the airport and within walking distance of the Royal Palace, National Museum and riverside. It combines contemporary accommodation with elements of Cambodian hospitality for business and leisure travelers.
Juan has served as General Manager since August 2021. He brings extensive international hospitality experience, including overseeing Hyatt projects involving rebranding, hotel transitions and pre-openings. In this interview, Juan discusses developments at the hotel and shares his perspective on its operations and positioning in Phnom Penh’s luxury hotel market.
Interview with Juan Mercadante
- Can you tell me about your first job in the hospitality industry?
Jom reab sur! I am pleased to introduce myself. I am Juan Mercadante, General Manager of the iconic Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh Hotel. I started my hospitality career as a corporate trainee in the Rooms division of Hyatt Regency Cancun, Mexico. It was a 314-room resort hotel with five food and beverage outlets. I was fortunate to be given a chance to discover the world of Front Office, Housekeeping, Reservations, Sales and Groups before I achieved the Director of Rooms position at the same property.
- What have and what will you try to accomplish at this hotel?
Each project I accept has a significant bearing on my ability to share my viewpoint, pick up knowledge from clients, keep up with regional travel trends, and advance the tourism industry on a worldwide scale.
The most fulfilling thing to accomplish; is of course to maintain our distinguished position in the market, and see the generation of local Cambodians who work with us reach their full potential since they are the true treasures of this country.
- What is the USP of the hotel? How has the hotel positioned itself in this competitive market?
A modern luxury hotel, Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh caters to both business and leisure travelers, with a central location in the heart of the city.
The hotel’s design reflects the legacy of the Royal Villa, combining contemporary design with Khmer elements and a mix of historical, colonial and modern architectural styles. This blend represents both the old and new Phnom Penh.
We also offer diverse culinary experiences, ranging from local delicacies to international cuisine, alongside facilities including a spa, fitness center, swimming pool and meeting and event spaces.
- How has the hotel positioned itself in this competitive market?
We have a lot of very interesting offers at the hotel because Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh is one of the greatest hotels in the area and is situated right in the middle of the city.
5. What are the sustainable practices that the hotel follows?
Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh is strongly committed to social, cultural, and environmental responsibilities, which we regard as essential for sustainable business. In all activities, we aim to respect and preserve the way of life and traditions of local communities, and endeavor to minimize our impact on the environment by adhering to a policy of environmental sustainability.
Immersive food and beverage offerings highlight the power of social sustainability by adhering to sustainable farming practices, ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality organic produce designed to attract environmentally conscious diners, and forming strategic partnerships with local businesses.
Driven by Hyatt’s purpose of care, our property is committed to being part of the sustainability movement. From food sourcing to waste management and minimizing energy usage, we endeavor to be environmentally responsible. Use Resources Thoughtfully: Hyatt is committed to examining how its hotels source, consume, and manage natural resources to serve their guests.
6. In your opinion, what factors contribute to excellent customer service?
Carrying out Hyatt’s vision and purpose of providing guests with exceptional, unforgettable experiences that are characteristic of culturally rich Cambodian culture.
Caring for people so they can be their best version of themselves is one of our purposes. Our guests feel comfortable, connected, and encouraged to be their best selves because they are welcome and relaxed in our care.
Personalization has become a day-to-day action for us: tailoring our services to meet individual guest needs and preferences to exceed the guest expectations…
7. What are some of the new trends the hotel is witnessing?
Phnom Penh is set to be a key destination for foreign investors, offering political and economic stability and attractive government investment incentives. With our fantastic facilities, central location, and corporate-savvy staff, Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh is well positioned to support this shift.
We continue to maintain our brand position as the corporate traveler’s top destination in the Kingdom. We ensure that we offer the best quality of service, and tailor it according to our clients’ needs. Our event spaces offer seamless connectivity and the latest technology to ensure guests can celebrate in style. We pride ourselves on providing modern comfort and warm Cambodian hospitality, making our hotel the perfect location for business travelers.
Inside Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh
Behind the Colonial House stands the newly constructed 14-storey main building, which houses 247 guestrooms, including 43 suites. All rooms feature hardwood floors and marble bathrooms, as well as Hyatt Mobile Entry technology, allowing guests to use their smartphones instead of key cards.
Design and Guestrooms
The Royal Suite features two en suite bedrooms, a walk-in closet, a powder room, separate living and dining areas, and a pantry. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of the city.
Drinking and Dining
Guests have the choice of five dining venues, including Market Café Restaurant & Lounge, an inviting all-day dining concept; Metropole Underground, an early 20th century metro-themed bar offering live music and local beers; The Attic, hosting Le Petit Chef, a fun dining experience with 3D mapping handcrafted cocktails and grand cru wines; and FiveFive Rooftop Restaurant & Bar on Level 14.
Meetings and Events
1,400 sqm (15,070sg ft) of meeting and event space for hosting business conferences and social gatherings. The Regency Ballroom provides floor-to-ceiling windows as well as the only built-in full-color LED screen in the city. Meanwhile, nine meeting suites provide flexible arrangements. All venues offer natural sunlight and come with the latest audio-visual facilities, such as smart LED televisions, high-definition video conferencing suites, and wireless Internet.
Wellbeing and Recreation
A wide range of recreational facilities are located on Level 3, including the hotel’s 22 m (72 ft) outdoor infinity pool surrounded by lush greenery, a poolside bar, a Himalayan salt room, and a steam room. Jivapita Spa and the 24-hour gym are equipped with a cardio zone, a strength zone, and free weights.
Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh
+855 23 600 1234
#55, Street 178 Sangkat Chey Chumnas, Phnom Penh Cambodia 12206
