Rating: Deluxe
From the same stable as Raffles in Singapore and with guests of the ilk of Rudyard Kipling, Somerset Maugham and Noel Coward, The Strand has a long and prestigious heritage. Following a refurbishment in 2016 the hotel has been transformed to its former glory. From the white washed exterior to the marble floored, high-ceilinged interiors, the vintage and class of the property is evident.
There are 31 superb suites, all the epitome of period style, with black and white photographs reflecting the hotel's history, top quality furnishings, a spacious lounge and a butler on hand to pour out a cup of tea and generally attend to your every need. Suites benefit from modern touches, too, such as satellite TV, phone and free wifi.
The Stand Cafe is the venue for the famous Strand high tea, a traditional which is proudly continued into the 21st century, a tempting combination of sweet and savoury treats served each afternoon. It is open throughout the day for all other meals too, and is complimented on certain evenings by the Strand Restaurant. Sarkies Bar, named after the brothers who were the first owners of the hotel, remains a popular watering hole where you can savour signature cocktails such as the Strand Sling.
The hotel is close to many historical monuments, museums and galleries, ideal for getting a feel for Yangon past and present. When you return to The Strand you can unwind with a swim in the pool or head to one of the therapy rooms for some expert pampering, sampling aromatherapy, body wrap or scrub or a traditional Myanmar massage.
Open: The Strand is open all year.
Location: The hotel is located on Strand Road in central Yangon facing the Yangon River. The hotel is about 20kms from the international airport, a 30 minute drive.
Rooms: This is an all suite hotel, with 31 suites divided into 4 categories, similar in style buy varying in size. Superior suites are 55sqm, deluxe suites are 60sqm, executive suites are 65sqm and the Strand suite is an impressive 200sqm and includes a private dining room. All come with bedroom, bathroom and sitting room plus private butler service, minibar, tea and coffee facilities, satellite TV, IDD phone, safe and free wifi. There is room service.
Activities: City sightseeing, museum and gallery visits, shopping. Facilities: The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and deck, 2 therapy rooms for spa treatments, and gym. There is a restaurant, cafe (see below) and a bar. The hotel provides a laundry service.
Dining: The cafe is open from breakfast till late evening and is the venue for breakfast as well as the well known Strand high tea from 2:30pm each day. The Strand Restaurant is open for dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and specialises in European cuisine.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome. Cots, extra beds and baby sitting can be organised.
Health: There is only a low risk of malaria in Yangon.
Communication: There is wifi internet access in rooms and communal areas.
Notes: The Strand is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World group.