The Balé Phnom Penh
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"Lovely rooms, poor breakfast"
We spent two nights at this hotel, and that felt like enough for us. The property is located about half an hour from the city, which you knowingly choose—but while the setting is peaceful and quiet, it also lacks a bit of atmosphere. The rooms are wonderfully spacious and very well equipped, with a large and comfortable bathroom. Dinner offered a good selection and everything was tasty, although my satay, unfortunately, wasn’t fully cooked. Breakfast was a mix of à la carte and a small buffet; service for the à la carte dishes was quite slow, and the buffet was limited and not well replenished. There’s definitely room for improvement here. On the positive side, the staff were friendly and efficient, and the gym was well maintained.
"A Peaceful Riverfront Escape"
We enjoyed a wonderful one-night staycation to celebrate our anniversary, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. The team went above and beyond to ensure everything was thoughtfully prepared for our arrival. Our room was beautifully appointed, incredibly cozy, and made it hard to leave—we just wanted to relax and soak it all in. The staff were exceptionally friendly, well-trained, and always ready to assist. Though our stay was brief, it was truly memorable. We only wish we had more time to enjoy it. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a relaxing getaway—even a single night is worth it.
"Lovely boutique hotel"
The Balé was our final stop during our Cambodia holiday, chosen mainly for its promise of peace and relaxation. As is common throughout Cambodia, the staff were warm, friendly, and eager to assist, though communication in English could sometimes be a challenge. The rooms were incredibly spacious, featuring stunning bathrooms with quality toiletries—though surprisingly, no body cream, which felt like an odd omission for a sun-and-pool-style resort. The bed was large and comfortable, and overall the space felt thoughtfully designed. The swimming pool, another major draw for us, was fantastic and offered a partial view of the Mekong River. Breakfast was served à la carte and exceeded expectations—plentiful, delicious, and generously prepared, with staff making sure all our requests were met even beyond what was included. However, there were some aspects that detracted from the overall experience. The hotel is quite isolated, making it extremely difficult to get Grab or PassApp; ultimately, the reception arranged a USD 30 taxi for the airport, which took 45 minutes to arrive from downtown Phnom Penh. We didn’t explore the nearby area much, but it appeared there were no restaurants or shops within walking distance. Noise was another issue: upon arrival, a Buddhist funeral next door meant 24 hours of continuous chanting. While this is beyond the hotel’s control, it did highlight the poor soundproofing. Additionally, boats going up and down the river throughout the day made our stay less serene than anticipated. The view from the property was also unexpectedly obstructed by a tall bush fence, presumably for privacy, but unfortunately blocking what could have been a stunning river panorama. On weekends, the pool area became crowded with day guests—mostly expats—which at times made it feel more like a lively water park than the tranquil boutique hotel experience we had hoped for. While understandable from a business perspective, it did diminish the sense of exclusivity for paying guests seeking a peaceful retreat.
"Retreat on the River"
My experience at The Balé Phnom Penh was truly exceptional. Sylvaine and her team took wonderful care of me during my first trip to Cambodia, making me feel completely at ease. The accommodation was beautiful, providing a restful and comfortable stay, and the dining exceeded all expectations—every meal was top-notch. I couldn’t find a single fault with my stay and would highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Phnom Penh.
"Could be better"
An amazing place with a friendly and welcoming team, the suites are huge and the pool is simply fantastic. However, there are areas that could use improvement. The food could be better, and some suites needed more thorough cleaning. The property itself has potential but feels a bit neglected, with plenty of leaves scattered across the garden. Noise from nearby trucks and boats can be disruptive, though this is beyond the hotel’s control. Breakfast was disappointing, both in variety and service, leaving room for improvement to match the otherwise beautiful setting.
"Outstanding place, amazing rooms , great service, excellent food. Exceptional location, experience and overall quality"
Although the hotel is small in terms of room numbers, it more than makes up for it with the quality and experience it offers. Simply put, it looks just like the pictures—or even better. Located 45 minutes north of Phnom Penh, it feels like a haven of exotic beauty. We spent four days there and never felt the need to leave, even briefly. The service was flawless, the staff incredibly kind, and our room was huge yet cozy, with an amazing bathroom. Breakfast was outstanding, with nearly anything you requested available, and the food overall was well above average. The view of the Mekong River was breathtaking—do make the effort to wake up at 6:20 a.m. and watch the sunrise from the poolside. Truly an exceptional experience.
"Very Good"
A really lovely resort with stunning grounds, our room was huge and featured a charming rustic style with stone counters and polished concrete finishes. Breakfast was delicious and a great start to the day. There were a few areas that could be improved: arranging taxis through the hotel reception was more cumbersome than doing it ourselves, and the quoted 'hotel price' for taxis was higher than what we were offered directly, so it’s worth double-checking. On one evening, we returned late to find the air conditioning in our room not working and the doors had been left open, letting in some bugs—details that a turn-down service might typically notice. Despite these minor issues, the property is beautiful, and we would stay again, though it is somewhat far from the city center.
"A must stay location"
The Balé is truly one of Cambodia’s most enchanting retreats! Its elegant approach to eastern minimalism creates a serene and rejuvenating atmosphere that instantly relaxes you. The views are absolutely breathtaking, and the level of service goes above and beyond, making every moment feel special. Heartfelt thanks to the entire Balé team for providing an unforgettable stay!
"The Bale – spot on"
A wonderful find online, this intimate boutique hotel on the banks of the Mekong offers a perfect balance of comfort and charm. Our group of nine across four rooms thoroughly enjoyed our four-night stay, appreciating the peaceful and tranquil setting. While the hotel excels in many areas, it could benefit from a spa—even part-time—and a more extensive dinner menu. Traffic can be heavy during peak times, so plan accordingly if heading into town. Additionally, there are no nearby options for dining or evening outings within walking distance or a short taxi ride, so the location is best suited for those seeking relaxation rather than nightlife.
"Awesome"
The rooms at this hotel are exceptional—spacious, thoughtfully designed, and featuring a lovely courtyard and an XXL bathroom. The pool is impeccably clean and offers stunning views of the Mekong River. The food is delicious, making every meal a treat. It was the perfect place to unwind and relax between factory visits, and I will definitely return!
The Balé Phnom Penh
A peaceful riverside boutique resort offering minimalist suites, an infinity pool blending into the Mekong, and a zen-like ambience ideal for relaxing away from the city hustle.
Address
National Road 6A, Bridge No. 8, 12110, Cambodia
Website
lifestyleretreats.com
Telephone
+855 23 900 425