At a Glance
- Possibly the best located hotel in Yangon, right in the heart of the former colonial district, right on the waterfront from where you can just walk out and explore the city
- Just 30 suites, with a large renovation due to be complete by November 2016
- The best place to have high tea in Yangon
- No swimming pool, or spa
The Detail
Opened in 1901, the Strand quickly became the finest hostelry in British Rangoon and was soon acquired by the Sarkies brothers who also owned the iconic Raffles Hotel in Singapore and the Eastern & Oriental in Penang. It fell into disrepair after independence, but in 1989 it was restored by amongst others Adrian Zecha of Aman Resorts fame.
As you enter the lobby, you quickly are sucked into the 20s and 30s colonial vibe, from pristine marble flooring to the rattan armchairs and whirling black-lacquered ceiling fans. Step back in time, and take high tea in the Strand Cafe.
Upstairs there are 30 suites, all with hugely high ceilings giving a sense of space and light to each room. Polished teakwood floors welcome you, alongside the usual mod-cons such as flatscreen TVs, safe and en suite bathrooms featuring deep soak bathtubs. The Superior Suites are the smallest suites available, with the Deluxe Suites offering a little more living space. The Executive Suites overlook the river, whilst the Strand Suite comes with its down study and dining room. The rooms are nicely proportioned, but were designed some time ago, so haven’t kept totally up to date with modern hotel design. They do at least have 24 hours butler service on each floor.
As we have mentioned there is the Strand Cafe for light bites and lunch, the main restaurant being the Strand Grill which is open for dinner. The Strand Bar is well worth visiting for a drink or two, or two try your hand on their billiard table. The Spa offers a range of treatments, although there are no fitness facilities or swimming pool.