Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Directory A-Z
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For more accommodation reviews by Lonely Planet authors, check out
ht-
tp://hotels.lonelyplanet.com
. You'll find independent reviews, as well as recom-
mendations on the best places to stay. Best of all, you can book online.
Accommodation
Myanmar has hundreds of privately run hotels and guesthouses licensed to accept foreign-
ers. To get the licence they supposedly must keep at least five rooms and reach a certain
standard. In fact many are simple family-run guesthouses or mini- hotels, sometimes with
just a mosquito net, a fan that turns off at midnight (when the generator does) and a cold
shower down the hall.
In key destinations (for example Yangon, Bagan, Inle Lake, Mandalay, Ngapali Beach)
you'll find high-end hotels. In between (but closer to budget in quality) are modern, hit-or-
miss Chinese-style hotels that follow familiar templates: tiled rooms with air-con, a refriger-
ator and a private bathroom with hot water.
Nearly all accommodation choices include a simple breakfast in their rates. Staff at most
can also change money, arrange laundry service (starting at K1000 per load at budget
guesthouses), rent bikes, arrange taxis, sell transport tickets and find you local English-
speaking guides.
All accommodation options must fill in police forms on behalf of all guests, which include
the details of your passport and visa. Hotels will not have to keep your passport.
Prices
Most hotels and guesthouses quote prices in either US dollars or kyat; you can usually pay
in either currency. Prices quoted at budget and midrange hotels include all taxes; top-end
hotel prices often don't include up to 20% in taxes and service charges. Only a few hotels
currently accept credit cards.
There are lower rates or it's possible to bargain a little at most hotels during the low sea-
son (March to October).
