DATE STAYED: April 24, 2012 – April 25, 2012 (2d/1n)
THE RATE: 12 USD/day (For consistency’s sake, 1 USD is 43 PHP)
THE ADDRESS: Long Nget, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
THE FACILITIES:
Somebody in pinoyexchange.com recommended this guesthouse when I was looking for a cheap accommodation in Phnom Penh. As early as January 2012, I inquired on the rate of their double room with fan (the cheapest room) thru email. Mr. Senghong replied and gave me a quote of 12USD for a double room with fan, ensuite bathroom and cable tv. I reserved the room because (a) they have a free pick-up service and (b) I can pay when I get there. Mr. Senghong however told me to email again at least a day before our check-in so he will not forget that we reserved a room.
When we arrived at Sinh Tourist Cafe office in Phnom Penh, there was no one from the guesthouse to pick us up so I have to call them to tell them we have arrived. They showed up 10 minutes later. We were given the room on the second floor, near the balcony. I asked for a big room with windows. The room we were given was small but the ceiling was high and the room was well-lighted so it did not feel cramped.
They have a restaurant on the ground floor. It must have wifi (not sure if free though) because most people lounging there are using their laptops.
What is inside our room? twin beds, aircon (which was off), desk, chair, hook hanger, and an en suite bathroom with hot and cold shower. There was no tv nor was there any miniref.
Pros: Mr. Senghong replies fast when you send an email inquiry. The guesthouse is located on a quiet street. It is also walking-distance from the park, where dance enthusiasts gather at night. They also have a travel agency on the ground floor that can arrange land transfers and tours.
Cons: NO elevator (but they will bring your bags to your room). NO free breakfast. NO closet nor phone nor miniref. Instead of a double bed as agreed, we were given twin beds. And there was NO cable tv as advertised.
THE VERDICT: 3/5
Will I stay here again? No. I can let go of the twin beds (since those were fortunately big beds) and even the absence of the advertised cable tv (since I actually forgot it was part of the agreement) but the late pick-up service? NO. It made me feel that they forgot about us just because we booked the cheapest room. I gave it a 3 if only because of the windows.