Cambodia's BEST Central Point Hotel: Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!
Cambodia's BEST Central Point Hotel: Unbelievable Luxury Awaits! - A Review with a Side of Chaos (and a REALLY GOOD Offer!)
Okay, so I just spent a week at Cambodia's BEST Central Point Hotel: Unbelievable Luxury Awaits! and, well, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average hotel review. This is gonna be a rollercoaster, a love letter, and a gentle (and sometimes slightly panicked) critique, all rolled into one. Prepare for a chaotic exploration of all things opulent, accessible, safe, and… possibly delicious?
First Impressions: The "Oh My God, is this REAL?" Moment
The moment I stepped out of the airport transfer (yes, they have airport transfer - pure genius!) and into the lobby, my jaw actually dropped. I mean, seriously, I almost tripped over a ridiculously ornate water feature. This place is… lush. Think marble, polished wood, soaring ceilings, and a staff who seem genuinely thrilled to see you. My inner slob slightly panicked (am I underdressed? Did I pack the wrong designer luggage?)
Accessibility: A High-Five for Inclusivity (and a minor wobble… or two)
Right off the bat, accessibility impressed me. They've clearly put effort into welcoming everyone. Wheelchair accessible throughout the main areas is fantastic, and there's an elevator (vital!). The facilities for disabled guests are truly commendable. I saw ramps everywhere, wide hallways, and the doorman practically anticipated my every need.
I heard whispers from a fellow traveler but was not able to confirm it myself that a suite with a roll-in shower was available.
The Internet Saga: Wi-Fi (mostly) reigns supreme
Okay, so I'm a digital nomad, which means Wi-Fi is practically oxygen. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Check! Wi-Fi in public areas? Double-check! Internet access – wireless? Triple-check! But the Internet access – LAN (for those who like the retro cable life!)? That was a lifesaver for some work, but finding the socket can be a treasure hunt in some rooms. The Internet services were, in general, excellent. My Internet connection was usually flawless, which is a HUGE win for a workaholic like me. I even had a minor crisis (forgot some vital files), and their tech support was swift and helpful.
Cleanliness and Safety: Germaphobes, Rejoice!
This is where the hotel REALLY shines. I’m not kidding, I’m usually a bit of a paranoid traveler, especially post-pandemic. But this place? Holy moly. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Check. They even have hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol? Absolutely. This all gave me a HUGE peace of mind. It’s not just clean; it’s practically sterile! They even offer a room sanitization opt-out available, which is cool if you're feeling eco-friendly. Bonus points for the Safe dining setup and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Prepare to be Stuffed (Happily!)
So, the food… oh my god, the food! Where to even begin?
- Restaurants: Plural! They have several.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Epic. Seriously, bring two stomachs. Asian breakfast? Yep. Western breakfast? Also yep. They even had little bottles labelled "fresh-squeezed orange juice" which I may have accidentally… consumed a lot of. A LOT.
- A la carte in restaurant: Yes, even for breakfast (if you're feeling fancy).
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Delicious and authentic.
- International cuisine in restaurant: The Italian restaurant was incredible. I had pasta three times. Don't judge me.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Perfect.
- Coffee shop: Great for that afternoon pick-me-up.
- Poolside bar: Essential. Sipping cocktails while staring at the view is practically mandatory.
- Room service [24-hour]: Crucial for late-night cravings (which, let's be honest, were frequent).
- Snack bar: For those moments when you just need a little nibble.
- Desserts in restaurant: Oh, the desserts… I may have gained a few pounds. Worth it.
I particularly loved the surprise bottle of water left in my room every day. Simple, but thoughtful. I did try a cocktail at Happy hour, and can confirm, I had a happy hour indeed. They had an Alternative meal arrangement if you have any dietary preferences.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Bliss, Basically
This is where "Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!" gets real. Prepare to be pampered.
- Swimming pool: Multiple! One with a view. One for swimming laps. One you can just float in and forget about your worries.
