Phnom Penh's BEST 2BR View: Yue Tai East One City Luxury!
Alright, buckle up, because this is not your average hotel review. This is going to be a rambling love letter – and occasional side-eye – to Phnom Penh's BEST 2BR View: Yue Tai East One City Luxury!. And trust me, after spending a week there, I've got opinions. And I'm not shy about sharing them.
First off, the name. "Yue Tai East One City Luxury!" It sounds like a superhero's origin story, doesn't it? "Born in a skyscraper… transformed by a swimming pool with a view!" Okay, maybe I got carried away. But the point is, the name sets the tone. This ain't your grandma's budget motel (thank goodness). This is luxury.
Let's Talk Accessibility & Security – Because You CAN'T Skip Those!
Okay, so I'm not disabled, but I did notice a few things. The good news: I think it's pretty accessible. Elevator is a huge plus, especially when you’re hauling a suitcase the size of a small refrigerator. More kudos for the available facilities for disabled guests. The bad news? I can't vouch for how truly accessible it all is. I'd need someone in a wheelchair to give me the full scoop. The 24-hour front desk, security, and CCTV were all reassuring. Made me feel safe wandering around at 3 AM, fuelled by jet lag and instant noodles (more on that deliciousness later). But seriously, seeing the CCTV outside the property gives peace of mind. Also on a plus side, there are fire extinguishers, smoke alarms and a safety/security feature.
Cleanliness and Safety: The COVID Factor
Alright, let's get real. I'm a bit of a germaphobe (don't judge!). So, the fact that they're serious about cleanliness was a massive relief. Antiviral cleaning products? Rooms sanitized between stays? Daily disinfection in common areas? YES, PLEASE! They even had hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. Even the little condiment shakers in the breakfast restaurant were sparkling; everything was sanitized! I opted-in for the room sanitization because, well, why not? It was a relief to see signs for Individual-wrapped food options and knowing staff were trained in these safety protocols. There was a doctor/nurse on call, but thankfully, I didn't need to test that out. But knowing it's available definitely adds a layer of comfort.
Internet: The Digital Nomad's Kryptonite… or Paradise?
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise the Wi-Fi gods! And it actually worked, unlike some hotels where the signal flickers like a dying firefly. Actually, it was more than that! The Internet access was superb and I could also have a LAN connection too! Plus, Wi-Fi in the public areas – which, let's be honest, is just a necessity, especially for the Insta-hungry.
Getting Around: Airport Transfer? Check!
Airport transfer was smooth as silk. They're pros. The taxi service is spot on. Car park [free of charge] - big, big win here! Also, the car park [on-site] is another plus! There is even a car power charging station.
The Room: My Two Bedroom Oasis (with a View!)
OH. MY. GOD. The view. I'm not even exaggerating. This wasn't just a room; it was a freakin' experience. We're talking panoramic, city-spanning vistas. And the room itself? Spacious. Really spacious. The balcony with that view meant I spent half my trip just staring out there, sipping coffee, and pretending I was James Bond.
Available in all rooms: air conditioning, air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, bathroom phone, bathtub, blackout curtains, carpeting, closet, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, daily housekeeping, desk, extra-long bed, free bottled water, hairdryer, high floor, in-room safe box, interconnecting room(s) available, internet access – LAN, internet access – wireless, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, linens, mini bar, mirror, non-smoking, on-demand movies, private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, safety/security feature, satellite/cable channels, scale, seating area, separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers, smoke detector, socket near the bed, sofa, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, umbrella, visual alarm, wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], window that opens. The additional toilet was a lifesaver when traveling with three friends, and the interconnecting room(s) available is a great advantage for families. There was a bathtub, safe box, minibar, sofa… the list goes on for days. I felt like a king! The soundproof rooms were absolutely perfect, and I slept like a log. Now, some minor gripes: the desk was a little small for my laptop setup. And the mirror in the bathroom… could've been a little more flattering. I’m just saying. But those are minor quibbles.
