Shangri-La Hotels in Phnom Penh

I’ve always admired Shangri-La as one of my top 5-star luxury international brands, so I was very excited about its opening in Phnom Penh. Unfortunately, my experience at Kommune - Dining & Social Space was disappointing and felt like a waste of money, even for $1. If you’ve visited Shangri-La properties like Sydney or Bangkok, you’ll notice a stark difference. The customer service here was unprofessional and far below expectations. As Khmer guests, we didn’t feel welcome there were no smiles or greetings, unlike the way Western guests were treated. It felt like we were there asking for free food. The menu was too basic, with no signature dishes or proper recommendations. When we asked, they simply said, Everything is delicious. The restaurant staff and manager were rude and lacked the professionalism expected of a 5-star hotel. Honestly, the food quality was worse than street food. I wouldn’t recommend dining here. Instead, Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra and Rosewood Phnom Penh remain far superior choices. That said, our visit to the Mekong Lounge and the guest rooms was much better. Mr. Barang, the Guest Service Manager, and Ms. Thida at the front desk treated us with outstanding hospitality. A special thank you to Mr. Barang for recommending Shangri-La tea it brought back fond memories of other Shangri-La properties like Sydney Australia. He truly made my weekend better. The rooms were beautifully designed and refreshing to see. However, the restaurant’s poor customer service overshadowed the overall experience. For a 5-star international luxury brand, service standards must improve. Until then, I recommend Sofitel and Rosewood as the best options in Phnom Penh.