All the comforts of home

Finding a hotel that fits your bill in Myanmar is far more difficult than looking for a pagoda to soothe your spirit. From downtown Yangon to the ancient temples of Bagan to the ruined city of Mrauk U, Myanmar has countless pagodas for everyone. The country, however, has only 800 hotels and guesthouses for the tourists, and the prices have shot up by some 200 per cent since last year. Since you cannot sleep in the pagoda (don’t even try), you end up paying often ridiculously high prices for a not particularly decent night.

On my last trip to Myanmar, I booked into Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon. Owned by a Thai company and with a Thai manager, the hotel is popular with both Thai and foreign visitors to Myanmar’s former capital who want a touch of luxury. Guests feel right at home at the Chatrium, especially since so many hotels in Myanmar fall short of the hospitality standard line.

Located on Natmauk Road on the northern side of Kandawgyi Lake, aka Royal Lake, the Chatrium is close to many city landmarks including Scott Market, City Hall and Shwedagon Pagoda. Overlooking both park and lake, the 10-floor hotel boasts 301 guestrooms including 37 suites and several conference rooms making it an excellent fit for both business and leisure travel. 

Built in the colonial style with touches of Oriental architectural design, Chatrium reflects the ease and comfort of a bygone era. Guests discover the rustic beauty of Myanmar at every turn thanks to an impressive collection of paintings and photographs by local artists.

My room is 712 and compared to most other hotels in Yangon is almost a suite. It has two single beds, a working table on one side of the wall, and a minibar with coffee set and empty refrigerator on the other. Two comfy armchairs and a low coffee table form the living area and is a good relax to after a long, hot day in Yangon. There are a few pieces of woodwork, showing off the Burmese pride in craftsmanship – but no Burmese puppets to scare the kids. A few rooms – the more expensive ones – offer a view of Shwedagon Pagoda view but most guests are happy to look out over the leafy neighbourhood around Kandawgyi Lake. 

The bathroom is spacious enough to fit a gleaming white bathtub and glassed-in shower. The toilet is enclosed in a space a bit larger than a closet next to the door. The hotel provides a fine set of bath amenities along with two toothbrushes and a small tube of toothpaste. I test the shower and am happy to find that the water quickly runs warm.

What makes the Chatrium different from its counterparts in the city is probably the breakfast, which is served at the Emporia Restaurant on the ground floor. While the large selection that includes egg and bacon, Miso soup and egg noodles may not sound special, it’s heaven for those more used to local restaurants. 

Yangonites, it must be said, have an ongoing love affair with oily and greasy food, and a local breakfast will set off a fat alarm. But the breakfast at the Chatrium, with its selections of Western, Chinese, Japanese and even Thai dishes, is both healthy and delicious. 

The hotel also serves fine food and drink at Kohaku Japanese Restaurant, Tiger Hill Chinese Restaurant and The Ritz Exclusive Lounge.

Like any city hotel in Bangkok, the Chatrium is also equipped with conference rooms – large and small – for businessmen desperate for a space to hold meetings. And the lobby provides a free Wi-Fi Internet, something that is hard to find elsewhere in the city.

Unlike Kandawgyi Palace or The Strand hotels, the Chatrium is not a heritage landmark of Yangon. However, it is a fine hotel and that makes it a rarity in this rapidly developing city.

 

At a glance

High points: The international standard hotel is in the heart of Yangon and serves a fine breakfast and coffee. It’s also located by the park and lake, making it ideal for those who enjoy a peaceful walk.

Low points: Pricey 

Pay for it: Entry level rooms are between US$280 and $350 per night. Visit the website for the best deals and promotions.

Find it: Natmauk Road on the northern side of Kandawgyi Lake

Call it: (+ 95 1) 544 500

Browse it: http://chatrium.com/chatrium_hotel_yangon/