Club W

Club W offers a Japanese-style bar experience in Phnom Penh. It blends elements of a hostess bar and a KTV, and while it’s somewhat under the radar for most non-Japanese visitors, anyone can walk through its doors and enjoy what it has to offer. It stands out from the usual open-door bars found near the riverside.

Not all unique spots are hits, though. I once reviewed a bar called The Filling Station that was quite disappointing. Thankfully, Club W is a well-run establishment that’s a pleasure to visit.

Japanese-style bars have a different vibe from the typical Southeast Asian hostess bars. They’re more like the “girls bars” you’d find in Japan, where the focus is on enjoying the company of women, drinking, singing, and eating. These bars aren’t designed for quick encounters. In Japan, people seeking intimate experiences would go to soaplands, and in this region, they’d visit full-service massage parlors.

Club W is situated on Street 222 in the more upscale Boeung Keng Kang area, far from the bustling riverside bar scene. It’s somewhat tucked away, with a gated entrance that adds to its discreet feel. Just to clarify, it’s not to be confused with W Club, a nightclub located elsewhere in the city.

Inside, Club W has a Japanese-inspired feel but with a local twist. Unlike traditional Japanese girls bars where staff sit behind the bar and keep a strict separation from customers, Club W allows patrons to either sit at the bar or enjoy private rooms with the staff. While there's no sex service, guests can still enjoy relaxed interactions and cozy up with the staff. There are no restrictions on exchanging contact details, and patrons often enjoy drinks, good company, and even some karaoke.

The Japanese influence is evident through the membership system and the option for unlimited drinks. The staff speak Japanese well and often cater their look to Japanese preferences, featuring slimmer figures and lighter skin. The bar is also notably clean, which is a plus in Phnom Penh.

Club W has a staff of over a dozen women, including local Cambodians with a Japanese touch and a few Thai staff members. You might hear Khmer, Thai, Japanese, and English during your visit. The women are attractive, well-dressed, and well-groomed, with some being quite popular due to their notable figures.

Private rooms cost $30 per hour. Regular beers are priced between $4 and $6, and there are more expensive options like Maker’s Mark for $150 and V.S.O.P. for $180. Special Japanese whiskies can cost over $1,000.

Lady drinks are $5, which is comparable to other hostess bars. While Club W can become expensive, they’re upfront about their pricing, which is a positive aspect. They display their rates more clearly than many other bars in the city.

Overall, Club W is a great spot if you’re looking for a Japanese-style lounge experience. It’s not a brothel or a typical hostess bar but rather a relaxed venue with friendly entertainers. It’s geared towards Japanese patrons but can be enjoyable for anyone with the right expectations.