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Raffles Cambodia Appoints Andrew Hartley Cluster Director

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Raffles Cambodia Appoints Andrew Hartley Cluster Director - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25HOTELS.comPhnom Penh, Cambodia, August 7, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Raffles Hotels & Resorts has appointed Andrew Hartley as its new cluster director of sales and marketing, overseeing two of Southeast Asia’s most iconic luxury hotels: Raffles Hotel Le Royal and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor.

Hartley, who is based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, brings more than 20 years of experience in luxury hotels around the world, including in Thailand, Singapore, Australia, China, Vietnam, the United Kingdom and Oman. He was most recently assistant vice president of strategic sales and marketing for Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts in the Asia-Pacific based in Singapore.

He was also previously the regional director of sales and marketing for Sofitel luxury hotels in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. Before that, Hartley was director of sales and marketing for Sofitel Shanghai Jing’an Huamin in China and Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi in Vietnam.

“The two historic Raffles properties in Cambodia – Raffles Hotel Le Royal and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor – are legendary the world over for their elegance and sophistication, and their warm and attentive personalized service. I look forward to being a part of these hotels as they continue to set the benchmark for luxury hospitality in Southeast Asia and beyond,” Hartley said.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal, situated in Cambodia’s vibrant capital, Phnom Penh, originally opened in 1929 and today features 175 rooms and suites that underwent a full refurbishment as part of a meticulous one-year restoration project in 2019.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor is on the doorstep of ancient Khmer archeological sites in Cambodia and is considered a national treasure. Originally opened in 1932, the hotel was built as a rest stop for archeologists and adventurers seeking to explore the ancient kingdom of Angkor Wat, which is today one of the most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The two Raffles hotels in Cambodia have won numerous top international awards and distinctions this year. Raffles Hotel Le Royal was voted the No. 1 hotel in Cambodia by readers of Condé Nast Traveler in its annual Readers’ Choice Awards in October, and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor was named one of the world’s “500 Best Hotels” by Travel + Leisure in April.

The properties were also honored at the prestigious Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023, earning recognition in multiple categories including for top city hotels, general managers, hotel spas and hotel pools.

For more information on Raffles Hotel Le Royal, please contact +855 23 981 888

ABOUT RAFFLES
Raffles Hotels & Resorts boasts an illustrious history and some of the most prestigious hotel addresses worldwide. In 1887, Raffles Singapore set the standard for luxury hospitality, introducing the world to private butlers, the Singapore Sling and its enduring, legendary service. Today, Raffles continues this tradition in leading cities and lavish resort locales, enchanting travellers with meaningful experiences and service that is both gracious and intuitive. Connoisseurs of life choose Raffles, not merely for its aura of culture, beauty and gentility, but for the extraordinary way they feel when in residence with Raffles. Each Raffles, be it Paris, Istanbul, Dubai, Warsaw, Jakarta or the Seychelles, serves as a venerated oasis where travellers arrive as guests, leave as friends and return as family. Raffles is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Raffles Hotels in Cambodia Host International Champagne Sabrage Ritual

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Raffles Hotels in Cambodia Host International Champagne Sabrage Ritual - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25RESTAURANTS.comPhnom Penh, Cambodia, February 23, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The worldwide organization dedicated to the noble art of Champagne sabrage will host two exclusive events in Cambodia next month with 5-star Raffles hotels, including at Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh and, for the first time ever, at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap.

Confrérie du Sabre d’Or is internationally renowned among Champagne aficionados for the ritual, which involves severing the top of the bottle with a sword. Champagne sabrage dates to the era of French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, who is said to have cherished a drink of Champagne from bottles newly opened with a military saber after every winning battle.

Raffles is the only establishment in Cambodia where one can experience the official ceremony and has scheduled two exclusive events in March.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal’s Restaurant Le Royal on Friday, March 17 will serve a special four-course French menu with Champagne pairing priced at $145++ per person. Each guest is invited to saber a bottle of Champagne and officially join the Confrérie du Sabre d’Or. This will mark the second time the ceremony has been held at the hotel; the first occurred in 2019.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor on Sunday, March 19 will host the ceremony for the first time ever, with a luxurious brunch at Café d’Angkor including live music. The event is priced from $55++ per person or $95++ with free flow Champagne.

Established more than 200 years ago by stylish young French military officers, the traditional sabrage ceremony will be conducted by the Grand Master of La Confrérie du Sabre d’Or in the historic Raffles properties.

