Battambang hotels and guesthouses guide
Battambang hotel and lodging guide
Battambang has a solid, if limited, selection of hotels and guesthouses. Many are leftovers from the UNTAC presence of the 90s and in slightly drab condition, much like the town itself. However, the good news is that accommodation is cheap, with bargain backpacker digs in grand old buildings from just US$5.
In recent years a number of quality establishments have opened for the anticipated growth in tourism. The budget scene is dominated by The Royal and Chhaya Hotels, their cavernous interiors housing all manner of rooms in addition to organising a range of local motos and tours. Several newer, mid-range options have opened in recent years on the east bank of the river mainly catering to business travellers, with Banan and Spring Park offering all modern amenities.
While downtown the Bus Stop makes the best Western breakfast in the district. At the top end, there are several excellent boutique options with La Villa and Rottanak providing the city’s best creature comforts. Expect to pay US$10–30 for flashpacker accommodation, which includes air-con and WiFi, while anything over US$50 will provide you with all the trimmings. There are no luxury hotels in Battambang.
Note – Battambang, with its only half a dozen numbered streets, can be a challenge to find an address, so request pick-up where available. The competition in the backpacker marker in particular also means that, if arriving by bus or taxi with no reservation, you may be taken to a rival hotel that pays better commission to tuk-tuks and motos. Don’t worry – just say you already having a booking somewhere else and keep moving.
Hotels & guesthouses in Battambang
Budget ($5 – $10)
Royal Hotel: A long-running favourite with budget travellers and local NGO workers, the Royal sits in an ideal central location close to Phsar Nath and Sunrise Coffee Shop and features a huge number of large, clean rooms across a labyrinth of corridors. The hotel also has its own army of friendly moto drivers for local information and sightseeing that congregate out front. 300m west of Psar Nath, tel: (053) 952 522.
Chhaya Hotel: A wide range of rooms and options, expect to pay an extra dollar for each of air-con, a TV or a fridge. Similar in set-up to major rival to the Royal, the soft beds and quiet rooms are a plus, while the onsite travel agency can arrange all onward bookings. 118 Street 3, tel: + (8550 (0)12 733 204.
Park Hotel: Appropriately situated at the entrance to the city overlooking a small park, it’s out of the downtown location means some of the cheapest air-con rooms with hot water, TV and bar fridge. They also offer free pick-up from the bus, ferry. Street 4, tel: + (855) (0) 53 953 773.
Mid Range ($10–$35)
Bus Stop Guesthouse: Aussie Brett and his lovely Khmer family serve up Battambang’s best burgers and breakfasts, with everything from vegemite to baked beans and duck eggs. Lightning-fast WiFi and expert travel advice make Bus Stop one of the city’s new favourites. Just 10 rooms means they are often full, so book ahead. #149, Street 2, tel: + (855) (0)53 730 544.
Teo Hotel: Near the Post Office, a consistently highly-praised and long-running hotel, Teo features spotlessly clean rooms, friendly staff and a pleasant onsite restaurant, popular with tour groups. Road 3, tel: + (855) (0)12 857 048...More details and booking
Banan Hotel: One of a group of newer mid-range hotels near the ferry port, but just a five minute walk from Phsar Nath. Rooms are elegant and offer the full range of amenities, with helpful and friendly staff. All rooms have air-con. National Highway 5, tel: + (855) (0)53 953 242...More details and booking
Spring Park Hotel: At the southern end of the main town near the New Iron Bridge, this hotel is a favourite for Khmer business travellers and features internet port and IDD phones in all rooms. Free pick-up and onward travel tickets, a ‘business’ hotel in more than one sense it also features the only elevator in the city. Highway 4, tel: (015) 789 999.
The Bungalow Hotel: Some of the only bungalows in Battambang, these new, stone chalets are on a pleasantly quiet street. An excellent restaurant offers Western, Thai and Khmer food. Organises local tours and offers free bicycle usage for guests. #144, Phum Kamakor Sangkat Svay Por, tel: + (855)(0)12-91 6123...More details and booking
Top End ($50+)
Bambu Hotel: A brand new, sparkling resort-style complex on the eastern bank, Bambu features in-room mini-bar, DVD player, cable TV along with one of the city’s few swimming pools. Popular with the upmarket NGO’s and business travellers, just a two minute walk from the city centre, tel: + (855) (0)117-331368...More details and booking
La Villa Hotel: A stunning boutique guesthouse set in a beautifully restored 1930s colonial house that Hemmingway would be at home at. Large rooms with deep bathtubs and meticulous attention to detail. The attached atrium bar is the best in the city for decent cocktails, while the swimming pool and antique furniture make this one of Battambang’s finest, reservations essential. #185 Street 5, tel: + (855) (0)53 730 751...More details and booking
Phka Villa Hotel: A rare find in a quiet section, behind high walls in a commune in the city centre, Rottanak features lovely bungalows scattered around a tree-lined swimming pool, all with WiFi. The bar has one of the city’s best selections and the attached restaurant delicious Khmer food. Rd KO, Rottanak Village, tel: + (855) (0)53 953 255...More details and booking
