Welcome to the third installment of my Where to Stay in Cambodia series! Previous editions covered the lovely temple town of Siem Reap and the bustling capital of Phnom Penh. Today I’m uncovering some of the hidden jems and popular favorites in the unofficial coastal capital of Sihanoukville.
Budget / Counting Pennies
Beach Road
Beach Road is a basic guesthouse in a great location- right on the main drag of Serendipity Beach. Rooms at the lowest price range are simple and efficient, while those at the higher end are more comfortable and luxurious. The major bonus here over other cheapies is the large pool, perfect for when you’ve had your fill of salt water and beach vendors.
There is also an on-location bar and restaurant and even an attached spa. The major drawback here is shared by many hotels in Sihanoukville: unreliable and weak WiFi. (Though it is free!) $10-50, Serendipity Road, beachroad-hotel.com
Monkey Republic
Monkey Republic is the undisputed Backpacker haven of Sihanoukville, located across the street from Beach Road. The popular bar and restaurant and packed in the evenings.
Due to that fact, I only recommend staying here if you are in S’ville for the party. If not, you will be woken up at all hours by loud music from the bar and then those stumbling in loudly late at night. But hey, it is a great place to meet people. WiFi did not work in our room, as it was the furthest from the bar. Dorms $3, Rooms $6-10 The Monkey Republic.
Midrange / Treat Yourself
Beach Club
Beach Club falls firmly into the “hidden gem” category of accommodation. The owner, Luna, is a wealth of information on the area and makes you feel like part of the family. Rooms are spacious and well decorated, and those on the first floor open directly into the pool area.
When you check in at Beach Club you are given a local cell phone and SIM card which you can use to call for a tuk-tuk anywhere in town, order room service, or use in an emergency. Isn’t that such a clever idea?
The poolside bar and restaurant are a great place to linger in the evenings and meet other guests and friendly locals. And in the morning it serves a continental breakfast (not included) that was one of the most satisfying meals I had in Sihanoukville. Best of all? Beach Club had the best WiFi in all of Cambodia! $25-65, 23 Tola St, beachclubcambodia.com
Pagoda Rocks
Pagoda Rocks is a boutique guesthouse with 9 rooms. It’s not beachfront, but the infinity pool with views looking out towards the islands will take care of all your sun tanning needs. With a restaurant and bar also on property, you may never want to leave! $40-70, next to Wat Leu, pagodarocks.com
Disclaimer: I was hosted by Beach Club in exchange for a review. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. I have also personally stayed at Beach Road and Monkey Republic. Photos of Beach Road and Pagoda Rocks are courtesy of their websites.
Pagoda Rocks is gorgeous and only $40 a night wow!
There are definitely great deals to be had in Cambodia!
Looks comfortable!
Thank you for this. I will recommend to the Sailors that they stay at Monkey Republic, while I will stay at Pagoda Rocks, lol.
I should write some of these places, tell them I am with the ship and see if they can give give offers if I recommend these places. I mean, more than 700 Sailors and Marines will be searching for places to sleep in a city none have ever been to.
All you Sihanoukville posts have been very helpful!
Beach Club actually has something set up with some branch of military already, I believe. The owner was telling me about it when I visited. I highly recommend checking it out there!
I’ll send the owner an email. I’m sure I can convince at least 75-100 Sailors to book rooms there.
Thanks for the heads up, we are heading to Cambodia in a couple of weeks and getting very excited!
Hi Sarah! I’m so excited for you! Cambodia is my favorite country and I’m sure it shows in my posts. I also have a Where to Stay in Phnom Penh and Where to Stay in Siem Reap… be sure to check them out!
Nice accommodation information for foreign tourists as these places run by foreigners. By the way there’re many cool local owners’ accommodation as well.
I’m sure there are 🙂 These were just a small selection I stayed at or checked out!