Sihanoukville hotels and guesthouses guide
Sokha Beach Resort is pure luxury
There are plenty of accommodation options in Cambodia’s premier seaside resort, ranging from free dorm rooms with fellow backpackers to five star private-beach hotels and casinos. In between the majority of travellers choose bungalows or budget rooms near the main beaches with Ochheuteal Beach and Serendipity Beach and Victory Beach/Weather Station Hill having the largest concentration of rooms.
Several low-cost and mid-range hotels are in the Downtown area, around the market and bus station. Guesthouses and cheap bungalows generally cost US$5 – US$10 for fan rooms, up to US$30 for air conditioning and all the trimmings. Boutique establishments and three-four star hotels range from US$25 – US$60, while the exclusive Independence Beach Resort and Sokha Beach Resort run well into the hundreds.
The area which encompasses Ochheuteal Beach, Serendipity Beach and the three roads behind it is the most popular section for accommodation in Sihanoukville, most notably on 23 Tola Road, where a string of small and clean, new, mid-priced hotels (US$25 – US$60) sit alongside dozens of bars and restaurants. Serendipity Road, from the Golden Lions traffic circle down to the beach, is mainly backpacker digs (US$5 – 6) and bungalows (US8 – US$25), some of excellent standard. The imaginary junction of the two beaches, which technically are one beach, is the focus of most of the action, day and night.
Ochheuteal and Serendipity Beach hotels in Sihanoukville
Monkey Republic: A backpacker favourite, the Republic offers 24 private bungalows, all with ensuite bathrooms and balcony, all for under US$10. A lush garden and cheap bar pulls the punters at all hours of the day. Serendipity Road, tel: + (855) (0)12-490290.
Cloud 9 Bungalows: Some of Sihanoukville’s best bungalows, with fantastic views of the coast. Located on the rocky outcrop at the end of the beach, Cloud 9 features waterside dining, book exchange and 24hr security. Serendipity Beach, tel: + (855) (0)12-479365.
Even budget guesthouses can have a pool
Beach Club Resort: On 23 Tola Road, Beach Club is a quality mid-range resort with extra large rooms around a decent swimming pool with its own bar. Free WiFi and accepts all major credit cards. Ochheuteal Beach, 23 Tola Road, tel: + (855) (0)34 933 634.
Mick & Craig’s: Quality, spotlessly clean and well appointed budget rooms and bungalows. Also features cable TV, movie rooms, free pool, onsite security and 50 cent pints all day. Serendipity Road, tel: + (855) (0)12 727 740.
Utopia Guesthouse: A backpacker’s institution and one of the guaranteed party places. Free dorm beds for those willing to help out, otherwise prices start at just US$2, but don’t expect luxury – this is the place to meet other backpackers and drink and dance the night away at their bustling bar and club. Also features a swimming pool, spa, free lockers and a reliably informative travel agency. Serendipity Road, tel: + (855) (0)34-934319.
Weather Station Hill/Victory Beach
Victory Beach is at the foot of Weather Station Hill, though the area is also known as Victory Hill or simply The Hill. There is little along the beach road save for a couple of hotels, the Airport Club, a pretty jetty and a small beach. Heading up the hill passes a number of bungalow-style guesthouses, while the hilltop – where the bars and restaurants open all hours – hosts more boutique guesthouses and a couple of budget hotels.
Chez Mari-Yan: Upscale bungalows with air conditioning half way up The Hill. Also features a quality restaurant and pleasant sunset views with a range of European aperitifs best enjoyed over a game of petanque. Boat and diving trips also organised. Weather Station Hill, tel: + (855) (0)12-91646.
Marina Hotel: The best budget hotel on The Hill, offering decent long-term discounts for their large rooms, all including cable TV, Marina is in a peaceful area just behind the main drag and has fantastic rooftop seating. Ekareach Street, Weather Station Hill, tel: + (855) (0)34-933611.
Bungalow Village: Simply beautiful location, with a dozen large bungalows, all with private bathroom and hammock-laden balconies, set in a lush tree-filled garden. Excellent restaurant and friendly staff make this the pick of places to escape the crowds – just two minutes from the beach. Victory Beach, tel: + (855) (0)12-490293.
Mealy Chenda Guesthouse: The city’s oldest and most well-known guesthouse, Mealy Chenda has a huge range of rooms, sumptuous ocean views, and free pick-up from the bus station. Weather Station Hill, tel: + (855) (0)12-419219.
Sunshine Beach Hotel: Recently renovated and one of the only places right on Victory Beach, these well appointed bungalows and the busy seafood restaurant have proved popular, especially for those wanting to be close to the port – with free shuttle service provided. Victory Beach, tel: + (855) (0)34-933708.
Downtown hotels in Sihanoukville
The Downtown area sits roughly equidistant (two – three kilometres) between the main beaches and is home to mainly budget guesthouses and hotels. The city centre is uninspiring but practical, with the market, bank branches, local businesses and services all found here, making it the preferred choice of expats and long-term stays. Accommodation differs little and starts from around US$6 for a standard fan room, with air conditioned rooms ranging from US$10 – US$20. All options listed have their own restaurant and bar and can generally organise tours and rentals.
Angkor Inn: Well-established budget option just off the main road. Ensuite rooms with bathtubs and cable TV. IDD telephone calls and internet. Sopheakmongkol Street, tel: + (855) (0)16-896204.
Freedom Hotel: One minute walk from the bus station, above the popular bar and restaurant, all guest receiving a free internet and free beer voucher on arrival. All rooms with fridge, hot water and cable TV. Corner of Street 109, tel: + (855) (0)12-257953.
G’Day Mate: On the main road heading towards Serendipity Beach, featuring rooms with cable TV and fridge, plus motorcycle and private car rentals, G’Day Mate also operates an excellent shuttle bus service for westerners to Kampot. Ekareach Street, tel: + (855) (0)12-280947.
Geckozy: A lovely garden setting bursting with flowers makes this popular guesthouse an ideal romantic budget option in the heart of downtown. Services include WiFi, movies, games and computer rentals. Sopheakmongkol Street, behind the service stations, tel: + (855) (0)12-495825.
Red Snapper: Featuring big rooms with cable TV and ensuite bathroom, Red Snapper also has an excellent travel bookings service. The chilled guesthouse has free games, bikes and WiFi. Behind the Vietnamese Consulate, tel: + (855) (0)11-827600.
Sihanoukville hotels in Otres Beach
Just south of Ochheuteal Beach, Otres Beach is less populated and far more laid back. Several beach shacks with cheap bungalows dot the shoreline, with a couple further up the hill. Standards vary wildly so make sure to inspect a few, many are not advertised.
Castaways: Castaway’s has brand new, clean, rooms lying on the sands of the beach, with a waterfront bar and restaurant, beach chairs, umbrellas and even rental kayaks. Otres Beach, tel: + (855) (0)97-8611785.
Queen Hill Resort: The most romantic location in the city, with some of the best views of the coastline from its position high on the hill between Ochheuteal and Otres beaches. Large, breezy bungalows, internet and delicious Western/ Korean menu. Otres Beach, tel: + (855) (0)11-937373.
