The Bale Phnom Penh by LifestyleRetreats

From the moment we arrived, The Bale offered a rare sense of privacy and calm that’s increasingly hard to find. The 25-meter pool overlooking the river is simply stunning — the perfect place to relax at any time of day. The atmosphere is intimate, elegant and discreet. Rooms are massive, minimalistic yet warm, with every comfort you could want. A special thank you to Sylvaine, the French manager, whose presence makes a real difference. She clearly runs a tight ship: the staff is attentive, gracious and genuinely caring. This is the kind of place where you feel truly looked after, without fuss. We’ll definitely be back.

We had a lovely one-night staycation to celebrate our anniversary, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. The team went out of their way to make sure everything was thoughtfully prepared for our arrival. The room was beautifully equipped, incredibly cozy, and made it hard to leave – we found ourselves wanting to just relax and soak it all in. The staff were exceptionally well-trained, friendly, and always ready to help. Though our stay was short, it was truly memorable. We only wish we had more time. Highly recommend this place for anyone looking for a relaxing getaway – even just once is worth it.

My annual riverside escape in CAMBODIA since 2018👌🏽 I’ve been returning to The Bale Phnom Penh every year since 2018, and it remains my favorite place to disconnect. The hotel offers a rare balance of peace, space and thoughtful design — with its stunning 25-meter pool along the river, massive, serene and huge rooms, and a quiet atmosphere that feels far from the chaos of the city, yet within reach when needed. The food is excellent and priced fairly, the service is discreet and warm, and above all, there’s a loyal, seasoned team — some staff have been here since my very first stay (reception, executive chef, etc.) . That says everything about the management, led with professionalism and care by Sylvaine. To truly appreciate this place, you need to stay more than one night — ideally a few. Whether you’re looking to fully unplug or use it as a base to explore Phnom Penh, give yourself the time to let the calm settle in. You won’t regret it.