The Strand Hotel Yangon is Burma’s most famous and elegant hotel. The Strand reminds travelers of the country’s colonial history. The Victorian icon, fully renovated in 1995, has two wings centred on a lobby lounge with a black and white marble floor. The hotel was built by the Sarkies Brothers in 1896, opening its doors in 1901. During the British Empire The Strand was one of the most luxurious hotels in the world with a clientele of exclusively whites. The hotel was also used for Japanese troops during Japanese occupation of Burma in World War II. After the 1988 military junta overtake, the Strand was sold to Bernard Pe Win, Burmese business man, who formed a group of investors. The Strand is currently owned by General Hotel Management.
The luxury offered is uncomparable to other hotels and ordinary life in Burma. The Strand offers large suites with lazily whirring ceiling fans, teak floors and luxurious bathrooms. Guests can outside overlook the river from the large verandah.
To complete The Strand’s ambience, there’s the River Art Gallery located adjacent to the hotel with over 30 Burmese artists represented.
For travel junkies who hold the highest expectations (and biggest wallets) for luxury hotels, the Strand stands out. As the epitome of colonial charm, the Strand should be on all luxury travelers’ Yangon itineraries.
The Strand Hotel, 92 Strand Road, Yangon.
Source: Burma Traveler
