New Year’s Eve riverview fireworks planned

Long-time Phnom Penh identity Pascal Brandt-Gagnon has been appointed resident manager of the Hotel Cambodiana. “Hotels are in my blood,” says the career hotelier, who hails from Montreal, Canada, where his family owned a hotel.

“My goal is to bring people to the Cambodiana, to promote the image and associate the Cambodiana as a fun place to go where there is always something happening.

“The Cambodiana is an icon, and I want this to be in people’s minds.  When it comes to hotels, I want the young, upcoming middle class to be excited about coming to the hotel and experiencing the new dynamics of the management teams,” he said.

“This will be done through a series of events throughout the year.”

Brought in by the Royal Group’s Mark Hanna, Brandt-Gagnon says after some time in the insurance business, he’s glad to be back in the hotel game.

“I’m very happy to join the Hotel Cambodiana, and I’m very excited to come to work and be back in the environment of hotels, because that’s what I like.”

Brandt-Gagnon previously served as general manager of Asia Insurance and before that as general manager of the Sunway Hotel from 1998 to 2001. “I’ve been in hotels all my life,” he says.

This year, the Hotel Cambodiana has a full schedule of Christmas and New Year activities, including a Christmas Eve dinner by the pool on the evening of December 24 from 6:30 pm to 10pm, with dancing and a Khmer band.

“We will have a buffet barbecue with free flow of soft drinks and beer,” Brandt-Gagnon says.

On Christmas Day, there will be a poolside “lazy barbecue” lunch from 4pm to 8:30pm, along with a Filipino band, and people are invited to use the hotel’s pool.

“I’m told Santa Claus will be making a visit as well,” Brandt-Gagnon says.

The Cambodiana’s New Year’s Eve celebrations begin at 7 pm and continue until after midnight, with an offer that if you buy 10 tickets, you get one free.

“For New Year’s Eve, we have an international buffet with free flow of soft drinks and beer, hosted by CTN personalities, entertainment by a Khmer band, stand-up comedy, a lucky draw and fireworks,” Brandt-Gagnon says.

The cost is $89 for adults and $45 for children aged six to 12.

“First and foremost is Hotel Cambodiana’s location.  All the hotels will have a Christmas function, but none of them can do it at the riverfront.  We’re on the riverfront, and we offer some nice views of the river.  It’s quite pleasant outside, and it will be very pleasant to have Christmas Eve with the lights and the view of the river,” Brandt-Gagnon says.

For reservations, people can call 078 809 984 or 012 846 299.  Emails may be sent to [email protected]