Phnom Penh's Most Luxurious Apartments: East One Residence by Soben Homes
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the shimmering, potentially-overpriced world of East One Residence by Soben Homes in Phnom Penh. Forget your usual, dry-as-a-desert-crust hotel review. This is gonna be more like a rambling, caffeine-fueled chat with a slightly sleep-deprived travel enthusiast who might have accidentally spilled a cocktail on their review notes.
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First Impressions (and a Slight Panic):
Okay, so picture this: You're stepping out of the airport (airport transfer, thankfully – score one for East One!), and the Phnom Penh heat hits you like a wall. You're already sweating, and you're clutching your phone, praying the Grab driver is actually going to the right place. Then, BAM! East One appears. Gleaming glass, imposing architecture. It's… well, it’s luxurious. Like, "I should probably iron my t-shirt" luxurious. And the lobby? Oh, the lobby. Marble floors, ridiculously high ceilings, and a faint scent of… something expensive. I’m pretty sure it's a blend of money and freshly-cut orchids.
Accessibility: The Good, the (Potentially) Better:
Let's get down to brass tacks. Accessibility is crucial. And East One? They try. They really try. The elevator? Check. Wide doorways? Mostly check. They've got facilities for disabled guests listed, which is a good sign. Now, I didn't personally test the wheelchair accessibility (because, thankfully, I don't need it), but from what I could see, it looked pretty promising. However, I’d highly recommend contacting them directly to confirm specifics, especially if you have particular needs. Don’t just take my word for it!
The Rooms: Where the Magic (and the Price Tag) Happens:
Okay, the rooms. Sigh. They’re… gorgeous. Seriously. I'm talking:
- Air conditioning: Praise the AC gods! It was a lifesaver.
- Blackout curtains: Slept like a baby (or at least, a baby who's had a few too many cocktails the night before).
- Bathtub: Hello, long, luxurious soaks! (Though, let's be honest, I mostly used it for a quick rinse off after the pool.)
- Free Wi-Fi: It actually works! And is fast! Miracle!
- Mini-bar: (Slightly overpriced mini-bar, but hey, you're paying for the experience, right?)
- In-room safe box: Always a plus for peace of mind.
- Bathrobes and Slippers: Because what's luxury without a robe?
I gotta say, the bed was heavenly. Extra long, perfect pillows… I wanted to take it home with me. Seriously, I might have spent a little too long lounging around in that bed, ignoring my responsibilities. (Don't judge me!)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Luxury Lifestyle
Alright, let's talk food. This is where things get interesting.
- Restaurants: They've got a few, and they're all trying to be fancy. The Asian cuisine was pretty good, the international cuisine was… well, it was there. The prices, as you can imagine, were on the higher side.
- Breakfast: Buffet. Asian breakfast. Western breakfast. Pick your poison. I went for the buffet, because, hello, options! The pastries were tempting, the coffee was decent, and the egg station was a lifesaver.
- Poolside Bar: Essential. Cocktails, snacks, and a view of the pool? Yes, please! Happy hour was a definite highlight.
- Room Service (24-hour): Perfect for those late-night cravings. I may or may not have ordered a burger at 2 am. (Don't ask.)
- Coffee Shop: They had a coffee shop, which was good. Coffee, pastries, the usual.
The "Relaxation" Zone: Spa, Pool, and All That Jazz
Okay, this is where East One really shines.
- Swimming Pool (Outdoor): Stunning. Seriously, the pool with a view is the absolute star. The views from the pool are pretty amazing.
- Spa: I got a massage. It was… amazing. Deep tissue, all the knots worked out. Seriously, worth every penny.
- Sauna & Steamroom: Tried them both. Relaxing.
- Fitness Center: Well-equipped. Didn't use it much (too busy relaxing, you know?), but it looked good.
Cleanliness and Safety: The "Are We Surviving the Apocalypse?" Factor
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room (or, you know, the lingering anxieties of post-pandemic travel):
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check.
- Room sanitization between stays: Check.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They seemed to know what they were doing.
I felt pretty safe. They're taking it seriously, which is reassuring.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference
- Daily housekeeping: My room was spotless.
- Concierge: Helpful, friendly, and spoke excellent English.
- Laundry service: Convenient, but a bit pricey.
- Currency exchange: Useful.
- Elevator: Thank goodness.
- Food delivery: They had food delivery.
- Taxi Service: They had taxi service, but I used grab more often.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You):
While I didn't have any kids with me, they did seem to have some facilities for families. Babysitting services were available, and they had a kids meal option.
