Room Service: Tama Hotel Phnom Penh Tower (Phnom Penh, Cambodia)

Tama Hotel Phnom Penh Tower
Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Editor's Note: A month after our stay, this property was unfortunately closed down. This review has been published for archival purposes (and for fond reminiscing).

Phnom Penh, Cambodia's national capital, is fast becoming more than just a stop for young backpackers. No more twenty-year-old movie mentions of getting "lobsters for like, $2" because the price has gone up substantially thanks to the modernizing economy, along with great strides in lifestyle and living standards. My partner and I wanted to find a centrally located hotel that offers modern amenities and the Tama Hotel, perched on top of one of Phnom Penh's tallest buildings, seemed to be a very wise candidate.

The Tama Hotel Phnom Penh Tower as they call it has a nickname: "H22" as it's on the 22nd floor of the building. No matter what they call themselves, it has a unique experience that felt more like an inn behind a restaurant rather than the more conventional "urban hotel" or "resort" offerings this city offers. Complimentary parking makes this spot very popular with residents, plus a sky bar that scared the living heights out of me (this was an odd place for someone afraid of heights).

Checking in was a breeze, particularly with the very patient staff. The reception was attached to the restaurant adjacent so there was someone there to receive us when we arrived during the late evening. The staff member also introduced me to the mighty sword that was the coupon, where your room key made you eligible for 10% off at the restaurant, and 15% off on some other voucher because I booked a certain way. I mistakenly heard you could combine the discounts, which led to a bit of confusion with my partner, and some free cheesecake was issued in compensation for the muffled scheme. My partner and I relished in their fine cuisine.

Back to "H22". The rooms were styled in a screamingly loud Japanese format - space conscious, albeit tight. My room seemed to have fit all the accompanying features of a good hotel like amenity kits and a flat screen TV within a space measured around 20 feet by 15 feet. I believe it was very efficient but quite jarring when you first arrive. Don't worry; your luggage will fit, and two people can fit one bed. Daily coffee and a mini bar top the room's provided food, though they seemed to flinch when I asked for tea bags.

There are other types of rooms in this property, one of which was smaller, and you had to use communal showers and washrooms. That was a little too "efficient" for me.

The biggest drawback was the lack of internal (within the hotel) facilities. My partner asked where the pool was - a common detail in Phnom Penh. But with free wifi and free breakfast cooked to order, I thought of other enriching activities.