We stayed for a week in a suite ($75/night) at the City River and were extremely pleased with the place. It appears to be one of the few mid-priced hotels with a swimming pool near downtown. The location is on the bank of the river and a short walk (if you're up for it) or tuk-tuk ride from the city.

Staff was very friendly and helpful, the hotel was clean and well maintained. When we stayed the hotel was finishing off an expansion, which I rather suspect will mean an increase in prices. The cable TV had about 9 million channels in every major European or Asian language, for those who are too tuckered after Angkor Wat to explore the city lights.

Our package included free pick up and return to the airport, which is probably a good thing, given the tendency of taxi drivers to take you where they want to go rather than where you want to go.

While breakfast was rather unimaginative (but certainly palatable) we really had no so few complaints it is hard to think of anything else to say. The rooftop swimming pool was newly opened and what made it especially delightful was that so few people used it. Not sure if that will continue or not.

Anyway, we have travelled all over Asia and found the City River hotel one of the better bargains we have come across. I fear though that the recent expansion may mean the hotel has aspirations of moving upscale, meaning it will be less of a bargain in the future.

My sister and I stayed at the City River Hotel during Christmas of '06, and it was a happy experience. We had a bad experience with the taxi driver from the airport to the hotel ("If you don't book me for the entire trip, you are killing my family"), so we asked the very kind receptionists for a professional and good guide and driver for the entire trip. They delivered, and found us an educated and passionate tour guide (Leang Kihn, who became our friend; $20/day) and friendly and prompt driver (Bun-Heang $10/day). We wanted Bun-heang to drive us back to the airport on the last day, but he had business in Phnom Pehn. This wonderful driver had his own cousin come pick us up promptly at 6AM!

We had a great trip--the hotel was clean, quiet, in a great location (5 minute walk to downtown and safe), the restaurant is fine, and the air conditioning was great.

The one warning I can give is to make sure you deal with the same concierge staff member when booking tours. The very nice person we had during the first night allowed us to pay up-front, and customize the tour. As we were leaving, the 2nd concierge staff member said "Wait, you didn't pay for the tour yet!" He was very unprofessional and almost kept us from missing our flight. Thank goodness I kept my receipt. Wherever you end up staying, make sure you keep your receipts and that the front desk keeps a record of your payment.

Excellent value for our U$44. Deluxe, large, comfortable room for 4 nights overlooking river (partially through a tree, but I like trees). Spacious bathroom well fitted out. We had a single connecting door through which talking could be heard on night one, then cheerful laughter the next night. We were so tired from temple touring it didn't bother us and we probably slept through some of it. Buffet breakfast was a bit repetitive each morning, and some of the hot food dishes (rice, noodles) were not kept hot enough. Mostly OK and we didn't feel we needed to seek out another cafe to substitute. Desk staff were obliging, but for most English was a bit difficult, however anything we booked was attended to and car or tuck-tuck drivers turned up on time. Paying per half hour of internet was a bit restricting and annoying. I had just about got to one of my research answers when time ran out! We did enjoy What Bo? Cafe next door, enjoying beers and light food. Mr Dara Pok was very cheerful and welcoming. Also eating in the Old Market area is a must. Plenty to chose from and at night a couple of lit up streets visually reminded us of Italy - but then we sat down to eat Vietnamese dish of snake and crocodile! Overall really enjoyed the hotel - think it was full or nearly full most of our stay.

My son and I stayed at the City River for three nights and agree
that is tis a pleasant building in a very favorable location. What we
didn't like were the following

The breakfast was lackluster and oversalted with lots of
starch and horrible orange and bad coffee. No wonder there
are few if any people who eat their dining room in the evening.

The construction noise began at 7:15 and went on until 5:00pm every day-drilling and hammering was incessant.

To reach the lovely roof pool, which had no towels or drinks, you go through four floors of construction, which is frankly not safe.

Our bathroom smelled of sewage and there were a few times when there was no hot water.

We were also furious with the front desk, who albeit very polite,
did not seem to know about local ground transportation other than the full-day moto-cab and car rentals.

I would stay away at least until the hotel remedies these problems.