Strand Hotel, Rangoon

1 more image

The Strand Hotel is nothing short of a national landmark. It speaks of a time all but gone, and is the very height of colonial refinement. It is almost inevitably equated with the Raffles Hotel in Singapore, and it is very impressive inside and out following a multi million pound refurbishment a few years ago. I'm told it even has a steam driven lift (elevator)! Apparently, Mick Jagger stays here when he's in town.

With rooms starting at over 400 USD I'm not suggesting that you actually stay here, unless you are on an expense account or extremely rich. However, as a small "splurge" it's nice to visit the extremely pleasant bar which is open to non-residents. The surroundings are lovely, with a baby grand piano and a half-size snooker table serving as a pool table, and the service, as you might imagine, is superb.

It is certainly a lot more expensive than other places in Yangon, but not outrageously so. the draught beer is 2 USD a glass (it is about 35 cents in a normal bar) but this still works out about the same price as London.