It all started when we fell in love with a hidden gem of French-Khmer architecture from the 1920s next to Wat Botum, Phnom Penh's royal pagoda. Renovation and remodeling were done with due respect for the character of a building which had been, as we learnt later on, a private retreat for Queen Consort Sisowath Kossamak, the late King Sihanouk's mother. Opened on 18 August 2006 with 10 rooms, The Pavilion has slowly expanded over the years, offering now 36 accommodations throughout three more period buildings that have been added to the property: "The New House", former residence of the chief veterinarian at the Royal Palace; "The New Villa", formerly the private residence of a Cambodian senator (which hosts its 4 Private Pool Rooms, with each their plunge pool), and "The Sun-Pool Villa", our latest addition which used to be lodgings for diplomats based in Phnom Penh. Each one has its own style and atmosphere, with distinctive architectural features such as an elaborate wooden stairway, intricate iron wrought railings, etc. The Pavilion only accepts guests over 16 years old, and visitors from outside cannot join in the rooms.