Strand Hotel

Phone 95 1 243 377

The Strand Hotel is less than a 30 minute drive from the Airport. Perfectly situated in the centre of colonial downtown Yangon it is part of the fascinating mix of past and present, of British colonialism and Myanmar multi-ethnicity that is Yangon. 

Opened in 1901 The Strand was built by British entrepreneur John Darwood and acquired by the Sarkis brothers who collected more than a few of South-East Asia's grand colonial hotels. From the beginning it was regarded as 'the finest hostelry east of the Suez". 'Murrays Handbook for travellers in India, Burma and Ceylon' (1911) stated the hotel was 'patronised by royalty, nobility and distinguished personages'.

The distinguished and not so distinguished, still continue to patronise the three-storey hotel. 
During World War 11 the occupying Japanese used part of the hotel as stables for their military horses. Then a war time bomb plunged through The Strand roof to land, unexploded, in what was known as Princess Hall and is now the manager's office. It drew curious crowds until it was finally taken away. It was renovated in 1937 and in the 1990s was given a total renovation. It was reopened in 1994, still retaining its name unlike Burma, which was then known as Myanmar and Rangoon had become Yangon.

The Strand has long been recognised as a national landmark, a model of auspicious, colonial repose. The hotel's Victorian influence is visible in its colonnaded entranceway, marble floor inlaid with teak wood, the rattan furniture and potted palms, the chandeliers and black-lacquered ceiling fans. The rooms are amazing, large and beautifully appointed. They have everything the traveller or business person could possible desire:

• Air conditioned
• Queen size bed
• Writing room
• Lounge/dining room
• Bathroom with bathtub and shower
• Dressing room
• Central heating
• Hair dryer
• In house movies
• Satellite TV
• IDD telephone
• Internet and e-mail facilities
• Mini bar
• Safe deposit box

The rooms are like WOW!	The old-world charm of the foyer welcomes the traveller.	Sitting in a comfy rattan chair, a long cold fruit juice in one hand and a warm, scented towel in the other really makes you feel great!

The rooms are serviced 24 hours a day by a team of butlers - the men sporting dress jackets or tighpone, the women in Shan-style blouses, and both wearing the traditional longyi and slippers. 

The 'butler' is always on hand. They are always smiling, friendly and extremely helpful - nothing is too much trouble

Breakfast was delivered, by the 'butler' at the appointed time and set up in the lounge/dining room. Being pampered is extremely beneficial to the soul.

Photo of The Strand sourced from: http://www.hoteltravel.com/myanmar/yangon/strand.htm

Some information sourced from THE STRAND and MYANMAR

                                               A GUIDE 

                                     Produced by The Strand Hotel.