The Best Places to Stay in Yangon, Myanmar

A luxurious five-star option overlooking Inya Lake, Lotte offers unparalleled views from modern rooms. The hotel has a free-form swimming pool flanked by loungers. The fitness centre is popular with the well-heeled traveller, and there’s a safe indoor kids’ playground for families. Book one of the serviced apartments for an extended stay.

Connected to the Myanmar Plaza shopping mall and towers, Meliá faces Inya Lake, offering both natural and city attractions. The Level Lounge on the 24th floor is a perfect vantage point for taking in the lake and urban views while tucking into your breakfast – or sipping cocktails at sundown. Escape the heat of the city in the mid-afternoon with a dip in the outdoor pool.

Sule Shangri-La in central Yangon is a tribute to the bygone colonial era. The lobby is decked with wooden lounge chairs, huge columns and an opulent chandelier. The rooms, on the contrary, are modern in design, with feather duvets and bright contemporary Myanmar artwork. Cafe Sule has an array of Thai, Asian and continental dishes and comes alive on Sundays, when the popular brunch attracts the Yangon elite.

Contemporary design meets classical teakwood furnishings at this art-themed hotel. Inside, there are more than 200 artworks on display, including work by Francoise Nielly and Patrice Murciano. The concept is minimalist; simple rooms feature wooden floors, modern bathrooms and air conditioning. There’s a lively rooftop bar that’s perfect for cracking a Myanmar beer as you watch the lights of the Shwedagon Pagoda, which is a five-minute walk away.

One of the plushest hotels in the city, The Strand was built in 1901 and upholds the legacy of the Sarkies brothers – the architects behind Raffles in Singapore, and the Eastern & Oriental in Penang. The hotel still has a dazzling fusion of colonial accents, Myanmar teakwood railings and floors, and modern five-star amenities, such as a swimming pool and a fitness centre. Head down to Sarkies Bar, where many famous faces have enjoyed a nightcap – from Rudyard Kipling to Orson Welles.

Housed in a 1920s mansion, this beautiful property is a retreat in the heart of the city. Stroll along the teak walkways through tropical foliage to the fan-shaped swimming pool, perfect for a morning dip. The luxury bohemian rooms feature king-sized beds and large terrazzo baths as standard. Indulge in a soothing massage, before heading up to the Mindon Lounge for a mandalay sour and a candlelit al fresco dinner.

Divided into two wings – one facing Inya Lake, and one a lush garden – Sedona hugs a large outdoor space with a central swimming pool. Luxury in-room perks include a pillow menu and L’Occitane bath products. Downstairs, you’ll be spoiled for choice with dining options including Italian and Asian. Sweat it out on the tennis court or in the fitness club, or relax and let the specialists at Spa by Beauty Concept work their magic.

Within walking distance to the Shwedagon Pagoda, H Valley combines a central location with budget-friendly prices. Spacious rooms range from simple doubles to a deluxe family room sleeping four. Breakfast is included at the Western and Asian fusion restaurant on the ground floor. There’s also an on-site spa offering Thai massages and body scrubs.