One of the newest budget boutique hotels in Phnom Penh, The Tea House Urban Hotel offers exceptional value for money, great service and an ideal location in the heart of the city. Inspired by the world of tea, the spacious red-splashed lobby features large, square seats with wooden tea trays and an excellent selection of pastries. As well as the Tea Lounge, be sure to try some delicious Khmer cuisine at the Plantation Restaurant or at Tepui, a carefully restored 1920s Chinese House just 10 minutes from the hotel serving fusion food combining South America and Chinese influences with Cambodian flavours (I highly recommend taking the free tuk tuk to visit this restaurant – the food is excellent and the setting beautiful!).
The Tea House Hotel houses 52 rooms, smallish in size but offering the required facilities; good Wi-Fi connection, modern bathrooms with rain showers, air-conditioning, flat screen TVs and those looking for a little more space can opt for the much more sizeable suites (2 bedroom and 1 bedroom options available).
Committing to contributing to the local community and environment, the group responsible for the development of the Tea House are always promoting Cambodian culture and industry, including the use of locally produced goods, foods and decorative items throughout the hotel. In addition, they employ local staff from the surrounding countryside, have undertaken a solar energy research program for hospitality use and have a key partnership with the NGO Mith Samlanh Friends and its Childsafe projects against sexual abuse of children. Look out for the Friends bricks during your stay and talk to the staff about how you can get involved.
The building itself may be nothing to shout about but the management have made sure the imperfections have been softened with an array of colourful plants and the addition of a small swimming pool and even a spa on its way. However, the location of this new boutique was the real winner for us when choosing to add it to our portfolio – just a 10 minute walk to the historical centre of Phnom Penh, making it ideal for guests seeking an affordable hotel option with shopping, sightseeing and the bustling nightlife of Phnom Penh just a stroll away.
