Better Than Ever – Raffles Refurbishes In Cambodia

The next chapter for two authentic French Colonial masterpieces

Two of Cambodia’s most exciting hotels, Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Phnom Penh and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap, are currently undergoing an inspirational refurbishment. The work, which will be completed by November 2011, includes the transformation of the large garden villas in Siem Reap; the updating of the guestrooms at both hotels; and a subtly refreshed lobby, bar and private rooms and ballroom in Phnom Penh.

Opened in 1929 and 1932 respectively, these are the only luxury hotels in Cambodia that pre-date the civil war and the Khmer Rouge era. They were brought into the Raffles portfolio in 1997 after thorough and sensitive modernisation. The hotels were the work of French architect Ernest Hébrard based in Hanoi, who was responsible for the design of many buildings constructed in French Indochina in the early 20th century. So it is appropriate that French interior designers based in Ho Chi Minh City should be playing a starring role in the next chapter of their lives. 

Over the next few months both hotels will be given the investment, attention and creativity they deserve. The design company NOOR (www.noorvn.com) was given the brief to breathe new vitality, elegance and comfort into the interiors by subtly updating the hotels’ much-loved French Colonial, Art Deco and Khmer style and ambiance. 

John Johnston, President, Raffles Hotels & Resorts, said: 

“Raffles Hotel Le Royal and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor are without doubt the hotels in Cambodia with the most heritage, character and atmosphere. In the last year, we have introduced the legendary Raffles Butlers at both hotels, to give our guests truly personalised service 24-hours a day. This refurbishment is the next chapter: it will reinstate the hotels’ original exotic glamour and take them up to the next level of comfort and luxury - for real 5-star service and style.” 

The design thread comes from the hotels themselves, as they are so distinctive and bursting with character. After researching the Indochine era, NOOR has brilliantly incorporated the original French Colonial and Art Deco elements into the new architectural detail, textures and colours. 

Khmer artwork, both original and newly commissioned, has been sourced from local artists – from silverwork and wood carving, to lacquers, boxes and sculptures. Luxurious Cambodian silks, the use of Khmer patterns and Art Deco colours will add another layer to the rich new schemes, which include: 

At both hotels 

- upgrading and refreshing the State Rooms (double rooms) - giving them gleaming new wooden floors using dark, sustainable local woods, seductive Jim Thompson fabrics and local Cambodian silks, for a luxurious, authentic, romantic colonial feel. Further rooms will be refurbished in 2012. At Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh 

- In addition to the staterooms, above, there will be two new Balcony Suites overlooking the gardens. 
- The famous airy Lobby and the Conservatory Bar are being discreetly transformed and brought up to date. The layout will be cleverly re-configured, the lighting updated, the best furniture restored and new pieces commissioned. 
- Meeting rooms and the Ballroom will be refurbished, with new colour schemes, sound and light systems. Raffles Hotel Le Royal offers meeting spaces for up to 300 guests for bespoke private events. 
At Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, Siem Reap 

- the total refurbishment and upgrading of the two enormous private villas in the hotel’s lush tropical gardens, to create the most distinctive, impressive and private accommodation in Siem Reap - for families, friends and couples on romantic travels. For over 75 years, a visit to the ancient temples of Angkor has been synonymous with a stay at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor – and there could be nowhere more atmospheric than its villas. Each villa has two spacious bedrooms, an enormous drawing room and dining area, a kitchen and wine cellar and private terraces. 
- Villa Uma will be contemporary colonial, with a glamorous new plunge pool, decking, daybeds and landscaping, sleek, modern colonial furniture and new wooden flooring throughout. In contrast, Villa Kama will retain its traditional colonial feel with teak furniture, decorative Khmer touches, rich carpets, Deco style furniture and new lighting. Outside, updated landscaping will be complemented by rattan furniture and new planting. The refurbishment will be complete by November 2011 – making Raffles Hotel Le Royal and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor amongst the very best hotels in this beautiful, fascinating country. 

NOTES 
“Journey Through Cambodia” - Raffles Hotel Le Royal and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor offer a five-day itinerary through the Kingdom of Cambodia, including Phnom Penh and Siem Reap and the temples of Angkor, starting at US$6,300 for two guests (approximately £3,860) including accommodation, visits to key sites in Phnom Penh and Angkor Wat at Siem Reap, as well as a Khmer cooking lesson, spa treatments, an exquisite Raffles Afternoon Tea and culinary experiences with an option of either Royal Khmer or French dishes at both hotels. “Journey Through Cambodia” excludes taxes, service charges and the transfers between the two hotels. 
For reservations, please contact: bookus.phnompenh@raffles.com or bookus.siemreap@raffles.com

Further information: Lucinda Buxton/Victoria Coombes, Mango PR 
Telephone             +44 (0) 207 421 2500       
Lucinda.buxton@mangopr.co.uk | victoria.coombes@mangopr.co.uk

About Raffles Hotels & Resorts: Raffles Hotels & Resorts is an award-winning, luxury international hotel company with a history dating back to 1887 with the opening of Raffles Hotel, Singapore. The portfolio currently comprises nine luxurious properties, from secluded resorts to chic hotels in key locations around the world: in Singapore, Cambodia, China, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles and Paris, each one is an oasis of calm and charm. The company is embarking on a new phase of expansion, with openings in the Maldives, Indonesia, the Philippines, China and Istanbul scheduled over the next two years. With a compelling mix of cultures and styles, every hotel in the Raffles family has its own individual personality, with its own story to tell and its own sense of place. However, each one is proud to draw on the timeless essence of Raffles – to deliver thoughtful, personal and discreet service to well-travelled guests.