Dara Hotels (dara: ផ្កាយ, “star” in Khmer) is the brand name for an initiative by Cambodian investors who, in the early 2000s, decided to join forces in order to develop a Cambodian hospitality group. Dara Hotels’ vision is to develop quality hotels in strategic locations across the country.

The first project was a vast renovation at the iconic Independence Hotel (known as Hotel Pram Pi Chhonn in Khmer, The Seven-Storey Hotel), the “Grande Dame” of Sihanoukville that younger generations see as the symbol of their country’s “Golden Age” – completed in 1964, Independence Hotel was a personal project of late King Norodom Sihanouk. This historic landmark, known nowadays as Independence Hotel by Dara, is undergoing another phase of modernization.

Dara Hotels then turned its attention to another strategic area of Cambodia, the rapidly growing business and residential district of Toeuk Thla in the capital city. Conveniently situated at the Ratana Plaza Mall, near Phnom Penh International Airport and the recently launched Special Economic Zone, the Dara Airport City Hotel & Spa has become since July 2012 a great hub for international business travelers and local entrepreneurs.

New developments

In 2018, Dara Hotels is set to open Dara Riverside Hotel & Spa with 88 rooms right on the River, in central Phnom Penh. Attached to it will be the Dara Riverside Garden Villas – Serviced Cottages, with 44 villas nestled in tropical gardens, both close to the Royal Palace.

Then, that same year, Dara Hotels will launch the Angkor Green Gardens Resort & Spa in Siem Reap, a brand new, 159 rooms, suites and villas luxury hospitality complex on the way from the airport to Cambodia’s Wonder of the World. And in Phnom Penh again, we are remodeling and extending a large administration building from the Sixties for Dara - Golden Sixties, high-standing serviced apartments and penthouses a few steps from Wat Phnom, landmark of Cambodia's capital city.

Wellness and leisure

Along with their outstanding locations and their quality of service, one of Dara Hotels distinctive traits is also their wellness facilities: Jouvence Fitness & Spa, our signature wellness brand which is now expanding to several in-town locations.

We are currently revamping the Dara Independence Beach Club in Sihanoukville, while its outpost in Phnom Penh, the Koch Pich DIB Club,  has recently  open to great acclaim. Phnom Penhers can now get the beach vibe on this vast venue dedicated to poolside lounging, live music evenings and private events al fresco or under a reception tent big enough to host 200 sitting guests for weddings, teambuilding or promotional events.

Dara Hotels keeps on developing along its fundamental lines – supporting local culture and arts, effectively contributing to the country’s economic growth and encouraging employment and career opportunities for Cambodian nationals.