The master holds a bottle of Champagne by the heel, then slides his or her sword up and down the neck of the bottle to warm it. Then, in a single smooth movement, the master accelerates his or her arm forward, sliding the saber firmly along the neck of the bottle and—hopefully—decapitating the ring, or top neck of the bottle, and sending a gush of Champagne all over the floor and sometimes fellow guests.

For more information on this special event at Raffles Hotel Le Royal, please call +855 23 981 888 or email dining.leroyal@raffles.com. For Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, please call +855 63 963 888 or email dining.grandhotel@raffles.com.

ABOUT RAFFLES
Raffles Hotels & Resorts boasts an illustrious history and some of the most prestigious hotel addresses worldwide. In 1887, Raffles Singapore set the standard for luxury hospitality, introducing the world to private butlers, the Singapore Sling and its enduring, legendary service. Today, Raffles continues this tradition in leading cities and lavish resort locales, enchanting travellers with meaningful experiences and service that is both gracious and intuitive. Connoisseurs of life choose Raffles, not merely for its aura of culture, beauty and gentility, but for the extraordinary way they feel when in residence with Raffles. Each Raffles, be it Paris, Istanbul, Dubai, Warsaw, Jakarta or the Seychelles, serves as a venerated oasis where travellers arrive as guests, leave as friends and return as family. Raffles is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Raffles Celebrates Holiday Season with Exclusive Fine Dining

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Raffles Celebrates Holiday Season with Exclusive Fine Dining - TRAVELINDEXPhnom Penh, Cambodia, December 16, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Two of Cambodia’s most iconic luxury hotels — Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap — are set to celebrate the holiday season with a host of exclusive meals and other festivities.

The storied hotels, both in their ninth decade, combine timeless opulence with modern contemporary flair. In early December, each held a special Christmas tree-lighting ceremony spotlighting Nordmann fir trees imported from Denmark. The hotels are now strewn with glittering lights, wreaths and other festive decor ahead of the holiday season.

Highlights from this year’s Christmas and New Year culinary program include the following:

Christmas Eve

Raffles Hotel Le Royal will offer an exclusive 5-course “Jewels of the Sea” menu on Dec. 24 featuring caviar, scallops, oysters and more at the recently relaunched Restaurant Le Royal. At Le Phnom 1929, diners can enjoy a “Parisian Brasserie Christmas Buffet” including both local and international dishes, in addition to a seafood bar and carvery station.

At Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, diners are invited to join a special “Christmas Eve Dinner” at 1932, with the hotel’s sommelier presenting a trip around the world highlighting unexpected grapes and wines.

Christmas Day

The “Le Royal Christmas Day Brunch” at Restaurant Le Royal on Dec. 25 will include classic favorites such as honey-glazed ham, traditional roast turkey, yule logs and other sumptuous desserts. Meanwhile, the “Christmas Set Dinner” at Le Phnom 1929 will feature a 4-course menu with popular dishes including a seafood tower, duck consommé and roasted turkey.

At Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, the “Swinging Gypsy Christmas Brunch” will feature live jazz and be served both indoors and poolside, with optional free-flow house wine, free-flow champagne or free-flow rose champagne.

New Year’s Eve

Ring in 2023 at one of four special events at Raffles Hotel Le Royal. The “New Year’s Eve Buffet” on Dec. 31 at Le Phnom 1929 will feature a decadent culinary spread prepared by Executive Chef Martin Becquart. The “New Year’s Eve Sturia Caviar Dinner” promises an evening of pure indulgence at Restaurant Le Royal. The “Saint-Tropez White Party & Countdown” at The Elephant Bar will include Provençal flavors and champagne, with music from a guest DJ. The “Oyster and Champagne Night,” also at The Elephant Bar, will feature premium oysters from Australia and Henriot Brut Souverain Champagne.

At Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, the “Gatsby End of the Year” party at the Poolside Terrace and Raffles Marquee will feature a 1920s theme, with live performances, guest DJs and the most-anticipated fireworks display of the year. Free-flow wine and champagne will be served.

New Year’s Day

Kick off the new year with a special “New Year’s Day Extended Breakfast” at Le Phnom 1929 at Raffles Hotel Le Royal, featuring a host of favorites such as seafood on ice, mimosas, bloody marys, imported cheeses and more. The “New Year’s Day Set Dinner” at Le Phnom 1929 will offer a decadent feast with French oysters, premium beef and more.

At Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, the “New Year’s Day Brunch” at Cafe d’Angkor will feature a lavish spread of festive delicacies, including a special bloody mary bar.

More Festive Events at Raffles Hotel Le Royal

Raffles Hotel Le Royal has launched a special “Festive High Tea & Carols” at the Conservatory featuring Christmas-themed pastries and music from a live choir. Presented on Dec. 4, 11, 18 and 25.

