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After a long, hot morning exploring the streets of Yangon (Rangoon), we spotted the inviting grand old facade of the Strand Hotel and wandered in looking to cool down. The Strand Cafe within with its colonial style teak framed windows, rattan chairs and cooling ceiling fans was just the place! Ok, it cost almost $20 for 2 beers and snacks but the service, attention from staff and presentation is out of this world. A great spot to laze away the afternoon, sip a cold drink and look out over busy Strand Road.
The Strand Hotel opened in 1901 when Burma was part of British India. The Strand was built by British entrepreneur John Darwood and acquired by the Sarkies brothers, who ran several of Asia's best hotels including the Raffles in Singapore and the E&O in Penang.
Murray’s Handbook for Travelers in India, Burma and Ceylon, 1911 edition, says the hotel was “patronised by royalty, nobility and distinguished personages.” After three years of extensive refurbishing and renovation work, The Strand reopened in November 1993. It is Yangon's finest hotel so make sure to drop in for lunch or drinks and experience the luxury of days gone by.
The Strand Bar
The Strand has 32 suites, including 23 Deluxe Suites, 8 Superior Suites and The Strand Suite. All are elegantly furnished with high ceilings, teakwood floors, a king-size bed or twin beds, a separate sitting area, a spacious bathroom and all are serviced by a team of butlers, 24 hours a day. Every suite features:
• Individually controlled air-conditioning
• Satellite TV & in-house movies
• Bathrobes/Hair dryer
• Mini bar/Refrigerator
• IDD Telephone
• Personal safe
Bar and Restaurant facilities include the Strand Bar, which is open between 10 am and 11 pm daily offering full range of drinks amidst a club type atmosphere. Drinks are half price on Fridays from 5 to 9 pm.
The Strand Cafe
Hungry? Reminiscent of a turn-of-the-century dining experience, The Strand Grill is The Strand’s fine dining room with up to 60 seats. It is open 6 pm to 11 pm daily providing classical guitarist entertainment.
My favourite haunt, the aforementioned Strand Cafe, provides breakfast, lunch and dinner, featuring both Asian and Western cuisine from 6:30 am to 11pm daily with up to 70 seats. Ideal for Classical or Myanmar High Tea entertained by Myanmar Harp and Xylophone musicians.
The Lobby Lounge, with its colonial cane furniture and marble floors, is the centre of all activities at The Strand. It is a popular meeting place for a drink or business discussions. Local musicians play the Burmese harp and xylophone daily.
The hotel also offers facilities for up to 500 seated guests in its impressive Strand Hall, ideal for functions or special occasions.
You can make reservations to stay at the Strand Hotel at discounted rates by clicking here.
The Strand Lobby Lounge
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HOTEL RESERVATIONS 
