Where to now for Sihanoukville?

What is the future for Sihanhoukville? 

Just a few years ago it was a fishing port and sleepy beach resort. 

Now Cambodia's biggest deep-sea port is awash with Chinese money and casinos. Recent reports have not been positive. 

 
The Radisson Hotel Group is apparently confident it will retain broad appeal, announcing the signing of Radisson Hotel & Suites Bay of Lights Sihanoukville, to add to its expanding portfolio in Cambodia.

Scheduled to open in early 2029, the newly built 176-key hotel will be located within the Gateway District, the first phase of the Bay of Lights, a mixed-use township on Cambodia's southern coast.

Sihanoukville is undergoing a government-driven transformation into a multi-purpose Special Economic Zone (SEZ) by 2038. 

This initiative aims to establish the city as a hub for finance, trade, industry, transport, and technology, stimulating corporate demand in addition to its leisure appeal.

The new hotel will feature a mix of rooms and serviced apartments, some with panoramic ocean views, along with three dining outlets, a rooftop pool, spa, and fitness centre. 

It is located just a five-minute walk from a private beach and adjacent to the city's CBD. 

The property will cater to both business and leisure travellers and is within a 25-minute drive of Sihanoukville International Airport. 

"Sihanoukville is a hidden gem of south-east Asia, offering a unique blend of coastal beauty and fast-growing economic opportunities," says Ramzy Fenianos, Chief Development Officer, APAC, Radisson Hotel Group. 

"The signing of Radisson Hotel & Suites Sihanoukville underlines our commitment to expanding in Cambodia's key destinations, complementing our pipeline in Phnom Penh."

The Bay of Lights development, spread across 934 hectares, integrates residential, commercial, financial, hospitality, and leisure components, including a marina and cultural attractions. 

With Sihanoukville welcoming approximately 5 million visitors in 2024, including both domestic and international travellers, Radisson is positive about the destination. 

For more info visit the Radisson website. 

Novotel makes its debut in Cambodia

The Cambodian seaside resort of Sihanoukville now has a new international hotel brand.

Novotel Hotels, Suites & Resorts, part of the Accor group, this week opened the doors to Novotel Sihanoukville Holiday Resort.

It is the first Novotel property in Cambodia and is located directly on Independence Beach.

The 215-key resort has views over the Gulf of Thailand, four dining options, and family-friendly facilities.

“The opening of Novotel Sihanoukville Holiday Resort marks the beginning of an exciting journey for us in 2024," says Garth Simmons from Accor.

"It stands as a significant milestone in Accor's ongoing commitment to providing diverse and enriching hospitality experiences in Asia.

"With the growing potential in Cambodia's hospitality sector, we are thrilled to introduce the Novotel experience to the country for the first time.

“Novotel offers a perfect blend of contemporary design, spacious comfort, and well-being facilities. This combination makes Novotel Sihanoukville Holiday Resort an attractive choice for travellers seeking an opportunity to connect with their loved ones, and themselves, or unwind in Cambodia's most recognized seaside town of Sihanoukville.”

The hotel offers eight room configurations, ranging from comfortable 32 sqm standard rooms to 96 sqm suites.

Facilities include 24/7 in-room dining, a fully-equipped, a beachside infinity pool with sunset views, and a separate kids' pool and kids' club.

Sihanoukville International Airport is 25 km from the hotel, while it is a 2 1/2-hour drive on the new Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway to the capital city of Phnom Penh.

 Once a quiet retreat, Sihanoukville is now a booming resort town - complete with Chinese investment and all the plusses and minuses that brings.  

To celebrate its opening, Novotel Sihanoukville Holiday Resort is offering a Coastal Getaway package from now until April 9 starting at US $120+++ per night, including a daily $25 food and beverage credit, along with early check-in and late check-out.

See https://all.accor.com/hotel/A611/index.en.shtml