Young gourmands are invited to join a fun-filled gingerbread-making class at Le Phnom 1929 on Dec. 3, 10 and 17.

The Raffles Spa is offering a “Festive Spa” package throughout December that includes a cinnamon salt foot scrub (10 min.), chocolate body scrub (30 min.), aromatherapy full body massage (90 min.), festive Afternoon Tea at The Writer’s Bar, and “Festive Glühwein” with a Raffles chocolate present.

Festive gourmet hampers at Raffles Hotel Le Royal include mouth-watering chocolates, pampering spa essentials and more, available in the Raffles Arcade off the lobby in Raffles Hotel Le Royal’s heritage building.

A special holiday stay package starts at $360++ for double/night.

More Festive Events at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor

Throughout December, a special “Afternoon Tea & Champagne” will be served in the Conservatory, featuring freshly baked scones, finger sandwiches and more.

At The Elephant Bar in December, guests can savor “Kampuchea Mulled Wine & Mignardise,” featuring the warm indulgence of traditional French mulled wine with special Angkor spices, paired with bite-sized Christmas-themed desserts.

At the Raffles Spa, “The Raffles Festive Spa Package” helps guests rejuvenate with a special 30-minute honey and tamarind scrub followed by a 60-minute warm coconut oil massage.

Other special festivities include a gingerbread house-making class (Dec. 11); an outdoor cinema screening of the holiday classic Home Alone (Dec. 18); “Bubbles from the Land and Sea” featuring champagne, handcrafted cocktails, caviars and pastries with live music (Dec. 19 and 31); and a “Bistro Christmas Eve” 4-course dinner at Cafe d’Angkor (Dec. 19 and 31).

A special holiday stay package starts at $360++ per night.

For reservations or inquiries about Raffles Hotel Le Royal, please contact +855 23 981 888

For Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, please contact +855 63 963 888

About Raffles
Raffles Hotels & Resorts boasts an illustrious history and some of the most prestigious hotel addresses worldwide. In 1887, Raffles Singapore set the standard for luxury hospitality, introducing the world to private butlers, the Singapore Sling and its enduring, legendary service. Today, Raffles continues this tradition in leading cities and lavish resort locales, enchanting travellers with meaningful experiences and service that is both gracious and intuitive. Connoisseurs of life choose Raffles, not merely for its aura of culture, beauty and gentility, but for the extraordinary way they feel when in residence with Raffles. Each Raffles, be it Paris, Istanbul, Dubai, Warsaw, Jakarta or the Seychelles, serves as a venerated oasis where travellers arrive as guests, leave as friends and return as family. Raffles is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Raffles Confirms Acting General Manager in Cambodia

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Raffles Confirms Acting General Manager in Cambodia - TRAVELINDEXPhnom Penh, Cambodia, January 25, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Dennis de Groot stands at the helm of the two most storied hotels in the country. Raffles Hotels & Resorts has confirmed the appointment of Mr Dennis de Groot as Acting General Manager of both Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh and its sister hotel Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap.

With more than 15 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, de Groot previously held hotel management positions in the Maldives, Azerbaijan and South Africa, including nearly three years at a private game lodge.

De Groot was recruited by the Accor Group in 2016 to oversee the rebranding of the Jumeirah Dhevanafushi as it transformed into the Raffles Maldives Meradhoo.

He moved to Cambodia in 2018 as Hotel Manager at Raffles Hotel Le Royal and was originally appointed Acting General Manager in January 2021. Under his tenure, the hotel has undergone a meticulous one-year restoration project when each of the 175 rooms and suites at the historical property received a full refurbishment.

The novation walked a fine line between the need to brighten interiors and integrate a host of mod-cons and the imperative to preserve the heart and soul of the vintage hotel. The hardwood floors have been polished to a squeak, the age-old ceiling fans still whirl, and the old brass rotary telephones continue to ring.

The courtyard remains the centerpiece of the property, its two swimming pools surrounded by tropical gardens of frangipani, and shaded by giant century-old trees.

Similarly, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor has undergone a restorative transformation in the past two years. This classic resort was originally built in the 1920s as a luxurious resting stop en route to the newly discovered ruins of Angkor Wat.

The new-look properties come at a time when Cambodia is reopening its borders to quarantine-free international arrivals. The country has been widely praised for its handling of the pandemic and its efficient vaccine program.

“Looking ahead, the challenges are clear, not only for Le Royal and Grand Hotel d’Angkor but for the hospitality sector in general,” said de Groot. “However, we have in these ‘Grandes Dames of Southeast Asia’ two much-loved national landmarks where guests expect not just a luxury experience but also a step back into yesteryear.”

