This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
In a year where hotel bars are increasingly becoming travel destinations in their own right, the iconic Elephant Bar at Raffles Hotel Le Royal has earned global recognition from Food & Wine magazine. The Phnom Penh institution was named one of the “Best Global Hotel Bars” in the publication’s May 2026 issue, placing it among just 10 venues selected worldwide.
The recognition highlights how historic hotel bars are regaining relevance as travelers increasingly seek experiential dining, heritage-driven hospitality, and destination-led nightlife experiences. For Cambodia’s luxury hospitality sector, the accolade also reinforces Phnom Penh’s growing visibility within the international luxury travel market.
Key Facts
- Hotel: Raffles Hotel Le Royal
- Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Recognition: Named among Food & Wine’s “Best Global Hotel Bars”
- Published: May 2026 issue
- Key Highlight: Historic colonial-era bar with more than 200 gin labels
Key Takeaways
- Elephant Bar was one of only 10 bars selected globally.
- Phnom Penh gains additional visibility in luxury travel.
- Heritage hotel bars remain highly relevant for travelers.
- Experiential cocktail culture continues growing across Asia.
- Historic hospitality venues are becoming destination attractions again.
What Is This Development?
The recognition from Food & Wine magazine places Elephant Bar among an elite group of globally recognised hotel bars. Located inside Raffles Hotel Le Royal, the venue has long been regarded as one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic colonial-era cocktail bars.
The announcement comes as luxury travelers increasingly seek hotels that offer more than accommodation alone. Bars, restaurants, and cultural experiences are now playing a larger role in destination choice, particularly within the luxury and lifestyle hospitality sectors.
According to the hotel, Elephant Bar’s combination of French colonial architecture, Cambodian hospitality, and extensive gin program contributed to the international recognition.
Why Does Elephant Bar Matter for Travelers?
For many travelers visiting Phnom Penh, Elephant Bar represents a connection to the city’s historic identity. The venue has operated for more than 90 years and remains closely associated with Cambodia’s colonial-era hospitality heritage.
Its interiors feature wood panelling, vintage photographs, ceiling frescoes, and classic French windows that preserve much of the hotel’s historic atmosphere. The bar has also hosted notable figures over the decades, including Charlie Chaplin, Charles de Gaulle, and Jacqueline Kennedy.
One of its best-known signature cocktails, the “Femme Fatale,” was reportedly first served to Jacqueline Kennedy during her 1967 visit to Phnom Penh. The cocktail remains part of the menu today.
A Growing Focus on Experiential Hotel Bars
Luxury hotel bars are increasingly becoming standalone attractions rather than secondary hotel facilities. Across Asia, many travelers are now choosing hotels partly based on dining and cocktail experiences, particularly those tied to local culture or historic storytelling.
Elephant Bar also reflects the broader rise of premium gin culture in Southeast Asia. The venue houses more than 200 gin labels, including Sipsmith Raffles 1915 and the hotel’s own Elephant Bar Gin.
The hotel’s “Elephant Bar Gin Experience,” which includes gin tastings and unlimited gin cocktails over a two-hour session, aligns with a wider hospitality trend toward immersive beverage experiences.
About Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh has been attracting increased international tourism attention as Cambodia expands beyond the traditional Angkor Wat travel circuit. The capital combines French colonial architecture, riverside developments, luxury hotels, and a growing culinary scene.
The city has also seen rising interest from luxury and lifestyle travelers seeking destinations that remain comparatively underexplored within Southeast Asia. Historic properties such as Raffles Hotel Le Royal continue to play a central role in shaping Phnom Penh’s premium hospitality identity.
Industry Insight
The recognition of Elephant Bar reflects a broader hospitality trend where heritage-driven experiences are outperforming purely design-focused luxury concepts. Travelers increasingly value authenticity, history, and narrative-based hospitality experiences over standardized luxury offerings.
For hotel operators, globally recognised bars and restaurants are becoming important brand assets capable of driving both local foot traffic and international guest demand. In Asia’s competitive luxury hotel market, food and beverage venues now carry growing influence over hotel positioning and social media visibility.
Check Availability
Travelers planning a stay at Raffles Hotel Le Royal should compare fares and schedules across multiple booking platforms, including Booking.com, Trip.com, Agoda, Expedia, and Klook to find the best deals.
Not sure where to start? Compare hotel prices across platforms in our full guide to the best hotel booking sites.
Travel Tools
For travel gear, airport transfers, travel insurance and other useful travel services, explore Recommended Travel Products.
This premium eco-responsible menswear brand Erverte Paris is also featured in our curated travel gear recommendations for frequent travelers.
Related Coverage
Travelers interested in this story may also enjoy:
Raffles Hotel Le Royal Launches Mindy’s Speakeasy in Phnom Penh
Raffles Hotel Le Royal Appoints David Eldridge as Executive Chef
Cambodia Opens Landmark Techo International Airport in Phnom Penh
Cambodia Airways Launched Phnom Penh – Hong Kong Non-stop Flight
