Luxury chain Hyatt Regency’s first hotel is coming to Phnom Penh, with the historic French colonial villa and new modern hotel on Street 178 to open its doors on Wednesday.

“Dating back to 1900 as a family home, and having once served as a cafe, the beautiful old house has always been a place for people to meet – and Hyatt is ensuring it continues to welcome guests. The blend of old and new, the international with Khmer culture, the elegant building as the centrepiece tells a wonderful story and offers an amazing experience. And we build on that by offering something unique, with concepts new to the market,” said Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh general manager Herman Kemp.

Alongside its nine state-of-the-art events spaces, the international standard five-star hotel has four delightfully designed main outlets redefining the eating and drinking experience.

The bright and airy Market Cafe Restaurant & Lounge with impressive natural daylight, serves up delicious all-day dining and afternoon tea, while speakeasy-feel The Attic in the villa takes patrons back to the 1920s with its decor and Prohibition era-style cocktails.

The hotel’s signature FiveFive Rooftop Restaurant & Bar is sleek and contemporary, featuring stunning views of the city and the meeting of Phnom Penh’s rivers, while the soon-to-open early 20th century metro station-themed Metropole Underground will be the city’s first subterranean bar. Photos by HEAN RANGSEY