Phnom Penh, Cambodia, April 29, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Raffles Hotel Le Royal, the luxury heritage hotel in Cambodia’s capital, has introduced exclusive new menus at its fabled Writers Bar that pay homage to the legendary writers, poets and journalists who have travelled through the region.

These literary icons over the decades have drawn inspiration from Southeast Asia’s rich history, culture and charm, and now Raffles Hotel Le Royal is commemorating their work at Writers Bar, situated off the 96-year-old hotel’s luxuriously appointed lobby. The Writers Bar and main lobby are being relaunched following an inspired refurbishment.

“With its timeless elegance and literary soul, Writers Bar at Raffles Hotel Le Royal is more than just a cocktail bar. It is an ode to the art of storytelling, the romance of travel and the spirit of those who have shaped history with their words,” Raffles Hotel Le Royal General Manager Dagmar Lyons said.

Highlights from the new Writers Bar menus include:

• A literary-inspired beverage programme called ‘Signature Cocktails from the Pages of History’. This thoughtfully crafted menu draws from iconic books, films and the literary greats who have shaped storytelling across generations.
• The ‘Espresso Martini Collection’ offers a refined selection of espresso martinis made using coffee from different regions, each with a unique twist, paying tribute to the timeless relationship between writers and their favourite caffeine fuel.
• The ‘Wine Library’ features an exceptional selection of top international wines, showcasing vintages from regions with deep literary connections.
• The menu’s ‘Signature Champagne Cocktails’ includes an elegant selection of bespoke Champagne cocktails crafted exclusively for Writers Bar, celebrating the glamour and indulgence of the literary world.
• Writers Bar’s ‘Champagne O’Clock’ runs from 5pm-7pm daily and includes a special offer of ‘buy one, get one’ glass of Champagne.

The Writers Bar now features a nostalgic nod to the golden age of writing, with new vintage typewriters and books on display. The space aims to be a celebrated haven for writers, hosting book launches, author meet-ups, poetry readings, storytelling sessions and more.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal 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. The hotel’s elegant past has been reinterpreted in a bold, contemporary style that is inspired by French colonial, Khmer and Art Deco influences.

Travel + Leisure declared it the best city hotel in Cambodia last year, while the UK-based Luxury Lifestyle Magazine also named it one of the world’s best city hotels.

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.

Source