Things to Do (Besides Lounging by the Pool):
Okay, let's be real, you're not just going to hole up in your luxurious room the whole time. Phnom Penh has a lot to offer! East One is well-placed for exploring.
- The Royal Palace: A must-see.
- Wat Phnom: A beautiful temple.
- The Killing Fields (Choeung Ek): A sobering but important experience.
- The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum: Another important and somber visit.
- Markets: Explore the local markets for souvenirs and street food.
The Quirks, the Imperfections, and the Honest Truth:
Okay, let's be real. No place is perfect.
- The Price: It's expensive. Be prepared to open your wallet.
- The "Vibe": It can feel a little sterile at times. A bit too polished.
- The Food Prices: They are high. Be prepared.
My Verdict: Should You Stay?
Okay, here's the deal. East One Residence is a luxurious, well-appointed hotel. If you're looking for a splurge, a pampering experience, and a comfortable base for exploring Phnom Penh, it's a great choice. The rooms are gorgeous, the pool is amazing, and the service is top-notch. Just be prepared for the price tag. And maybe bring your own snacks.
My Recommendation: Go For It!
The "Can't-Resist" Offer (Because You Deserve It):
Book your stay at East One Residence by Soben Homes within the next 7 days and receive:
- A complimentary upgrade to a room with a city view (subject to availability).
- A free spa treatment (your choice of massage or facial) for two.
- A bottle of champagne upon arrival.
- 10% discount on all food and beverages at the hotel restaurants.
- Free airport transfer.
Why Now?
Because life's too short for uncomfortable beds and mediocre experiences. Treat yourself. You deserve it. And let's be honest, you've probably been working way too hard. So, go on, book that room and escape to paradise. You'll thank me later.
Book your stay now! (Link to booking page, of course!)
Unbelievable Ninh Binh Escape: La Mai Tam Coc Homestay Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're talking about East One Residence in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and trust me, this ain't going to be a perfectly curated Instagram feed. This is real life, people. And real life is messy, delicious, and occasionally involves me accidentally ordering a plate of fried tarantulas (more on that later).
East One Residence: Phnom Penh - The "Let's See What Happens" Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and the "Oh My God, I'm Actually Here" Moment
- Morning (7:00 AM): Touchdown at Phnom Penh International Airport. The air hits you like a warm, fragrant hug…or maybe it's just the jet lag talking. Either way, it's different. My stomach is already doing a nervous dance because I haven't eaten yet, and the idea of figuring out where to get my luggage makes me want to curl up and cry.
- Morning (8:00 AM): Immigration and customs. Honestly, this felt like a lottery. Papers, stamps, smiles, the whole shebang. I was sure I'd mess something up. I did not! Victory!
- Morning (9:00 AM): Taxi to East One Residence. The drive is a sensory overload. Motorbikes weaving like angry bees, tuk-tuks blaring music, vibrant colours assaulting your eyeballs. I'm already thinking, "This is going to be amazing…and possibly the death of me."
- Morning (10:00 AM): Check-in at East One Residence. Okay, the lobby is gorgeous. Sleek, modern, air-conditioned. I immediately feel a wave of relief, like I've found an oasis in a chaotic desert. The staff are incredibly friendly, which is a HUGE win after the airport.
- Mid-morning (11:00 AM): Room reveal! My room is…amazing. Seriously, I could live here. Big windows, a comfy bed, a balcony. I spend a solid ten minutes just staring out the window, taking in the view. This is when it truly hits me: I'M IN CAMBODIA. Cue the happy tears.
- Lunch (12:00 PM): Food, Glorious Food! Okay, I'm starving. I'm going to explore the neighborhood. I'm thinking street food, something adventurous, something that might make me regret my life choices in the morning. But hey, YOLO, right? I stumble upon a little stall serving… wait for it…fresh spring rolls. Delicious. So fresh, so vibrant, so not spider-y. I'm off to a good start.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Pool time! East One has a lovely pool. I'm not usually a pool person, but after the morning's chaos, this is pure heaven. I spend an hour just floating, letting the sun bake my worries away.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): Getting Lost in the City: I decide to wander around. It's hot, humid, and a little overwhelming. I get lost. Multiple times. I end up in a local market, surrounded by smells I can't even begin to identify. It's pure chaos, but in the best possible way. I buy a bag of something that looks like dried mango. It's sweet, chewy, and possibly the best thing I've ever eaten.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner at a local restaurant. I'm feeling brave! I order… drumroll…Amok. It's fish cooked in coconut milk with spices. It's creamy, flavourful, and I'm pretty sure I could eat it every day.
