Last Updated on December 26, 2025 by Home in the World
Phnom Penh has undergone massive transformation in recent years. I would wager that much of its skyline and cityscapes would be unrecognisable to someone who visited a decade or more ago.
The Cambodian capital’s ageing airport has been replaced by the shiny new, Chinese-built Techo International Airport as of September 2025, while modern glass high-rise and major international brands are popping up right, left and centre across the city, one such landmark property undoubtedly being the Fairfield by Marriott Phnom Penh.
The luxury 4-star hotel occupies the top 19 floors of the 45-storey Chip Mong Tower, a mixed-use development costing $230 million and completed in 2023, and which is also set to include a 5-storey high-end retail complex, 9 storeys of office space and an 8-storey car park.
Considering Phnom Penh, and Cambodia in general, is still not that far removed from the days of Pol Pot’s brutal regime and devastating genocide of the late ’70s, and that Cambodia as a nation is still on the UN’s list of Least Developed Countries (LDCs), these sorts of development stats are all the more impressive – and have likely contributed to Cambodia being scheduled to finally graduate from LDC status in 2029.
And while every Cambodian has been marked in some way by those dark days of the genocide, the country and its capital are also trying their best not to be totally defined by their past, hence the push to modernise the city and boost new international developments like Marriott’s latest offering there.
Read on to find out my impressions of the Fairfield by Marriott Phnom Penh, and what you can expect from it as it establishes itself on Phnom Penh’s emerging upscale-hospitality scene (a scene which also includes the Courtyard by Marriott Phnom Penh, which I have similarly reviewed).
And if you are serious about planning a trip to this part of the world, also download my free quick guide to Phnom Penh, concisely summarising everything you need to know before you go.
First impressions
You’re more likely to see the Fairfield by Marriott Phnom Penh well before you actually set foot inside it, because it’s pretty hard to miss the soaring Chip Mong Tower, whose contemporary design by Aedas is akin to five gigantic glass-paned blocks stacked on top of one another. It is a landmark building symbolising the new Phnom Penh.
As mentioned, the hotel occupies the top 19 floors of this vast complex, so when you pull up on the driveway and arrive at its discreet street-level entrance, you are immediately whisked up to the main lobby and reception area on the 27th floor.
And what a space! Light, bright, minimalist, modern, chic, zen… these were just some of the words that immediately popped into my head as I stepped out of the elevator. It actually took me a moment to soak it all in.
Double-height, floor-to-ceiling windows provide sweeping views of Phnom Penh’s sprawling rooftops far below, which you can enjoy from sleek, open-plan lounge areas featuring Euro-style furniture, aesthetically decorated open shelving units and pendant lights that float like illuminated bubbles in the airy space above.
It certainly felt like the lobby had been designed to foster an open, communal vibe, while still honouring exclusivity, peace and privacy. The actual reception desk is just adjacent to the lounge, and is staffed by friendly, professional local personnel who greet guests with that warm smile so omnipresent among Cambodian people. Indeed all staff I encountered, from guest relations to F&B, were all excellent at their job.
So, extremely positive first impressions of the Fairfield by Marriott Phnom Penh overall, and perfectly on-brand with what you would expect from an upscale international-brand property in Asia – I mention Asia specifically because, in my view, it is the world’s leading region when it comes to modern luxury hospitality. So high praise indeed.
Rooms
The concept of Marriott’s Fairfield brand is to offer pared-back luxury with contemporary design. It’s for people who want the vibe of a modern, upscale hotel without having to pay for other plush trimmings and amenities they don’t need.
And this philosophy is certainly reflected in the ~300 rooms at the Fairfield by Marriott Phnom Penh. There are Standard King/Twin and Deluxe King/Twin options to choose from, with the only difference between Standard and Deluxe being that the Deluxe rooms are on higher floors (though, given the hotel’s rooms only start on the 29th floor, you’re going to be high up regardless).
While not particularly large, they are perfectly adequate for 1 or 2 people, and interconnecting rooms are also available (as are accessible rooms). I loved the warm earthy colour scheme and decor; timber-look flooring and cabinetry, a day-bed-style sofa by the window, pops of blue in the cushions and artwork, and industrial-esque pendant lights with exposed bulbs. There is also a small table, a mini fridge, and a generous storage shelf under the flat-screen TV.
In keeping with the minimalist theme, the wardrobe is a single exposed rack behind a slideable full-length mirror – so more like a ‘capsule’ style, but still equipped with robes, slippers, iron & ironing board and in-room safe, as well as a couple of shelves.
One point I do need to mention relates to the room design, as it was not one I had encountered before. Basically, it is quite ‘open plan’, and that also includes the bathroom.
By that I mean that the bathroom is not totally sealed off from the rest of the room. You enter through the front door and BANG, the bathroom is there immediately as you walk in; no walls, just a shower cubicle, toilet and small vanity in full view. Even the floor is the same throughout the entire room – no thresholds, no switch to tiles for the wet area.
There is an opaque sliding door that can be pulled across half way to semi partition off the bedroom, but if you are expecting an entirely separate, walled bathroom that you would find in most other hotels, just be prepared. Perhaps this is on-brand for Fairfield, I’m not sure. But it would be remiss of me not to make mention of this fact, as I think it is important people are aware of this.
If you’re staying on your own or with someone you’re extremely comfortable with (!), however, it should not be an issue.
Dining
There are 2 main dining options at the Fairfield by Marriott Phnom Penh: the All Day Dining restaurant on the 27th floor and The Winds Rooftop Lounge & Skybar on the 44th and 45th floors.
