They were also responsible for many important constructions in Phnom Penh and the provinces built during the fifties and sixties. Nowadays, Cambodians still refer to the Independence-Hotel as the “7 storey hotel”. It is a direct reference to this outstanding landmark which sits like a beacon on a promontory in the heart of the tropical forest. One hallmark of modernist architecture is the use of a site to add prominence to the architect’s intentions. In this particular case, the marriage works well with the hotel positioned to command views of coastline and the rolling hills of Sihanouk Ville in every direction. Built at a cost of 30 million riel, the hotel was constructed to complement the burgeoning tourist influx in Sihanouk Ville. In 1963, the state tourism authority built economy-class beachfront Krung Preah Sihanouk motels. With the construction of the new port and villas that mushroomed along O Chheuteal Beach, Sihanouk Ville was soon vying with Kep for the custom of beachgoers.