Hotel Aurora

I didn't stay at this hotel, but the gracious staff still helped me with information and booked bus tickets for me. They were friendly, honest and transparent. With so much uncertainty about traveling in Myanmar, it was reassuring to find people at places like Hotel Aurora ready to help. Thank you very much for the assistance, I really appreciate it.

It's in a quiet road off 26th Street, near the Zeigo market area, and is an excellent budget hotel. The staff were hospitable and attentive, the morning breakfast buffet was delicious, and they can arrange transport for you in the lobby. Very good!

The rooftop breakfast area on the 4th floor is bright and breezy, with a lovely city view. Depending on how many guests are staying, breakfast is either a buffet or made to order from 7am to 10am. The made-to-order option includes a dish, eggs cooked as you like, a drink, unlimited tea or coffee, and a piece of fruit. With so much fruit available in Myanmar, I’d have liked unlimited fruit salad. The buffet had a decent selection of hot food, fruit, bread, and drinks. Getting around was easy: the market is right nearby, street food for dinner is a few blocks away around 82nd/84th and 27th Streets, and OK Express is about a five-minute walk. The palace and pagodas are easy to reach by bicycle, and the hotel lends bikes for free. They were popular with guests and handy for exploring. The neighborhood felt quiet and safe. We arrived at dawn and still got a very warm welcome. The staff gave lots of helpful advice. Housekeeping did a great job in both the rooms and restaurant, and the night watchmen were attentive. The sign at the entrance says, “It's not a hotel, it's your home,” and the service fits that idea. The hotel is very well kept, with quality furnishings and spotless rooms. My standard double had enough room for one, though it might feel a little small for two. It was bright and well arranged, with a bedroom mirror, good bedding and clean linens. The bathroom was spacious, with hot water and good pressure. The air conditioning and Wi-Fi were very good, and the outlets were well placed. I did miss having a dedicated place to put luggage. There was a hairdryer, kettle, and small minibar fridge in the room, plus bottled water, tea, and coffee. Water dispensers were also available at reception. They stored our bags before and after check-in, and the generator kept the power on. They can book bus tickets too. For Bagan, JJ Express was 55,000 MMK if bought from the company, compared with 66,000 MMK through the hotel, a 10% markup. The hotel quoted 45,000 MMK for OK Express, while locals paid 30,000 MMK directly in the minibus. I didn’t verify the price for foreigners. Good value for money, and I’d happily recommend it. It’s saved in my favorites, the kind of place I’d love to find on every trip. The direct price quoted for a standard double with breakfast in May 2026 was 85,000 MMK.

The staff made this stay for me. Everyone was warm and helpful, especially Ko Ko at reception. She’s quick-minded, kind, speaks very good English, and helped me work through a complicated project. I’d have been lost without her, thank you Ko Ko. The owner was also very kind and an interesting person to talk with. Aurora was a lucky find after I wasn’t enjoying the hotel I’d booked first. It’s clean, feels safe, and sits centrally in Mandalay. Breakfast has several choices, all freshly made and tasty. One of my favourite places to stay in Myanmar.