- Evening (8:00 PM): Sunset drinks on my balcony. Watching the city lights come on is magical. I open my journal, write down my thoughts, and feel a deep sense of peace. This is it. I'm living.
Day 2: Temples, Tarantulas, and a Tourist's Tears
- Morning (8:00 AM): Breakfast at the Residence. The buffet is fantastic. I load up on fruit and coffee, because I know I'll need the energy.
- Morning (9:00 AM): Tuk-tuk to Wat Phnom. This temple is beautiful, and I try to be respectful, even though I'm a total klutz. I accidentally trip over a step and nearly take out a small child. Mortification. I make a donation to atone.
- Late Morning (11:00 AM): The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. So much gold, so much history! I'm overwhelmed by the beauty and the weight of the past. I wander around, feeling a mix of awe and sadness. It's a lot to take in.
- Lunch (1:00 PM): Okay, here's where things get interesting. I'm feeling adventurous. I stumble upon a street food stall that's serving…fried tarantulas. I'm horrified, fascinated, and slightly drunk on the idea of doing something wild. I order one. It's…crunchy. And slightly…earthy? I manage to eat half of it before deciding that my stomach is better off without the other half. I'm not sure if it was the tarantula or just the intense heat, but I may have shed a tear.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): The Killing Fields (Choeung Ek). This is the hardest part of the trip. The stories are heartbreaking, and the place is heavy with grief. I walk around in silence, trying to absorb the history and pay my respects. It's a deeply moving experience.
- Late Afternoon (5:00 PM): Attempt at Recovery. The afternoon's events left me feeling drained. I take a long shower at East One, trying to wash away the sadness.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner at a Rooftop Restaurant. I need a pick-me-up. I find a rooftop restaurant with a view. The food is good, but I'm still processing the day. I look out over the city, and I'm grateful for the chance to be here, even with all the pain.
- Evening (9:00 PM): Early night. I'm exhausted. I curl up in bed and read, trying to escape into a different world.
Day 3: Markets, Massages, and the "I'm Leaving, But I Don't Want To" Blues
- Morning (9:00 AM): Last breakfast at East One. I savour every bite. I'm starting to feel like this place is my home.
- Morning (10:00 AM): Shopping Spree! I head to the Russian Market for souvenirs. Bargaining is a must! I get a few things for my family back home.
- Late Morning (12:00 PM): Massage time! I found a place nearby that offers traditional Khmer massages. It's bliss! My body is thanking me.
- Lunch (1:00 PM): One last meal of Amok. I love this dish and I'm going to miss it.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Packing and Reflecting. I'm starting to pack. It's a bittersweet moment. I look out the window one last time and feel a pang of sadness. I don't want to leave.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): Farewell Drinks on the Balcony. I sit on my balcony, looking out over the city, and raise a glass to Cambodia.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Farewell Dinner. I have one last dinner at a nice restaurant. I reflect on my trip. This has been such an amazing experience.
- Evening (8:00 PM): Taxi to the airport. The drive is quiet. I'm lost in thought.
- Evening (10:00 PM): Departure. Goodbye, Phnom Penh. I'll be back!
Important Notes:
- Flexibility is key: This is just a rough guide. Things will change. Embrace the chaos!
- Hydrate! It's hot and humid. Drink plenty of water.
- Bargain! But be respectful.
- Try everything! (Except maybe the whole tarantula. Unless you're feeling brave.)
- Be open to the unexpected. Some of the best moments will be the ones you didn't plan.
- Don't forget to breathe. And enjoy the ride!
This itinerary is just a suggestion. Make it your own. Get lost. Get messy. And most importantly, have fun! Cambodia is waiting!
Escape to Paradise: Monara House, Unawatuna's Hidden Gem
East One Residence: So Luxurious, It's Almost Offensive (But I Kinda Love It) - FAQ
Okay, Seriously, What Even *Is* East One? Like, Beyond the Glossy Brochures?
Alright, picture this: you're in Phnom Penh. Humidity's already trying to melt your face, you've dodged a tuk-tuk attempting vehicular homicide, and then… BAM. Towering glass, gleaming marble, the air practically *vibrating* with wealth. That's East One. It's a luxury apartment complex by Soben Homes, and let me tell you, they don't skimp on the "luxury." Think gold-plated faucets, infinity pools with views that’ll make you weep (mostly from joy, maybe a little from the price tag). It's the kind of place where you half-expect a butler to pop out and offer you a diamond-encrusted toothbrush. Honestly, the brochures? They're accurate. Maybe even *understated* in their description of the sheer, unadulterated *splendor* of the place.