- Spa: Divine. I got a massage, and I swear, I melted into the table. A Body scrub and Body wrap later and I felt like a brand-new person.
- Sauna, Spa/sauna, and Steamroom: All available!
- Foot bath: Ahhhh, bliss.
- Fitness center/Gym/fitness: State-of-the-art. I went… once. Don't judge me.
- Pool with view: Did I mention the view? It’s breathtaking.
- For the kids: Babysitting service available (I wasn't traveling with kids, but it looked top-notch).
- Family/child friendly: Absolutely.
Rooms: A Sanctuary of Comfort
My room? Pure heaven. This is more about the Available in all rooms and Included in all rooms sections as I had the pleasure of taking a peek at these:
- Air conditioning: Essential in Cambodia.
- Air conditioning in public area: Always welcome.
- Bathrobes: Soft and fluffy. I basically lived in mine.
- Bathtub: Yes! Because sometimes you just need a good soak.
- Blackout curtains: Crucial for getting over jet lag.
- Complimentary tea: A nice touch.
- Coffee/tea maker: Coffee, glorious coffee.
- Daily housekeeping: Immaculate.
- Desk: Great for working (if you must).
- Extra long bed: Perfect for tall people (or anyone who likes to sprawl).
- Free bottled water: Always appreciated.
- Hair dryer: Powerful enough to tame my unruly hair.
- In-room safe box: Peace of mind.
- Internet access – LAN: (see above, but still a plus!).
- Internet access – wireless: Ubiquitous.
- Ironing facilities: For keeping your clothes wrinkle-free.
- Laptop workspace: Comfortable.
- Linens: Luxurious.
- Mini bar: Tempting.
- Non-smoking: Yes.
- Private bathroom: Of course.
- Refrigerator: For keeping your drinks cold.
- Satellite/cable channels: Entertainment at your fingertips.
- Seating area: A perfect spot to unwind.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Luxury!
- Shower: Strong water pressure.
- Slippers: Comfy.
- Smoke detector: Safety first!
- Soundproofing: Helps block out the outside world.
- Telephone: For calling room service (duh!).
- Toiletries: High-quality.
- Towels: Thick and fluffy.
- Umbrella: Essential for those tropical downpours.
- Wake-up service: Never missed a meeting.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Absolutely.
- Window that opens: Crucial if you enjoy fresh air.
Services and Conveniences: Above and Beyond
- Airport transfer: Smooth and efficient.
- Cash withdrawal: Convenient.
- Concierge: They can arrange anything. I mean, anything.
- Contactless check-in/out: Super easy.
- Currency exchange: Handy.
- Daily housekeeping: Impeccable.
- Dry cleaning & Laundry service & Ironing service: Essential. I don't want to do laundry on vacation!
- Elevator: Essential.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Fantastic.
- Luggage storage: Helpful.
- Safety deposit boxes: Always good to have.
- Smoking area: Because everyone deserves a designated space.
- Terrace: A great place to relax.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
- Car park [free of charge]: Win!
- Car park [on-site]: Also a win!
- Taxi service: Readily available.
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary! This is my chaotic, probably overly-enthusiastic, and definitely imperfect guide to… well, trying to survive the Best Central Point Hotel in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Let's just say, my hopes were sky-high, my expectations flexible, and my sanity… well, let’s see how it survives the week.
Day 1: Arrival – The Great Unknown (and Jet Lag)
- Morning (Around 6:00 AM, give or take a violent wake-up call): Landed in Phnom Penh, clutching my backpack like a lifeline. The air? Thick. Hot. And smelling faintly of exotic spices and… something else I couldn't quite place. (Probably the humidity – it’s a beast). Passport control was a blur of sweaty faces and hurried hand gestures. Found a tuk-tuk driver who looked at least semi-sane and bargained him down from an outrageous price… which, looking back, was probably still too much. Oh well, welcome to Cambodia!