The All Day Dining restaurant runs off from the aforementioned open-plan lobby, enjoying the same floor-to-ceiling windows, chic minimalist furniture and spacious, calming atmosphere. This is where you’ll enjoy a comprehensive buffet breakfast, as well as a mix of local Khmer and international dishes and snacks to graze on, well, all day! Or at least from 6.30am – 10pm.
Alternatively, you have the stunning Winds Rooftop Lounge & Skybar. There really is a lot to love about this lofty venue. Not only is it INCREDIBLY aesthetic with its striking blue walls and funky pops of colour, but it also offers delicious food and creative cocktails served by friendly staff, and some of the best sunset views from one of the highest rooftop terraces in Phnom Penh.
I tried the recommended local satays and beef dishes, and they were sooo good! The Winds is open from 4pm to 11pm, making it the perfect place for an afternoon snack, sky-high sundowner or swanky evening dinner and drinks. I was extremely impressed by it.
Another point to note when it comes to dining at the Fairfield by Marriott Phnom Penh is that it does not currently offer room service, though this is apparently being considered for the future. I think, as a 4-star property, it would do well to include this in its offering, as it makes things convenient for people who may not want to step out for dinner after a long day of sightseeing or business.
Other facilities
The Fairfield by Marriott Phnom Penh has a 24-hour fitness centre, as well as an infinity pool on the 28th floor (it was undergoing maintenance while I was there so unfortunately I couldn’t take any photos of it), open daily from 7am to 9pm.
Another nice touch is the check-in lounge, where guests who have checked in early but whose rooms are not yet ready can sit and relax or catch up on work – whether in the light, bright indoor space or the outdoor terrace area.
Oh, and at the hotel’s ground-floor entrance, there is an expansive car-park space that, I was told, also doubles as a helipad! On-site parking is complimentary, by the way.
The entire property is smoke-free, and no pets are allowed.
Location
The Fairfield by Marriott Phnom Penh is well situated in terms of its proximity to the city centre (Phnom Penh traffic notwithstanding). It also used to be extremely close to the international airport, but, as of September 2025, the city now has a new airport an hour south of the metropolitan area, so no matter where you stay in the downtown, it will be a bit of a trek from now on.
Phnom Penh is not the most walkable city, and public transport is not particularly great either, so you will likely still need a taxi/Grab to get to the main sights, such as the Royal Palace, National Museum of Cambodia, Riverside etc. But given the hotel’s central downtown location, nowhere is too far away; on average it would probably take around 20 minutes to get to these attractions from the hotel, depending on traffic.
As mentioned earlier, the hotel itself is located in Chip Mong Tower, which is set to house a multi-storey shopping complex with cinema and spa, adding further value to the location (it was not yet open when I visited).
The general impression I got from the area around the hotel was one of modern development, with more space and less chaos than the streets right in the very heart of the city. It definitely feels like a sanctuary of sorts!
Why choose the Fairfield by Marriott Phnom Penh
I was very impressed with the Fairfield by Marriott Phnom Penh overall. The entire team has done an excellent job with creating a property that not only looks the part, but truly also delivers on hospitality.
If you’re heading to Phnom Penh, whether for business or leisure, and are looking for a modern property meeting international standards and offering minimalist luxury, incredible food & beverage, warm staff and one of the coolest skybars in town, the Fairfield by Marriott Phnom Penh should definitely be on your list.
It is still quite a new property in what is an emerging destination, so some aspects are understandably works in progress (e.g. room service). I think it is a particularly good option for business travellers, and indeed I saw a lot of international businesspeople during my time there. But it is equally suited to families and leisure travellers – as long as you’re ok with the bathroom setup.
The Fairfield by Marriott Phnom Penh is a fabulous addition to the Cambodian capital’s upscale-hotel scene and I can only see it going from strength to strength as the local area continues to develop and the Chip Mong Tower retail spaces gradually open. A highly recommended accommodation option for Phnom Penh.
| FAIRFIELD BY MARRIOTT PHNOM PENH |
| Russian Federation Blvd, 10 Village Sangkat Phsar Depou 3, Khan Toulkouk, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 120403 |
** This is a genuine, non-biased review based on my own personal experience **
** This post, like everything else on this website, has been written entirely by me. No ChatGPT or any other AI tool has been used. It takes longer to create, but I value 100% human-generated content and I hope you do too! **
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Book your stay via the Fairfield by Marriott Phnom Penh’s official website or using your preferred booking platform:
- Fairfield by Marriott Phnom Penh on Booking.com
- Fairfield by Marriott Phnom Penh on TripAdvisor
- Fairfield by Marriott Phnom Penh on Expedia
- Fairfield by Marriott Phnom Penh on Hotels.com
Ready to book your flights to Phnom Penh? I recommend using Skyscanner or Trip.com to find and compare the best fares.
If you need a private driver/guide in Cambodia, definitely check out my post on a highly recommended service provider I personally dealt with when there.
For more Cambodia travel content, check out my Cambodia page, and consider downloading my free Siem Reap guide and free Phnom Penh guide, which combine all the important information you need in an easy, one-page format.
Looking for other hotels in the Asia region? You may want to read my reviews of the following properties or check out my Hotels section:
- Shangri-La Far Eastern Taipei
- Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka
- JW Marriott Seoul
- Courtyard by Marriott Siem Reap Resort
- Ritz-Carlton Chengdu
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Yet another comprehensive hotel review. The Fairfield looks amazing, love the sky-high location. Oh and delicious food too
Thank you. Yes, the food was amazing!