PHNOM PENH,7 January 2021: It must be the worst possible time to open a hotel in Asia, but Hyatt did just that this week when it welcomed the first guests to the Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh, 6 January.
It marks the debut of the well-known hospitality brand in Cambodia with the international hotel company assigning Herman Kemp as the general manager.
The 247-room property is located in the heart of Phnom Penh’s commercial district of Doun Penh – a 30-minute drive from the airport and a short walk from popular tourist sites such as the Royal Palace, National Museum and the city’s riverside boulevard.
In addition to five dining venues, the hotel features 1400 sqm of meeting space to host business conferences and social gatherings. Recreational facilities are located on level three of the property, including a swimming pool, bar, gym and spa.
Travel to and in Cambodia is restricted to combat Covid-19 spread. Hyatt’s safety and hygiene measures include mandatory temperature checks when entering the property. Staff and guests must wear face masks when moving around the hotel.
Socially-distanced seating arrangements are enforced in meeting and functions rooms, F&B outlets as well as recreational facilities including the swimming pool.
Opened 6 January, room rates start at USD180 per night for an entry-level ‘1 King Bed’ room category.
Cambodia started this week to relax Covid-19 measures following a six-week lockdown following a coronavirus outbreak late last year. As of this week, the country reported 383 cumulative cases and no deaths since the beginning of the outbreak last March.
According to news updates by the Agence Kampuchea Press, Cambodia has not introduced a ban on foreigners from countries where the new variant of Covid-19 (B117) has been reported.
Prime Minister Hun Sen was quoted saying on national TV on Tuesday: “We do not prohibit any foreigners from coming into Cambodia, including British citizens, but we must strengthen the control, especially the quarantine.”
All travellers entering Cambodia must undergo a 14-day mandatory quarantine and undergo two PCR test during their confinement.