Amenities: Let's Get Pampered (or at Least Pretend To)
Okay, so I didn't get every single one of these, but they were available: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. The pool with a view lived up to the hype. Seriously, it's Instagram gold. Floating there, looking out at the city? Pure bliss. And the fitness center was decent. I'm not a gym rat, but it did the job. The spa… I didn’t get around to it, but the menu looked tempting. Maybe next time.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food!
Where do I even begin? Restaurants galore. They had it all! A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
The breakfast buffet was a masterpiece. Okay, maybe I'm being dramatic. But the omelet station? The fresh fruit? The coffee that actually tasted like coffee? Chef's kiss. Also, the room service was a lifesaver after those late nights exploring. And yes, I may have ordered a slice of cake at 2 AM. Don't judge. The happy hour at the poolside bar was also quite delightful. The best part, I got to sample a lot of what they had to offer.
Services and Conveniences: The Perks That Make Life Easy
They had everything: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center. The concierge was incredibly helpful, helping me book tours and recommending restaurants. The daily housekeeping was fantastic; my room was always spotless. The laundry service was a lifesaver (again, after a few messy adventures). The convenience store was a nice touch for those late-night snack attacks. The currency exchange was handy, too.
For the Kids: Bringing the Little Ones?
They had Babysitting service! Family/child friendly. Kids facilities. Kids meal. I didn't have any kids with me, but I saw families there and they all seemed pretty happy.
Overall Experience: My Verdict
This place is seriously impressive.
KL's CUTEST Hidden Gem: Kota Damansara Cozy House! (Emporis Must-See!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because here's my completely manic, probably-screwed-up-but-hopefully-kinda-awesome itinerary for my stay at that 2BR in Yue Tai East One City View, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Prepare for a wild ride. Remember, this is me, planning. Expect chaos.
Day 1: Phnom Penh Arrival – Hello, Hot and Heavy Humidity!
- Morning (6:00 AM - 10:00 AM, ish): Wake up in my own bed, groaning that ritualistic groan of being 30 (it seems it's just a thing now, sigh). Stumble through packing. Double-check passport. Triple-check phone charger. Panic because I can't find my lucky socks. Discover they're in the wash, which is a disaster. Whatever, socks are overrated. Uber to the airport. Fight the urge to buy ALL the airport books because I'm convinced I'll finally read War and Peace on this trip. (Spoiler alert: I won't.)
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Land in Phnom Penh. Immediate slap of humidity. It's glorious. I love it. Taxi to Yue Tai East One. The driver seems to think he's a Formula 1 racer, and my stomach is already churning. Arrive at the apartment. Wow. City view is actually quite stunning. Immediately hunt for the air conditioning, because, yikes. Throw my bags down, and basically collapse on the sofa. Need to regroup. Also, need food. STAT.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 8:00 PM): First mission: Find food. Google maps search for "street food near me." Walk. Get hopelessly lost after about 100 metres. Ask a local. They point in a direction that seems completely random, but I follow it anyway because, adventure! Eventually stumble upon a teeming street food stall. Order something that looks vaguely like noodles with some questionable green stuff. It's AMAZING. Like, unbelievably good. Eat until I'm about to burst. Feel vaguely guilty. Buy a mango smoothie to wash it all down. Pure heaven. Walk back, slightly less lost, feeling euphoric.
- Night (9:00 PM - whenever): Collapse again. Binge-watch something trashy on Netflix, because I deserve it. Probably fall asleep with the TV on. Tomorrow is a new day of exploring, and I'm exhausted just THINKING about it.
Day 2: Temples, Tears, and Tuk-Tuk Terror!
