The Strand

What a hotel!  What a history! 

The Strand opened in 1901, on Strand Road, Rangoon, at the time one of British India's largest and most prized cities. 

It was built by British entrepreneur John Darwood and acquired by the Sarkies brothers, who collected more than a few of Southeast Asia's grand colonial hotels including Raffles Hotel in Singapore, Eastern and Oriental Hotel in Penang, Malaysia and Hotel Majapahit in Surabaya, Indonesia. 

From the beginning, The Strand was regarded as 'the finest hostelry east of Suez', and Murray's Handbook for Travellers in India, Burma and Ceylon, 1911 edition, says the hotel was 'patronized by royalty, nobility and distinguished personages'. The distinguished and less so, have continued to patronize the three-storey hotel in the decades since. There have been, of course, a few interludes over the years. A major renovation took place in 1937 for instance. During World War II, the occupying Japanese used part of the hotel, as stables for military horses. Then there was the war time bomb that plunged through The Strand roof to land, unexploded, in what was known as Princess Hall and is now the hotel manager's office. There it remained for a few days, drawing curious crowds, before it was finally carted away. Following a total renovation to the hotel in the early 1990's, The Strand reopened in January 1994 as an Amanresort. By then, Burma was known as Myanmar and Rangoon had become Yangon. In September 1999, The Strand appointed General Hotel Management (GHM) as the new management company. The Strand has long been recognised as a national landmark, a model of auspicious, colonial repose. The hotel's Victorian influence is visible even from the colonnaded entranceway.  Inside spells the same story; the marble floor inlaid with teak wood, the rattan furniture and potted palms, the chandeliers and black-lacquered ceiling fans – all of its imbues The Strand with a personality as welcome as it is inimitable. With the renovation of the early 1990s, the room inventory was reduced from 50 to 32 spacious, elegantly appointed suites. All suites are located on the two upper floors and all suites are serviced 24 hours a day by a team of butlers – the men in sporting Burmese dress jackets or ‘tighpone’, the women in Shan-style blouses, and both wearing sandals and the local wraps known as ‘longyis’.

The Strand is located on Strand Road, close to the Yangon River in the main commercial and diplomatic district. It is a 30-minute drive from Yangon International Airport and within easy reach of the citys's main attractions.

The Strand Cafe the Strand Cafe provides breakfast, lunch and dinner, featuyring both Asian and Western cuisine from 6:30 am to 11pm daily with up to 70 seats. Also ideal for Classical or Myanmar High Tea entertained by Myanmar Harp and Xylophone muysicians.

The Strand Grill Reminiscent of a turn-of-the-century dining experience, The Strand Grill is The Strand's fine dining room with up to 60 seats. Open 6pm to 11pm daily providing classical guitarist entertainment.

The Strand Bar The Strand Bar is open from 10 am to 11 pm daily, offering a full range of drinks amidst a club type atmosphere with up to 50 seats. Stranded Hours every Friday from 5 to 9pm: all drinks at half price. Home of the world famous Strand Sour cocktail.

The Strand Hall Situated adjacent to the hotel, The Strand Hall measuring 602 m2 with teak flooring, and a 25 foot ceiling is dividable in half by a sound proof partition. This grand ballroom is a gracious setting for special events and celebrations, seating up to 500 for dinner and 1000 for receptions.