#blue lime

Awesome article and write up for anyone looking to find a place to stay in Phnom Penh.

Amplify’d from www.alexinwanderland.com

I'm a New York native who left my home to explore the world slowly and thoroughly. I love photography, scuba diving, and reading guidebooks to countries I have no immediate plans to visit. Read more on my About Me page.

Where to Stay in Phnom Penh

While it might not have quite the plethora of accommodation that Siem Reap offers, Phnom Penh will not leave you out on the streets. From uber-trendy design hotels on the riverfront to hidden-jem boutique guesthouses tucked away down quiet streets, there is something for everyone in the country’s capital. The following are my top picks for where to stay in Phnom Penh.

The Mad Monkey The Mad Monkey is an up and coming hotspot in Phnom Penh. Since the dissolution of the Boeung Kak lake district, there is no longer a Khao San Road style backpacker ghetto of Phnom Penh, meaning the Lonely Planet-toting masses are still looking for a new place to settle. My money is on the Mad Monkey.

The Mad Monkey is still a work in process, but you will quickly be charmed into forgiving any just-opened glitches. The genuinely friendly staff remembered our names after a week away, while the up-for-a-party owners took us to Oktoberfest and out to local clubs. Rooms are clean and comfortable, and the restaurant and bar are delicious, if a bit pricey. At the moment, the rooftop bar is closed due to unresolved noise issues, but don’t fret, the bar of the also popular Top Banana hostel is only moments away. And the owners of both have teamed up to offer a new Party Boat down the Tonle Sap every Sunday.

My favorite detail is the fun house feel to the staircases, which local artists are painting with colorful murals. Don’t delay in booking- when this place inevitably makes it into the next edition of Lonely Planet, it’s going to be even tougher to secure a room. Dorms $7, Rooms $14-20, 26 Street 240, BKK1 District, phnompenhhostels.com

Alibi Guesthouse The Alibi Guesthouse is tucked down a side street of Sothearos Boulevard in a beautiful old French villa. It is centrally located just moments away from the Royal Palace, saving you lots of tuk-tuk rides! Rooms are bright and airy, and the villa itself is very elegant.

There is a lovely garden patio area where breakfast is served in the morning and a pool table beckons in the evening. Alibi is geared more towards families and those heading to bed early, as we had trouble getting in one night when we came home late. The owner speaks French and English. $15-27, Sothearos Blvd, alibiguesthouse.com

Midrange / Treat Yourself

Blue Lime Featuring poured concrete furniture, a gorgeous pool and style to spare, Blue Lime is a minimalist design lover’s dream.  The garden and salt water pool area, featuring salt from the nearby Kampot region, is the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious complimentary breakfast, order a cocktail from the bar, or unwind after a day exploring the city. For more watery goodness, four of the rooms have their own private plunge pool.

See more at www.alexinwanderland.com