- Mid-Morning (8:00 AM -ish): Finally, the hallowed halls of the Best Central Point Hotel! The lobby… well, it has a lobby. And air conditioning. Which is a huge win. Check-in was… slow. The woman behind the desk had the air of someone who'd seen things. I'm guessing all the "things" involved tourists and perhaps a slight overabundance of demanding expectations.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Unpacked (ish). The room? Clean-ish. Let's just say the AC hummed more than it cooled. Immediately crashed. Jet lag is a thief, a sneaky, insidious thief. Woke up with a dry mouth and the vague feeling I'd been teleported to a new planet.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Attempted to find food. Found… a small cafe across the street that advertised "Authentic Khmer Noodles". The noodles were… noodles. And the broth… well, it was broth. Ate them anyway, because hunger. Accidentally ordered a large iced coffee that was apparently stronger than rocket fuel. Was now buzzing.
- Evening (5:00 PM onwards): Wandered aimlessly. Found the riverfront. Watched the sunset over the Mekong. It was… stunning. Seriously, jaw-dropping. Made me forget the mosquito bite I acquired during my noodle adventure. Had the overwhelming urge to write a cheesy travel poem. Resisted. (Barely.) Collapsed back at the hotel, utterly drained. Dinner? Probably room service. Hopefully, they have something besides noodles.
Day 2: Royal Grandeur and Temple Tantrums (My Own, Of Course)
- Morning (7:00 AM -ish): Breakfast at the hotel. The buffet… let's just say, the options were… interesting. Eggs that could double as hockey pucks. Stale bread. Mysterious fruit. Ate some papaya. It was good.
- Mid-Morning (8:30 AM - 12:00 PM): Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. Oh. My. Gawd. The architecture! The gold! The sheer opulence! Seriously, this place is dazzling. Took approximately 300 photos. Nearly got kicked out for accidentally touching a sacred something-or-other. (My bad. Still recovering from the coffee, clearly). Squeezing through crowds, dodging selfie sticks… it was an experience.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM): Found a little restaurant near the palace that served Amok – a traditional fish curry. It was divine. Seriously, the flavors exploded in my mouth. I'd happily eat Amok every day for the rest of my life.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Wat Phnom. This temple on a hill was… a challenge. The stairs were steep. The heat was brutal. And the people… well, let's just say I encountered my first legitimate temple-related tantrum (mine, naturally). Frustration at navigating the crowds, negotiating with vendors, and feeling utterly lost overwhelmed me. Breathed through it, reminding myself to be present. The view from the top was worth it. The feeling of accomplishment? Priceless.
- Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Attempted a traditional Khmer massage. It involved a lot of stretching and applying pressure to places I didn't even know existed. Left feeling strangely… loose. Like a puppet whose strings had been cut. Dinner at a riverside restaurant. More Amok. Because, Amok.
Day 3: The Killing Fields (A Day for Reflection and Tears)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Breakfast. Still the mystery buffet. Decided to go for toast.
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Choeung Ek Genocidal Center (The Killing Fields). Okay, this is where it got real. This wasn't just a tourist attraction; it was a place of immense sorrow. Seriously, words can't describe how profoundly moving it was. You could feel the weight of the history. The audio tour… well, I sobbed. A lot. Just the sheer scale of the atrocities… it's impossible to comprehend.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Needed to get away from the horror. Ate some noodles. Couldn't eat much. Still processing. Feeling heavy and burdened.
- Afternoon (1:30 PM - 4:00 PM): Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21). The former high school that was turned into a torture center. More raw, heartbreaking history. Saw the photos of the victims. Realized that my tears just wouldn't stop. The resilience of the Cambodian people… it's astounding.
- Evening (5:00 PM onwards): Went back to the hotel. Could barely speak. Just needed quiet. Ordered room service. Watched something frivolous on TV. (Anything to distract from the day).
Day 4: Market Mayhem and River Rambles
- Morning (7:30 AM): Decided to skip the breakfast buffet and get some fresh fruit across the street. Mangoes are my new best friend.
