Prince Times Hotel general manager Simon Chong is optimistic for the future. Hean Rangsey
Prince Times Hotel’s general manager Simon Chong says the future is bright for Sihanoukville, with the city’s premier five-star establishment – with its full range of international-standard amenities – perfectly placed to offer visitors the highest levels of luxury.
Opened in July 2018 and situated close to the beach and the famous Golden Lions Roundabout in the centre of the city, the Prince Times Hotel has borne witness to Sihanoukville’s remarkable recent development.
“Prince Times Hotel has been built to the highest international standards and offers the best in luxury facilities, while we maintain and improve the famous Cambodian hospitality.
“With the recent development bringing top quality infrastructure and services, Prince Times Hotel stands ready to represent the modern Sihanoukville that Cambodia is set to show the world,” Chong said.
With the government’s policy of not forcing vaccinated international visitors to quarantine for 14 days a boon for the Kingdom’s tourism industry, the Prince Times Hotel stringently follows the provincial’s authorities strict SOPs (standard operating procedures) to ensure peace of mind.
And with these recent developments, Chong is optimistic for Cambodia’s tourism sector.
“Next year for the hotels sector will be fantastic. When international tourism returns to Cambodia, Sihanoukville will receive large numbers of tourists because people really do enjoy coming here. Here we have the best of everything – entertainment, the beach, the islands, just to mention a few.
“This can be seen from the market recently, with the figures already pointing to a strong return for tourism in Sihanoukville.
“Over the period of the recent Water Festival, for example, we hit some 70 per cent without really advertising. So I am confident that the Cambodian tourism market will return next year,” the Malaysian said.
With 193 luxury ocean view rooms, guests at Prince Times Hotel enjoy access to a swimming pool, yoga, a gym and a helicopter pad on the roof, among the full range of top-notch facilities, while the sky bar offers stunning views over the city.
The establishment’s Chinese restaurant features the best in traditional cuisine and delicacies, while there is also a Southeast Asian-style restaurant, an all-day dining restaurant, a lobby lounge, an executive lounge and executive club to meet guests’ needs.
The Preah Sihanouk provincial authorities have proritised MICE – meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions – tourism as a major focus for the city going forward, and Chong says the Prince Times Hotel is already set to cater for all such needs.
“In January, Sihanoukville will be hosting the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2022, and we will be hosting certain events for certain countries,” he said.
With a number of various size conference rooms and VIP rooms, which are ideal for all types of conferences, the hotel is ready to host everything from large events and exclusive board meetings, to product launches and corporate-wide celebrations.
‘International quality facilities’
The Prince Times also boasts – at nine metres high and with an area of 800 square metres – the largest pillar-free multifunctional banqueting hall in Sihanoukville, capable of seating up to 800 people.
There are also latest sound and audio devices, and one of the Kingdom’s largest high-definition LED screens, while the hotel’s impeccable service and culinary delicacies are readily available.
The Sihanoukville Multipurpose Special Economic Zone Masterplan aims to diversify its development to attract an extensive range of investors and tourists.
And Chong – who has worked for the high-end international Shangri-La and Regent International hotel chains, as well as Genting Star Cruises over a 30-year career – says that the Prince Times Hotel’s broad appeal is one of its main strengths.
“Unlike many hotels in Sihanoukville, we don’t have a casino. “This is something that makes us more attractive to families and five-star international business travellers, and allows us to more effectively cater for meetings, conferences and exhibitions.
“So as the city itself looks to attract a wider range of tourists, the Prince Times Hotel will be here to welcome them with all the international quality facilities, service and F&B we have to offer,” he said.