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Okay, attempt to be a responsible tourist. First stop: Wat Phnom. The heat is already brutal. Sweating like I just ran a marathon. The temple is beautiful, though. Incredible. So much gold. Get hustled by a lady selling "blessed bracelets." Buy one anyway. It's probably cursed with bad luck, but who cares, it's pretty. Take a million photos. Get a slight sunstroke.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Now, the big one: The Killing Fields (Choeung Ek). Be prepared for the emotional crash. I know it’s something I should do, but the weight of the history in this place hits me like a ton of bricks. The audio guide is incredibly moving (and, frankly, traumatizing). I'm fighting back tears the entire time. Acknowledge I am not strong enough to handle the atrocities. I want to cry some more at the memorial stupa. Take deep breaths. Walk through the genocide museum and actually see the horrifying things that happened. Leave feeling utterly shell-shocked and profoundly sad.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Need a pick-me-up, BIG TIME. Tuk-tuk ride to the riverside. The tuk-tuk driver is either deaf or doesn't understand English. The ride is a blur of speeding traffic and near-death experiences. I cling on for dear life. Arrive at the river, slightly shaken but alive. Eat a pizza. It's bland and not particularly good, but I don’t care. The river view is lovely, and I need comfort food.
- Night (9:00 PM - whenever): Attempt to write in my journal. Fail miserably. Just need to process the day's events. The emotions, they are raw. Have a glass of wine. Maybe two. Listen to some upbeat music to combat the melancholic reality. Doze off early. Dream in sepia tones.
Day 3: Markets, Memories, and a Massage that Went Wrong!
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Central Market (Phsar Thmey). The colors, the smells, the sheer chaos! Fall in love with the bustling atmosphere. Get completely lost (again). Buy a silk scarf that I absolutely do not need but am convinced is the greatest purchase of my life. Haggle like a pro (or at least, I think I do). Eat some weird, delicious thing that I can't identify but am willing to try. It's probably deep-fried. Probably worth it.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Trying to find the Russian Market. Taxi. Taxi driver has a speech impediment AND a penchant for rapid driving. More near-death experiences. Finally arrive at the market. More chaotic, more amazing treasures. More bargaining. Spend way too much money on things I'll probably never use. Worth it, still.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Massage time! I'm so tense. Find a place that looks reputable (I think). Request the "strong" massage. Mistake. The masseuse must have been training to be a wrestler. I swear she thinks I'm trying to escape. I endure the pain, thinking, "This is for my well-being!" Realize it is hurting. Lie. Leave feeling like I've aged 20 years. (And I will be even more sore tomorrow!)
- Night (8:00 PM - whenever): Order takeout. Acknowledge that I will never be a sophisticated traveler. Watch a terrible movie. Cuddle with a pillow. Remember all the things I didn’t do. Dream about the next trip.
Day 4: The Big Mistake (aka, S-21 and the lasting impact)
- Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Okay, I know I shouldn't, but since I’m here, I go to S-21. This time, there’s no audio guide. I am on my own. I have to be an advocate for the victims, not a voyeur. This is an even more harrowing experience. The weight of the human suffering. The photos. The cells. The stories. It’s all overwhelming. I am an emotional wreck. It’s even more difficult because there is a new wave of tourist, and I worry that everyone is just using this to add to the social media feed. I can’t believe how much this place breaks my heart. I have to leave early.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): I head back to the apartment to regroup. I stare out the window for an hour, trying to process the experience. I have a lot of anger and sadness. I am changed by this visit, and I will not forget the things I saw.
- Evening (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Try to do something relaxing, like a cooking class. The class is more of a mess than I imagined. I make a terrible Amok. I spend more money in the cooking class, and I get home and throw it all away.
- Night (8:00 PM - whenever): Read a book, or maybe three. I try to read about the history of Cambodia. I reflect on my journey. I am not sure what I will do tomorrow.
Day 5: Serenity (Almost) Found and Departure Anxiety!
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Visit a beautiful temple to try to get some peace. Go for a walk. Take a lot of pictures.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Back to the apartment for some last minute packing. Also, try to eat some more food.
So, what *is* this whole [Thing I'm Supposed to Be Writing About]? Like, REALLY?
Okay, so, *why* is it even a thing? What's the point? Seriously.
How do I *actually* use [Thing I'm Supposed to Be Writing About]? Like, practically?
What are the *biggest* challenges? What should I look out for?
What are some *common* mistakes people make? How can I avoid them?
Is it worth it? Seriously, is this thing even *worth* the effort?
