Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh, named Cambodia’s Best City Hotel in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia-Pacific 2026

Raffles Cambodia celebrates a standout year as Raffles Hotel Le Royal claims the country’s top city hotel title, while Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor secures second place and both properties earn multiple luxury hospitality honours.

Raffles Cambodia has strengthened its position as one of the country’s leading luxury hospitality brands after Raffles Hotel Le Royal was named Cambodia’s Best City Hotel in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia-Pacific 2026. Sister property Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor also delivered an impressive performance, finishing No. 2 in the same category while both historic hotels collected several additional accolades for their pools, spas and leadership.

The awards recognise excellence across Asia-Pacific’s luxury travel sector and reinforce the enduring appeal of two of Cambodia’s most iconic heritage hotels.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor swimming pool, set in a colonial courtyard with tropical greenery and Art Deco architecture

Raffles Cambodia dominates luxury hotel rankings

Beyond the top city hotel rankings, the two landmark properties were recognised in several categories:

  • Best City Hotels (Cambodia)
    • No. 1 – Raffles Hotel Le Royal
    • No. 2 – Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor
  • Best Hotel Swimming Pools
    • No. 2 – Raffles Hotel Le Royal
    • No. 4 – Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor
  • Best Hotel Spas
    • No. 4 – Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor
  • Best General Managers
    • Dagmar Lyons, General Manager of Raffles Hotel Le Royal

“We are deeply honoured that Raffles Hotel Le Royal has been named Cambodia’s best city hotel,” said Dagmar Lyons, General Manager of Raffles Hotel Le Royal.

“This recognition belongs to our entire team who bring the spirit of 1929 to life every day while delivering the warm, intuitive service for which Raffles is renowned.”

Joseph Colina, General Manager of Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, said the recognition reflects the property’s enduring connection with Cambodia’s cultural heritage.

“It is a great privilege to see our luxury hotel recognised among Cambodia’s finest. As a historic gateway to the wonders of Angkor, we are proud to preserve and share this extraordinary legacy.”

Heritage experiences continue to evolve

The latest accolades come shortly after Raffles Cambodia unveiled its new Grand Path of History experience, alongside a history book celebrating Southeast Asia’s golden age of travel.

Guests visiting Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor can also explore a permanent exhibition featuring rare photographs, historic video footage, architectural drawings and vintage artefacts documenting the hotel’s rich past.

Two historic landmarks of Cambodian hospitality

Opened in 1929, Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh remains one of Cambodia’s best-known luxury hotels. The 175-room property underwent a comprehensive restoration completed in 2019, blending French colonial architecture, Khmer influences and Art Deco design with contemporary luxury.

Meanwhile, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap first welcomed guests in 1932 as a resting place for archaeologists and explorers visiting Angkor Wat. Today, the hotel retains its distinctive French Art Deco character while offering elegantly appointed rooms, suites and villas inspired by Cambodian heritage.

Recognition extends beyond Travel + Leisure

The latest awards add to a growing list of honours for both hotels.

Last year, the two Raffles Cambodia properties were among only 10 hotels in Cambodia awarded MICHELIN Keys in the country’s inaugural MICHELIN Guide selection. Raffles Hotel Le Royal also ranked No. 2 in Southeast Asia in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025.

The hotels further strengthened their joint offering with the launch of the exclusive seven-day “A Tale of Two Cities” itinerary, allowing guests to experience both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in one luxury journey that combines history, culture and heritage hospitality.


Why it matters

Luxury heritage hotels continue to play an increasingly important role in Cambodia’s tourism positioning. International recognition from respected travel publications not only enhances the global profile of Raffles Cambodia but also highlights the country’s growing appeal as a destination for high-end cultural and heritage travel.


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Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor Earns Green Globe Certification for the Second Year

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor Launches New Exhibition of Leading Khmer Artists


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Paul Lo

Paul Lo is an independent travel journalist and editor focused on global hotel openings, airline lounges, and hospitality industry developments. Originally from Hong Kong and now based in Shanghai, he previously worked at South China Morning Post, Apple Daily, Shanghai Daily, and Global Times, covering news and developments across Asia.

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