About Raffles
Raffles Hotels & Resorts boasts an illustrious history and some of the most prestigious hotel addresses worldwide. In 1887, Raffles Singapore set the standard for luxury hospitality, introducing the world to private butlers, the Singapore Sling and its enduring, legendary service. Today, Raffles continues this tradition in leading cities and lavish resort locales, enchanting travellers with meaningful experiences and service that is both gracious and intuitive. Connoisseurs of life choose Raffles, not merely for its aura of culture, beauty and gentility, but for the extraordinary way they feel when in residence with Raffles. Each Raffles, be it Paris, Istanbul, Dubai, Warsaw, Jakarta or the Seychelles, serves as a venerated oasis where travellers arrive as guests, leave as friends and return as family. Raffles is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Raffles Announces EVA Air Partnership in Cambodia

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Raffles Announces EVA Air Partnership in Cambodia - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25HOTELS.comPhnom Penh, Cambodia, November 15, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Raffles Hotel Le Royal, celebrated for more than 90 years as one of the “Grandes Dames” of Southeast Asia, has confirmed an agreement with EVA Air to provide their Gold and Diamond card holders a string of benefits during their ASQ stay at the hotel in Phnom Penh, including a complimentary Royal Khmer meal with wine.

The hotel is the only venue in Cambodia that boasts a license to prepare and serve Royal Khmer cuisine, a feast of traditional recipes known for generations only to chefs in the palace. The menu includes steamed lobster served in a coconut shell, and nhoam svay, a fragrant dish of grilled scallops and smoked fish accompanied by green mango and peanuts.

Each guest will also be included in a lucky draw, with one business-class ticket (Phnom Penh to Taipei) as the first prize.

The deal, which is valid until 31 March 2022, applies only to EVA’s Gold and Diamond card holders flying to Phnom Penh from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, where they are afforded the comfort of priority check-in and access to an exclusive VIP lounge ahead of the flight.

Cambodia recently announced its reopening to international tourism, with the country widely lauded for its containment of the covid virus and stringent border controls.

Upon arrival at Raffles Hotel Le Royal, in-bound travelers will be hosted in the hotel’s northern wing which has been set aside as an ASQ (alternative state quarantine), offering an elegant option in rooms and suites that were each refurbished as part of a meticulous one-year restoration project which was completed in 2020.

Returning guests will immediately notice lighter and brighter interiors, accentuated by spotlights. Segafredo coffee machines, USB charging stations, and Simmons pillow-top mattresses are among the new features that add modern appeal.

However, traditionalists will be relieved to know that the heart and soul of this vintage landmark hotel has been lovingly maintained. Polished hardwood floors, age-old ceiling fans, and brass rotary telephones continue to feature in the rooms.

Designed by architect Ernest Hébrard in French colonial style, Le Royal originally launched in November 1929. Among the numerous celebrities who have graced the hotel are Charlie Chaplin, French President Charles de Gaulle; and in the 1960s, former US First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy.

“We are dedicated to offering a sanctuary of unparalleled comfort for those guests arriving from Taiwan and other countries,” said Hotel Manager Dennis de Groot. “Visitors staying at the hotel as part of the ASQ program can expect private airport transfers, exquisite dining experiences, 24-hour medical services, PCR tests, and a truly comfortable and memorable stay.”

Rooms and suites at Raffles Hotel Le Royal start from US$240+++ per night.

About Raffles
Raffles Hotels and Resorts boasts an illustrious history and some of the most prestigious hotel addresses worldwide. In 1887, Raffles Singapore set the standard for luxury hospitality, introducing the world to private butlers, the Singapore Sling and its enduring, legendary service. Today, Raffles continues this tradition in leading cities and lavish resort locales, enchanting travellers with meaningful experiences and service that is both gracious and intuitive. Connoisseurs of life choose Raffles, not merely for its aura of culture, beauty and gentility, but for the extraordinary way they feel when in residence with Raffles. Each Raffles, be it Paris, Istanbul, Dubai, Warsaw, Jakarta or the Seychelles, serves as a venerated oasis where travellers arrive as guests, leave as friends and return as family. Raffles is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor Named to 2021 Travel + Leisure 500

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Siem Reap, Cambodia, March 24, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The timeless elegance and authentic Cambodian hospitality of Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor has again captivated and earned the votes of discerned readers of Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, having achieved a spot on its 500 Best Hotels in the World for 2021. Paying homage to the hotel’s rich history of welcoming famous personalities – from Charlie…

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News