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Central Market (Phsar Thmey). This place is a sensory overload! The noise, the smells, the people… it's intense. Found some interesting souvenirs. Successfully haggled down the price of a silk scarf. Felt like a total pro. Got lost. Several times. Loved it.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM): Tried a street food stall. Delicious spring rolls! The lady running the stall was so sweet. Made me feel… hopeful.
- Afternoon (1:30 PM - 4:00 PM): Riverside walk. Just needed to breathe. Found a quiet spot, watched the boats go by. Observed a group of kids playing in the river. Just enjoying life. It's a good reminder. Noted a slight (read: significant) improvement in the AC at the hotel.
- Evening (5:00 PM onwards): Found a rooftop bar with a great view. Ordered a cocktail. Realized I was actually… enjoying myself. Starting to acclimatize. Starting to feel like I might, just maybe, actually survive this trip. Dinner? Decided to get something other than noodles and Amok… but alas, noodle withdrawal was afoot.
Day 5: Silk and Spiders (The Unexpected)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Conquering the omelet at the buffet and finally got a good cup of coffee. Progress!
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Visited a silk farm. Watched how they make silk. Fascinating! Learned how they feed the silkworms.
- The Adventure: Okay, let's just say, the silk farm was more exciting than expected. It wasn't just the silk production process, but it was the surroundings that created a true memory. The road to get there was bumpy at best, like a rollercoaster without safety precautions. We passed what looked like rice paddy fields. There were children playing cricket and dogs running around.
- The Unexpected: But then, as we toured the farm, the guide mentioned, "And by the way, here are some fried spiders." And there they were, a cage full of tarantulas for sale as a snack. My stomach dropped. But it was such a cultural thing, I couldn't help myself. I had to. They were quite crispy and I tried!
- The Reaction: I made the mistake of watching the preparation – a truly brutal sight. It was quite a ride.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM): Needed comfort food after the silk farm spiders. More noodles.
- **Afternoon (1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Okay, so BEST Central Point Hotel… Is it REALLY "Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!" or is that just marketing fluff? (Brace Yourselves!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea. "Unbelievable Luxury?" Look, it *is* seriously nice. Think, like, fancier than I'm used to. But hold on! You know how some hotels try *too* hard? Well, I'd classify this one as trying just enough. You're talking marble floors, that kind of lobby where you feel awkward walking in with your backpack, and staff who practically *beam* at you. But then... (and there's always a "but then" with me, right?) ... it's also… well, let's just say the "unbelievable" part sometimes felt more like "slightly upgraded believable". I’ll explain… and maybe go off on a tangent or two. Sorry, I'm easily distracted by shiny things, and this place is full of them.
So, the rooms? Don't lie. Were they REALLY as gorgeous as the pictures? Spill!
Listen, the pictures are *mostly* accurate. My room (a Deluxe something-or-other) was damn pretty. The bed? Heavenly. I actually hugged it the first night. (Don't judge me, jet lag is a real thing!) The bathroom? A spa escape. Seriously, I could have lived in that shower. The problem? The *minor* details. Like, one of the lights flickered ominously. And… okay, this is a confession, but I tried to figure out the TV remote for a solid half hour. (I, a millennial, defeated by technology! The *shame*!) Finally, I called reception, and bless the girl who answered, she patiently walked me through it. Turns out you have to have it *pointing exactly* right, no deviation or it's just an expensive brick. Minor, yes, but it chipped away at the "perfection" just a tad.
What about the food? Did your stomach survive the culinary adventure?
Food! Oh man, food is always a big deal for me. The breakfast buffet was… *epic*. I'm a sucker for those fancy omelet stations. And the pastries? To die for! I swear, I gained five pounds the first three days. The hotel restaurant? Good, not mind-blowing. The poolside snacks? Perfect for lounging. The cocktail I had? Overpriced but delicious! Now, here's a confession: I *might* have gotten a little overzealous with the street food outside of the hotel one night. And, oh boy, let's just say my digestive system wasn't thrilled. Nothing the hotel could do about that, of course. My fault, entirely. But still…learn from my lesson: always be careful with street food. (Especially after a few cocktails!)
