Eastern Palace Hotel

Breakfast is especially nice, and the food is good. The pool is pleasant, while the gym is small but fine for a quick workout if you go at a quiet time. I wish both stayed open later, as they currently run from 8am to 8pm. I requested early check-in and got it, though my room had no towels or toiletries until I asked. The staff were friendly. Rooms are okay; the rooftop and some upper floors are still being built. The meeting room ceiling feels a little low, but the lobby and reception are spacious.

The breakfast was good, and reception was friendly most of the time. But over our two nights in Mandalay, the hotel seemed a bit worn down. Morning shower water swung between boiling and ice cold, so I had to let it run a few minutes to avoid getting burned. Wi-Fi on the third floor was extremely slow and barely usable. They also forgot my laundry, and with an early checkout the next morning there was no time to get it done. The receptionist didn’t seem to care.

The sunset from the roof bar feels more relaxed than watching it from Mandalay Hill. Happy hour runs 5 to 7 each evening and includes cocktails and gin and tonic, but not beer. The small plates are very tasty. Waiting staff can sometimes be inattentive.

I attended a seminar here, so I can’t comment on the rooms. Staff were active and did their jobs well, and the lunch was delicious. The first-floor ceiling seemed a little low, and the dining room staff should wear shoes instead of slippers. There’s an indoor pool, though it’s quite shallow for swimming. Parking is good, and there’s a local tea shop nearby.