94. Yangon

We were staying at the Strand Hotel, one of the four world famous hotels that kept European colonists in Old World comfort while they busied themselves with their Asian colonies (the others are the Oriental in Bangkok, Raffles in Singapore and the Eastern and Oriental in Penang). It was whites only from its founding in the 1890's until it was occupied by the Japanese during world war II. After that it was run by the Burmese socialists and left to fall apart. It was privatized about fifteen years ago and restored to its former glory (ex the whites only policy of course).



Our first experience with the hotel was more socialist mismanagement than former glory, as our car didn't show up to pick us up at the airport. But we managed to get to the hotel in a dilapidated taxi, and the hotel is quite beautiful. It's in the middle of Yangon's colonial era downtown, and is really stands out as a polished gem next to its neighbors, who have all seen better days. Service is excellent, the rooms very spacious (great ceiling height) and lots of colonial touches in decor that brings back the days of the Empire. Of course the period thing can be taken too far, as I could have done without the authenticity of no pool, gym or edible food. Overall: 7, (Room-8, Facilities-6, Service-8).