Phnom Penh Post - 'Designed to Connect', Phnom Penh's new Hôtel KVL to open in August

Hôtel KVL – with the motto “Designed to Connect” – is set to open its doors in August. Situated in a prime location on Sisowath Quay, the hotel meets all the needs of the modern traveller in a contemporary, stylish and functional environment.

Located in the heart of historic Phnom Penh – one block from the Royal Palace and National Museum, and directly facing the confluence of the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers – this striking new-build brings a fresh sense of architectural design to the neighbourhood.

Spanning seven floors, the hotel – a much-awaited latest addition to the Vattanac Group’s portfolio – is constructed around a distinctive central skylight topped with a reflecting pool, diffusing natural light throughout the atrium.

The 76 rooms fall into five categories, from the cosy and practical Atrium Rooms to the spacious KVL Suites, which offer exceptional views across the city or the river. All rooms are thoughtfully finished with contemporary Italian furnishings and Frette linens, while the bathrooms are equipped with walk-in rain showers.

Hôtel KVL’s food and beverage offerings are keenly anticipated by Phnom Penh’s foodies. The hotel’s signature restaurant El Tapas will serve modern Spanish cuisine, fine wines and craft cocktails in a vibrant underground setting.

Head chef Mario Yufera brings his 10 years of experience in Europe and Asia, including at Restaurant Breda in Amsterdam and Rosewood Hotel in Yangon. Hailing from Alicante in eastern Spain, he has created a menu that expresses both his love for the food of his homeland and his passion for contemporary fine dining.

The hotel’s rooftop will be home to the new Up by KVL rooftop bar. With creative cocktails, nightly DJs, and cosmopolitan Asian and Western cuisine, as well as expansive river views, Up by KVL is set to become a lively destination for both hotel guests and Phnom Penh residents.

Coffee shop The Alchemist will offer regionally sourced coffee and artisanal sandwiches, cakes and pastries, while the Skylight bistro will be open for relaxed all-day dining, serving Asian and Western dishes from breakfast until late evening.

Business travellers and the capital’s entrepreneurs and digital nomads will enjoy the facilities provided by co-working space The Atom.

This provides both open-plan work areas and private hot-desking spaces, as well as fully equipped meeting rooms and corporate event space, conveniently located in the centre of Phnom Penh.

Owner Sam Ang Vattanac said: “Hôtel KVL is dynamic, cultured and forward-thinking – a microcosm of Cambodia in 2022.

"After a challenging two years for the hospitality sector, there is now a real sense of optimism in this fast-growing market.

"The same is true for the Cambodian market as a whole – the time is now right to look forward and to dream big."