Preparations are under way for Cambodian-based Grand Lion Group to open the very first Marriott International branded hotel in Cambodia, a 233-room Courtyard by Marriott Siem Reap Resort in April 2017.
The Courtyard by Marriott Siem Reap Resort is strategically sited 15 minutes away from the UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor Archaeological Park, one of the world’s renowned tourist sites which drew over two million global visitors in 2015.
In June this year, the European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) announced Cambodia as the ‘World’s Best Tourist Destination’ for 2016, out of 29 candidate countries. Simultaneously, Cambodia was also declared the ‘Favourite Cultural Destination’. The top three source markets to Cambodia are Asia, Europe and the Americas.
The Courtyard by Marriott Siem Reap Resort will feature 233 stylishly-designed guestrooms with four-fixture bathrooms. In-room amenities will include Marriott’s famous plush bed and bath linen and amenities, high-definition flat-screen television, high-speed internet access, mini-bar and safe.
Dining and entertainment options include a casual, all-day dining restaurant, a rooftop bar called The View with stunning views of Angkor Wat, a grand ballroom and a lobby lounge.
Recreational facilities will include an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre as well as a full-service spa including a relaxation lounge and a foot reflexology area.
The Courtyard by Marriott Siem Reap Resort is one of three Courtyard by Marriott Resorts in Asia planned with a kids’ club. With the young family market in mind, the Siem Reap property will offer the very first and only kids club in Siem Reap called ‘Treehouse’ for toddlers and a junior kids game room. The property will also feature approximately 600 sq m of function space and is expected to create over 200 employment opportunities.
The Grand Lion Group also plans to open a 250-room resort Marriott branded resort in Cambodia’s beachside playground of Sihanoukville adjacent to a 688-unit residence and a retail mall.
Slated to break ground in the 4th quarter of 2017, the sleek USD160 million project designed by Blink Architects, is dramatically designed to change the skyline of Sihanoukville and inject real luxury into this region. Sited four hours by road from Phnom Penh in the south west of Cambodia, the Resort is scheduled to open in 2020.
President and chief executive officer of the Grand Lion Group, Mr Lundy Nath comments, “We are extremely excited and geared up for the opening of the Courtyard by Marriott Siem Reap Resort in April. The Angkor Archaeological Park is one of the world’s top UNESCO World Heritage Sites which continues to attract increasing numbers of international visitors.
“I am confident that the opening of Courtyard by Marriott Siem Reap Resort, an established worldwide hospitality brand, will play an important role in attracting visitors from far and wide.
“Our international guests, especially from Asia, USA and Europe, who are accustomed to the high service standards of the Marriott brand will be assured of the same levels at the Courtyard by Marriott Siem Reap Resort.”
With total investment in excess of USD 200 million across its current hotel ventures in Cambodia, the Grand Lion Group hospitality division is expected to create over 500 sustainable high quality employment opportunities.