**One Specific Dining Experience That Deserves Its Own Section**: The rooftop restaurant. Okay, this place! The sunset views from up there are stunning. But here's the thing... the service. It was slow. *Painfully* slow. And the waiter... bless his heart, he tried, but he forgot our drinks *three times*. We weren't even being overly demanding! It was like he was running a marathon. The food, when it finally arrived, was decent, not life-altering. But the slow service really killed the vibe. We were sitting there, slowly getting hangry while watching the sun dip below the horizon. (I'm getting frustrated just *thinking* about it again!) It was a serious letdown, honestly. They need to sort that out, that’s a major flaw in the otherwise picture-perfect experience.
**One Specific Dining Experience That Deserves Its Own Section**: The rooftop restaurant. Okay, this place! The sunset views from up there are stunning. But here's the thing... the service. It was slow. *Painfully* slow. And the waiter... bless his heart, he tried, but he forgot our drinks *three times*. We weren't even being overly demanding! It was like he was running a marathon. The food, when it finally arrived, was decent, not life-altering. But the slow service really killed the vibe. We were sitting there, slowly getting hangry while watching the sun dip below the horizon. (I'm getting frustrated just *thinking* about it again!) It was a serious letdown, honestly. They need to sort that out, that’s a major flaw in the otherwise picture-perfect experience.
The pool! Was it as Instagrammable as it looked, or was there a horde of screaming kids?
The pool *was* gorgeous. Perfect for photos! I felt like a travel blogger, just constantly snapping pictures. Thank goodness for that, because honestly, the one little bit of "drama" was *that* one afternoon when a group of families with kids decided the pool was their own personal aquatic playground! I get it, kids love pools. But I personally prefer the quiet, relaxing vibe. And let's be honest, the pool wasn't *huge*. So finding space to chill and swim without getting splashed was a bit of a challenge. (I tried to get a tan, but kept having to duck under the water to escape the bombing.) Ultimately it's a beautiful pool, but if you're seeking tranquility, maybe check the kid count beforehand. It's not the hotel's fault, but just a little real thing to keep in mind.
Were the staff as genuinely helpful and friendly as they seemed, or was it all just part of The Show?
Okay, the staff. They were *amazing*. Seriously. Always smiling, always willing to help. From the moment you walk in to the time you leave, they’re on it. Room service? Efficient. Concierge? Super helpful with booking tours. I had a small problem with a delayed laundry delivery - minor, stuff happens! - but the staff handled it perfectly. They tracked it down immediately and offered me a complimentary drink at the bar while I waited. Such a small gesture, but it made a huge difference. I'd give them five stars on their own! It felt like a real effort to make us feel welcome and comfortable.
What's the location like? Easy access to everything, or a bit of a trek?
The location is pretty darn good. Close enough to the main attractions that you can easily take a tuk-tuk (which are *everywhere*) or a reasonably priced taxi ride. Walking? Possible, but I prefer my air conditioning. It's in a bustling area, which is great for convenience (restaurants, shops, that delicious street food). However... (there’s that "however" again!) ... be prepared for some noise. Traffic, tuk-tuks, and the occasional late-night reveler. It wasn't a deal-breaker, more of a mild annoyance that I managed to mostly filter out during sleeping hours (thank goodness for earplugs). If you're a light sleeper, consider requesting a room on a higher floor away from the street, just to be safe.
Was it worth what you paid? Be brutally honest!
Okay, let's talk money. It's not a budget hotel. It's definitely a splurge. Was it worth it? Overall, yes. (Even with my gripes.) The rooms are gorgeous. The service is phenomenal. The location is excellent. But, and this is a *bigCozy Stay Spots
