Bagan Thande Hotel, Old Bagan

The staff really did their best. They were kind, attentive, and even helped put sunscreen on us when we arrived. Still, the hotel's condition and the price don't match. The place feels old and neglected, and the worn, grey bedding was uncomfortable and badly in need of replacement. We paid around $80 for three people. At that price, this should be much better than a weak 3-star stay, let alone something presented as 4 or 5 stars. Honestly, I think it should cost around $40-50. Breakfast was the simplest and weakest we've had on this trip, even though we usually stay in this price range. The restaurant was just as disappointing: slow service, food that wasn't tasty, and a bill of about $40 despite barely eating. It felt overpriced, more like a provincial café than a proper restaurant. We also had power cuts, and the hotel didn't seem to have a proper backup generator. Not being able to charge a phone at this price is unacceptable. The motorbike rental setup was unusual too, mostly electric bikes with limited time slots. There were almost no foreign guests while we were there, which reflects the lack of tourists in the country right now. With this quality and pricing, it's hard to imagine that changing. The city and the hotel both feel old. Great staff, but the hotel itself isn't worth the money.

The view and location were the main positives, but I wouldn't recommend staying here for them alone. A large group of students was there during my visit. They were loud, took over the pool, and other guests couldn't use the facilities. The staff couldn't get the group under control, and the noise and lack of privacy ruined my holiday. The room also fell short: poor facilities, dim lighting, a very hard bed, and thin walls that let noise from neighboring rooms through clearly. Breakfast choices were limited.

I love this place for the river views in Bagan. It was the best river-view experience for me, and the prices are fair.

We had a lovely time here and would definitely come back. The rooms are a good size and comfortable, set among gardens full of all kinds of trees and plants. There's also a pool and spa. The riverside restaurant is especially nice, tucked beneath a gorgeous tree. We enjoyed dinner there with cocktails while watching the sun set behind the distant mountain. The location is great if you want to be surrounded by nature, and the staff were very friendly and helpful.