Hotel Boss

The staff were fantastic, kinder and more helpful than people at most 5* hotels in Europe. The hotel is also really good and very cheap, and they can arrange bus tickets and other things. I’d skip the restaurant for food. The street kitchens next door have much better meals. But it’s worth heading up for a drink and the great rooftop view.

The trouble started with the first room, which smelled strongly of smoke. When we asked to move, they put us in a lower-grade room and offered neither an apology nor compensation. That room had cockroaches in both the bathroom and bedroom. We complained, but were told they didn’t “accept” the problem. When we asked for the manager, staff said he was in Yangon and couldn’t speak English. Both claims were lies. They said we could pay $2 and leave, so we paid at once, but then demanded the full amount. They blocked the door and wouldn’t let us go. We eventually spoke to the manager, who treated us as badly as the staff had. Staff called us liars and openly mocked us. I can’t recommend strongly enough that you NOT stay here.

We couldn’t sleep easily because a premises on the corner played loud music, chanting, and speeches late into the night. We could hear it clearly in our room, and it was irritating when trying to fall asleep. Inside the hotel, the room was comfortable and clean, and the front-of-house staff were attentive. The receptionist booked our bus transfer to Yangon and called a taxi. Since the card machine wasn’t working, he came with me to the bus station and we stopped at an ATM on the way. The top-floor restaurant was overpriced. Even with just two small groups dining, some of our orders were missed or mixed up.

Rooms are fairly clean and fine for staying on a budget, and the price is reasonable. Staff are friendly. In Mandalay, many hotels charge different rates for locals and foreigners, but here everyone pays the same. Breakfast doesn’t offer much choice, just toast and rice with bean and potato curry, plus the usual free tea and coffee. There’s only one parking spot, and it’s always taken by the hotel owner’s vehicle :-p. The hotel is a little far from downtown, including the railway station and 78street, but it’s easy to get out by three-wheeler or motorbike.