I just completed my second stay (3 nights) at this hotel in as many years. It is still a reliable place to stay. The staff makes this place, and it is all about having fun.

In a noisy congested city, the place is an oasis, located at the far north end of the river walk. It is just far enough away from the worst noise but still close enough to walk to the places all along the river.

The bar downstairs is upscale and attracts a good local clientele along with the guests from all over the world. A soundproof door has been installed since my last visit between the bar and the stairs up to the rooms which eliminates any bar noise at night in the rooms.

Overall an excellent choice for a hotel/guesthouse in this price range.

I was most impressed with the wealth of information provided by the owner Jim, as well as the staff, I stayed with my Girlfriend from Monday to Friday 16-20 Jan, and after flying in from an all nighter in Bangkok, was welcomed and promptly shown our rooms. I found them to be quite clean, nice sheets, a ceiling fan, TV Fridge (with beer) and A/C, all was just right. No complaints at all with regards to the facilities. Also good value, I'm not a hostel traveller, but if you want to save on your billeting costs, (and share a room with strangers) then go ahead, if you want well appointed clean quiet and usable rooms, with great staff to hang out with and glean local information from then stay at the California 2.

Anyones whose been to PP knows about the Tuk Tuk drivers, they can be annoying. The ones that 'stand by' the California 2 have been well informed by Jim as to what constitutes good service, and how to cater to the type guests he has, and are easy to use, and not pushy at all, in fact are quite helpful.

I was surprised to have been offered to open a bar tab at the beginning of my stay, and found it quite convienent to be able to pop in and out and eat, drink and leave, almost like at home (or what many people would like home to be).

Jim, having extensively traveled SE Asia, Cambodia in particular, can give first hand advice and knowledge about pretty much anything you might want to do or see. He promotes the Country and City well, supports other business owned by locals and Expats alike, and it is easy to see, is the type of guy who does the right thing and does right by people.

My Girl and I are very much looking forward to our next visit. Phnom Penh is a vibrant growing city, and I wouldn't stay. anywhere else, or reccomend anywhere else other than the California 2. If you like the anonimity of high class hotels, then this place is not for you. If you enjoy good people and good conversation, and feeling for a short time like being welcomed as part of a community, be sure to book ahead at the California 2.

Happy travels to all, and If you don't enjoy new experiences in developing countries, stay home.

I picked out to stay at the california 2 based on the reviews and had already booked a room for 3 nights online. And I didn't regret it a moment. The hotelrooms (I took a standard room) are excellent and well kept clean (although they're a little bit small, but that didn't bother me). The staff is friendly, enjoyable and I had always fun with them. Jim is a walking encyclopedia about everything in Cambodia and always ready to answer any questions. Don't I have no complaints about California 2? Yes, I have ...... they only play American football on the tv ...... LOL, no tennis or football (soccer :-))
At last I went back to stay there 2 times more during my stay in Cambodia in December 2011.
And I'll go back when I'm back in Cambodia.

Eric Nieuwendijk (Belgium)

I chose this hotel for its price, location to the night market, and positive reviews on TripAdvisor.

I was in the bar discussing photography with the owner when "Jillsbrain" was complaining to the owner about something. I gathered she just checked in and wanted to overhear in case there was rats or something. I couldn't figure out what her complaint was. Whatever. I think she was way wrong and i told her so to her face.

How could anyone complain about the location? it's on the river!

i liked my stay. I liked the 24 hour open bar. (and really when was the last you went to a bar that wasn't filled with men?) It was like hanging out with friends at Jim's house. I'm sure this is the only Mexican food in PHN besides VIVA!.