Is the "Infinity Pool with a View" Just Marketing Hype, or is it Actually Worth Dying For? (Metaphorically, Obviously.)
Okay, confession time: I *almost* cried the first time I saw the infinity pool. Not the ugly cry, thankfully. The good cry. The "I-can't-believe-this-exists-and-I-might-actually-be-able-to-afford-a-cocktail-here-once-in-my-life" cry. The view? Unbelievable. You're looking out over the city, the Mekong River snaking through the landscape, the sunsets… Oh. My. God. Sunsets. Worth dying for? Maybe. Worth selling a kidney for? Possibly. I mean, the chlorine smell is a little strong (they *are* trying to keep it clean, bless their hearts), but the sheer *vibe* of lounging there, cocktail in hand, feeling like a Bond villain? Pure, unadulterated bliss. Just… be prepared for the selfie sticks. They're everywhere. And they're wielded with the force of a thousand suns.
The Apartments Themselves – Are They Actually Livable, Or Just Showpieces? (And How Big are They, Really?)
Right, so, the apartments. They're… spacious. Let's just say you won't be tripping over your own feet. I saw a two-bedroom that could easily accommodate a small army (or, you know, a couple and their extensive collection of designer handbags). The layouts are well-thought-out, the finishes are top-notch (think imported Italian marble – the kind you could probably eat off of, if you were into that sort of thing). And the kitchens! Oh, the kitchens! They’re like something out of a cooking show, complete with state-of-the-art appliances that I wouldn’t even know how to operate. Honestly, I feel like I need to hire a personal chef just to justify having one. Are they livable? Absolutely. Are they *affordable*? Well… that's a different question entirely. Let's just say you'll need a trust fund or a seriously lucrative career. Or maybe just a really good poker face. (I'm still working on that one.)
What’s the Deal With the "Concierge Service"? Do They Actually Do Anything Beyond Pointing You Towards the Lobby?
Okay, the concierge. This is where it gets interesting. On paper, they're your personal assistants, your go-to gurus for everything from booking a table at a Michelin-starred restaurant to arranging a private helicopter tour of Angkor Wat. In reality? Well, I’ve heard whispers. Rumor has it they *can* do all that. I've mostly interacted with them to ask for directions to the gym (which, by the way, is also ridiculously fancy). They're polite, efficient, and they always seem to know exactly where you're going, even if you have no idea yourself. The *true* test? I once saw a guy desperately trying to get a last-minute reservation at a ridiculously exclusive club. The concierge just… *made it happen*. So yeah, they're probably more useful than I give them credit for. Just don't ask them to do your laundry. I suspect that's beneath their pay grade.
The Gym: Is it Just a Room Full of Shiny Machines, Or is it Actually Worth Sweating In?
The gym at East One? Oh, it's not just a gym. It's a *statement*. Think floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city (because, you know, why *wouldn't* you want to admire the view while you're suffering through a treadmill session?). Top-of-the-line equipment, personal trainers who probably know more about your body than you do, and a level of cleanliness that makes you want to lick the floor (don't do that, though – I'm just saying it's *that* clean). There's also a sauna, a steam room, and probably a cryotherapy chamber (I haven't been brave enough to try that yet). The only downside? The sheer intimidation factor. You're surrounded by people who clearly take fitness *very* seriously. So, you know, try not to accidentally knock over a dumbbell while you're trying to figure out which machine does what. I speak from experience. (It was embarrassing.)
Okay, So, What's the Catch? There *Has* to Be a Catch, Right?
Alright, let's be honest. Nothing is perfect. And East One, despite its best efforts, is no exception. The biggest catch? The price. Duh. It's eye-watering. You'll probably need to remortgage your soul to afford a place. Then there's the sheer… *excess* of it all. It's a bit much, even for someone who appreciates the finer things in life. Sometimes you just want to, you know, wear pajamas and eat instant noodles without feeling like you're committing a fashion crime. The other thing? The potential for snobbery. Let's face it, you're living amongst the elite. There's a certain… vibe. I've seen some side-eye in the elevator. And, let's be real, the construction noise from the neighboring projects can get a bit much. But honestly? Even with all the flaws, the sheer luxury of the place… it’s seductive. I’m torn. I want to hate it. But I don’t. I kind of… love it. And that, my friends, is the biggest catch of all.
Parking - Is it a Nightmare? (Because Let's Face It, Phnom Penh Parking is a Nightmare, Everywhere.)
Okay, parking. This is where the illusion of perfection *slightly5 Star Stay Find
