(Phnom Penh): On 10 July 2025, the signing ceremony of the project management contract for Steigenberger Hotel Phnom Penh and the inauguration ceremony of Merton Hotel Management Group (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. were successfully concluded in the Great Wall Hall on the 46th floor of Morgan Tower. This significant moment marks the official entry of Steigenberger, the German luxury hotel brand under Huazhu Group, into Cambodia, and signifies that Morgan Group has entered a new phase in its light-asset strategy. Moreover, the inauguration of Merton Hotel Management Group (Cambodia) Co., Ltd., which carries the strategic ambitions of both parties, is set to reshape the landscape of high-end hospitality in Southeast Asia.
Cross-border Collaboration: Jointly Embarking on a New Journey of Luxury Accommodation
On the day of the signing ceremony, Ding Yongjun, President of Morgan (Cambodia) Investment Group, Oliver Bonke, CEO of Huazhu International, and Zhu Xiaogang, President of Huazhu Asia-Pacific, attended the event. The signing was completed under the witness of colleagues from various sectors and the media. This moment signifies that the cooperation between the two parties has entered a substantive phase of advancement, and Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, is about to welcome a new benchmark for high-end hotels.
The new management platform sets sail, reshaping the regional hotel ecosystem.
Immediately following the signing ceremony, the unveiling ceremony proceeded smoothly. Ding Yongjun, Chairman of Morgan Group, and Liu Jiawei, General Manager of Commercial Operations, jointly unveiled the plaque for Merton Hotel Management Group (Cambodia) Co., Ltd.
As the red cover was lowered, the company nameplate was officially revealed. This moment symbolizes the beginning of Morgan Group's formal entry into asset-light operations, marking the launch of its operational work. It provides a solid foundation for the future operation of hotels, F&B brands, and property management assets.
Zhu Xiaogang, President of Huazhu Asia Pacific, stated: "As Huazhu's first premium hotel project in Southeast Asia, the Phnom Penh Steigenberger project leverages the world's fastest-growing hospitality group. We are fully confident that through Steigenberger's distinct German heritage and exceptional service standards, we will deliver a market-leading premium accommodation experience for guests."
"The project's spectacular riverscape, premium product standards, and prime location within the city's core commercial district also provide Steigenberger with an ideal stage to showcase its brand promise of 'German Craftsmanship, Asian Hospitality, Cambodian Charm."
During his speech, Ding Yongjun of Morgan Group mentioned that having cultivated a deep presence in Cambodia for many years, the Group's partnership with Huazhu to introduce the Steigenberger hotel brand represents a crucial step in the strategic upgrade and implementation of its premium hospitality portfolio.
Steigenberger, a nearly century-old German family-owned brand and a flagship of Deutsche Hospitality, embodies the industry benchmark of "German luxury" and unparalleled service, earning high regard among global luxury travelers. Introducing this world-class brand to Phnom Penh creates a fascinating convergence of German precision and Khmer culture.
Landmark Luxury Arrives: Crafting Unique Experiences Through Cultural Fusion
Strategically situated within the 230-meter landmark Morgan Tower in Phnom Penh's CBD Diamond Island, the newly established Steigenberger Hotel boasts an unparalleled location. The property features approximately 120 meticulously designed guest rooms, each offering breathtaking 270° panoramic views of the Mekong River.
Architecturally, the hotel masterfully blends century-old German craftsmanship with distinctive Khmer cultural elements. Premium dining venues present authentic German specialties and Cambodian cuisine, catering to diverse palates.
Facilities include:
• A sky-high banquet hall and multifunctional meeting spaces for business events
• Comprehensive wellness amenities: fitness center, sauna, and spa
This integration creates a unique hospitality experience – seamlessly combining luxurious accommodation, gourmet dining, professional functionality, and holistic relaxation under one roof.
Setting Industry Benchmarks, Propelling Regional Tourism Growth
This partnership represents not merely a collaboration between two enterprises, but the seamless convergence of an international luxury hospitality brand with regional market assets. With the launch of Steigenberger Hotel and the operational expertise of Merton Hotel Management Group, Cambodia—and Southeast Asia at large—stand to gain transformative development opportunities in the premium hospitality sector. The dawn of a new era redefining luxury accommodation is now unfolding.
A Century-Long Legacy: The Steigenberger Story
The Steigenberger legacy began a century ago in Germany when founder Albert Steigenberger acquired Baden-Baden's renowned 【Hotel Europäischer Hof】 (today's 【Steigenberger Europäischer Hof】), marking the genesis of this century-long hospitality dynasty.
In 1940, the family expanded their portfolio by purchasing Frankfurt's Hotel Hof – now the iconic【Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof】. This flagship property became a symbol of the brand's heritage, hosting dignitaries including Queen Victoria, François Mitterrand, and King Juan Carlos I.
Equally noteworthy is Switzerland's【Steigenberger Grandhotel Belvédère】 in Davos. For 50 consecutive years, it has served as the main venue for the 【World Economic Forum】, welcoming global leaders from Einstein and Chaplin to British royalty and multiple US presidents.
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