Review of the Tea House, Phnom Penh - Cambodia
FOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Tranquility: you feel like you're entering Cambodia's Garden of Eden.
The Tea: as you would expect, they make a seriously good brew.
Location: only 20 minutes' walk away from the famed Royal Palace.
The price: a touch of luxury, without the price tag
THE CONCEPT
Inspired by Asia's love of tea, the TeaHouse is one of the funkiest accomodations in Phnom Penh.
Tea is not only a feature during breakfast - it's creatively infused into small plates and dessert dishes like their Japanese Sencha Crème Brûlée or green tea ice-cream.
The layout of the property is a fusion of Japanese teahouse and an urban style, where beautiful woven lanterns hang above lush tropical gardens that divide the reception and dining area.
THE SETTING
The Teahouse is very central, however once you step into the large wooden entrance doors, you're taken into another world.
Green tropical plants line the boundary and give the feeling of walking through a tropical forest resort in the countryside.
You can also find tables tucked away in the lush gardens, giving a real sense of escape.
Jasmine flowers are used to scent the air, and beautiful lotus flowers add to the colourful interior.
THE ROOMS
The rooms keep with the oriental tea theme, with bright colours and and clean lines.
For a place that isn't classed as luxury, you're treated to a few amenities that you wouldn't normally expect: bathrobes, bathroom jandles, shower gel, shampoo and of course tea. Not just any tea either. Every day we were replenished with two Japanese Sencha and a Natural Kymer Moringa teas, which is said to have huge health benefits including great for detoxification.
Rooms are spacious with lots of power outlets and a comfortable working desk.
THE ACTIVITIES
Go shopping. There are a few western style shops within walking distance
Take a cooking class. Teahouse recommends Fizz Restaurant. The most established cooking class in Phnom Penh. Transport, market visit and food are just $15usd per person.
Bike tours are available.
Take a tour of the Megkong River, and enjoy dinner in a floating restaurant.
THE FOOD
Breakfast is served buffet style with fruit plates being delivered to you on request. Food items changed daily during our 3 nights stay, and included everything from muesli and pancakes to pumpkin soup and fried noodles. There's also an egg station for made-to-order egg dishes.
Free tea tasting is also available each afternoon.
THE SERVICE
Our room was serviced daily with beautiful fresh lotus flowers laid out in glasses.
Reception was always attended with a smiling face, and upon checkout we were even given a small gift of tea samplers to take with us. Small things can often make the most lasting impression.
TOP TIPS
The wifi speed was fast for Cambodia!
Every day between 1600-1730 there is a free tea tasting in the lobby.
There are computers for guest use in the lobby area. You are also able to print from these.
The gym is equiped with a treadmill, bike, weights, yoga mats, a small cross trainer and some sort of bench for ab workouts.
2 small bottles of water are provided free of charge daily.
There is an onsite spa with foot reflexology starting at $15usd. During our stay there was a $9usd special for a foot massage by the pool.
One of you like tea, but the other likes coffee? There's a huge Starbucks reserve (one of their fancy outlets) within a 6 minute walk.
GETTING THERE
Phnom Penh international airport is a 45-minute drive away. You can book a car in advance through the hotel - there's even a classic Jaguar you can book to be picked up in style.
THE PRICE
$33-70usd per night, including breakfast. This is by far one of the best value accomodations in Phnom Penh. For last minute deals and to find the best rate, we recommend Agoda. Click below to see the Teahouse's latest deals.
Comentarios