Raffles Hotel Le Royal, the renowned luxury heritage hotel in the heart of Phnom Penh, has appointed Dagmar Lyons as its new General Manager. Lyons, a seasoned hotelier with over two decades of experience at some of the world’s most prestigious luxury hotels, brings her expertise and leadership to the iconic property as it continues to cement its reputation as one of Southeast Asia’s leading luxury destinations.

Lyons joins Raffles Hotel Le Royal from the Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver, Canada, where she served as Hotel Manager for the past two years. During her tenure, Lyons led the hotel to a Forbes Five-Star rating, the highest level of recognition in luxury hospitality, for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024). Prior to her time in Vancouver, Lyons held key leadership roles in luxury properties across the globe, including Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai, China, and The St. Regis Doha in Qatar.

A Global Leader in Luxury Hospitality

Dagmar Lyons’ career in hospitality has spanned North America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, showcasing her ability to deliver excellence in some of the world’s most competitive luxury markets. Her appointment as General Manager of Raffles Hotel Le Royal comes at a time when the historic hotel is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, following a significant refurbishment and restoration project completed in 2019. The hotel has since garnered numerous accolades, including recognition from Travel + Leisure magazine as the Best City Hotel in Cambodia and Luxury Lifestyle Magazine as one of the Top 25 City Hotels Worldwide.

“I am delighted to be at Raffles Hotel Le Royal, which is a true icon of luxury hospitality in Southeast Asia. The hotel has an incredibly rich history, extraordinary culinary offerings, a celebrated cocktail bar, an award-winning spa, and so much more,” said Lyons. “I look forward to leading the team as we continue to elevate our guest experiences and build on the incredible legacy of this historic hotel.”

Continuing the Legacy of Raffles Hotel Le Royal

First opened in 1929, Raffles Hotel Le Royal has long been synonymous with luxury and elegance, attracting dignitaries, celebrities, and discerning travelers from around the world. The hotel’s 175 rooms and suites underwent a meticulous restoration in 2019, blending its storied past with modern luxury in a style that draws inspiration from French colonial, Khmer, and Art Deco influences. From its grand architectural features to its lush tropical gardens, Raffles Hotel Le Royal remains an iconic landmark in the Cambodian capital.

Exceptional Culinary Offerings and Iconic Venues

As General Manager, Dagmar Lyons will oversee all aspects of the hotel’s operations, ensuring that Raffles Hotel Le Royal continues to offer unparalleled luxury experiences. The hotel’s acclaimed dining venues include Restaurant Le Royal, which showcases Khmer fine dining, and Le Phnom 1929, a French-style brasserie that offers guests a blend of classic French dishes with local influences.

One of the hotel’s most celebrated venues is the Elephant Bar, a legendary cocktail bar known for its elegant atmosphere and extensive menu, which includes its signature Femme Fatale cocktail—created in honor of Jacqueline Kennedy during her visit to Cambodia in 1967. Under Lyons’ leadership, these dining and bar venues will continue to deliver world-class service and innovative culinary experiences that celebrate both the hotel’s heritage and Cambodia’s vibrant culture.

A Beacon of Sustainable and Cultural Tourism

Beyond its luxury accommodations and dining experiences, Raffles Hotel Le Royal has positioned itself as a leader in promoting sustainable tourism and preserving Cambodia’s cultural heritage. The hotel works closely with local artisans and suppliers, ensuring that its offerings reflect the authenticity and richness of Cambodian culture. Lyons’ experience in leading luxury hotels with a focus on sustainability and community engagement will be instrumental in further strengthening these initiatives.

Accolades and Global Recognition

Raffles Hotel Le Royal’s commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed. This year alone, it was named Best City Hotel in Cambodia by Travel + Leisure magazine, while Luxury Lifestyle Magazine placed the hotel in its Top 25 City Hotels Worldwide. These accolades reflect the hotel’s reputation as a must-visit destination for luxury travelers seeking both the charm of old-world elegance and the comfort of modern amenities.

Under Lyons’ stewardship, Raffles Hotel Le Royal is expected to continue to receive international recognition, building on its long-standing reputation as one of the world’s most prestigious luxury hotels.

Lyons’ Vision for the Future

As General Manager, Lyons aims to enhance the guest experience at every level, with a focus on personalized service, cultural immersion, and luxury refinement. Her leadership style emphasizes a guest-first approach, ensuring that each visitor to Raffles Hotel Le Royal experiences the highest level of care and attention, whether they are staying for a leisure holiday, business trip, or special occasion.

With the hospitality industry rapidly evolving, Lyons is also committed to embracing new technologies and innovations that enhance guest satisfaction without compromising the traditional values of luxury and service that Raffles Hotel Le Royal is known for.

“Raffles Hotel Le Royal is more than just a hotel—it’s a living part of Cambodia’s history. I look forward to working with our team to preserve this legacy while introducing fresh ideas that will keep us at the forefront of the luxury hospitality industry,” said Lyons.

Conclusion

With the appointment of Dagmar Lyons as General Manager, Raffles Hotel Le Royal is poised to continue its legacy of luxury hospitality while embracing the future with renewed energy and vision. As a leader with a proven track record in delivering excellence across global markets, Lyons is well-positioned to guide the iconic hotel through its next chapter, ensuring that it remains a cornerstone of Cambodia’s tourism and hospitality sectors.

Lyons’ leadership, combined with the hotel’s exceptional offerings and commitment to sustainability, will further solidify Raffles Hotel Le Royal’s standing as a world-class destination in Southeast Asia.

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