The Pavilion occupies four villas from the 1920s – formerly the residence of Queen-Consort Sisowath Kossamak, mother of King Sihanouk – which Alexis de Suremain transformed into a boutique hotel in 2006.
Four Khmer-French villas from the 1920s were once a private country estate of Queen Consort Sisowath Kossamak – mother of King Norodom Sihanouk – before hotelier Alexis de Surmen opened a boutique hotel here in 2006. The Pavilion occupies an authentic royal residence in Phnom Penh’s diplomatic quarter.
Country Estate of the Queen Mother
The complex of four villas, built in the 1920s in the Khmer-French style, served as a private residence for Queen Consort Sisowath Kossamak – mother of King Norodom Sihanouk. For the Cambodian royal family, such a country estate was not a ceremonial palace, but a personal, private space—a status that partly explains the intimate, homey character of the architecture compared to more imposing royal buildings in the capital.
Hotelier Alexis de Surmen and the 2006 Opening
In 2006, French hotelier Alexis de Surmen opened a boutique hotel here, initially limited to two villas and 36 rooms—the decision to maintain an intimate scale rather than expand the complex for capacity proved to be a conscious choice in favor of intimacy and tranquility, not commercial maximum. Today The Pavilion is a hotel exclusively for adults, further supporting the quiet, measured atmosphere of the grounds.
Four Buildings from the Era of French Protectorate
The complex has since expanded to four buildings, all adhering to the Khmer and Franco-colonial style of that period. The lobby building is an authentic structure from the 1920s, built during the lifetime of Queen Mother Sihanouk, with canopy beds and a historical character that restorers have preserved rather than obscured under a modern luxury standard.
The Diplomatic Quarter, Steps from the Palace
Located in Phnom Penh’s diplomatic quarter, within a ten-minute walk of the Royal Palace and National Museum, the hotel makes for a convenient base to explore the historical center of Cambodia’s capital, while retaining a sense of secluded oasis thanks to extensive gardens and a pool on its own grounds.
What Guests Say
Guests in reviews describe the property as “another reality” amidst Phnom Penh’s bustling and never-sleeping traffic—one guest detailed the lush garden, turquoise pool, and 1920s building, calling the decor “a true work of art,” and their room in the historic wing a reason to stay in vintage style without a single complaint. Another guest simply called the hotel “historic and stunning.” A third guest noted the cozy green grounds and especially praised the traditional massage, regretting not having had time to repeat the procedure three times as is customary, due to limited time of stay, and expressing a wish to see more local halal dishes on the restaurant’s menu.
What’s Next
Another Phnom Penh hotel in an authentic historic building in the city center — Plantation Urban Resort, a restored 1930s building.
Prices, service composition and details of hotel programs may change—please check the current information before booking.
