Ruby True Hotel is a small budget property set in a quiet garden on the edge of New Bagan town. Its 38 cute bungalows feature patterned bamboo walls and charming private verandas. Though fairly basic, they have flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and free (spotty) Wi-Fi. There's a small restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating, and traditional puppet shows are occasionally performed in the evenings. A varied breakfast buffet is also included in room rates. While not close to the main temples and Old Bagan sites, scooters are available for rent; it's also just a 15-minute walk into New Bagan for restaurants and shops. A pool would be nice given Bagan's heat, and travelers can find one at the Bagan Umbra Hotel, which has higher rates but is closer to Old Bagan's temples.

The three-pearl Inya Lake Hotel, Yangon is set on a private section of pretty Inya Lake, located halfway between the airport and downtown Yangon. The hotel caters to both the business crowd and tourists, with a full range of facilities including tennis courts, a large swimming pool, fitness center, restaurant, deli, and several bars. This is one of Yangon's oldest hotels, and interiors reflect that fact. The 185 rooms are large, with balconies and free Wi-Fi, but the wood floors and furniture have seen better days. While it's a nice retreat from the chaos of downtown, drives there in the best traffic conditions will take over 20 minutes. For something closer to the action and cheaper, check out the Hotel Grand United (21st Downtown), which has compact, modern rooms but less features.

The 92-room Thande Hotel Bagan is a two-and-a-half-pearl property that sits scenically along the banks of the Irrawaddy River in Old Bagan. Set amid 100-year-old acacia trees, the hotel is within walking distance of many temples. This is an older hotel and some of the rooms are a bit worn, though they're clean and pleasant, with amenities like free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning. Two atmospheric restaurants provide both indoor and alfresco dining (including free breakfast), and there's a lovely outdoor pool with a kids' pool as well as a spa. Electric scooters and bicycles are available for rent, but there aren't many restaurants nearby. Travelers should also consider the nearby Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort, which offers similar amenities and beautiful grounds -- rates there can be cheaper.

Bagan Lodge is a gorgeous modern property with 86 upscale villas and suites on 10 garden-landscaped acres that are a retreat from dusty Bagan. Rooms here are some of the nicest in Bagan, housed in brick villas with canopy tent roofs. The villas feature polished wood floors, elegant rattan furniture, and palatial bathrooms with separate bathtubs and designer rainfall showers. The resort has two enormous swimming pools and a whirlpool plus a large fitness center, spa, three bars, and an upmarket restaurant. One downside is the location: The resort isn't on the river or located in the main temple zone, so transportation is necessary. Amazing Bagan Resort, close to the town of Nyang U, is worth a look as well -- it's not quite as glitzy, but rates are lower.

Sule Shangri-La is Yangon's largest hotel and near the top for luxury features and a happening scene. Located smack in the city center, just up the road from Sule Pagoda, there are restaurants, markets, and shops all around. The 484 rooms are elegant and contemporary, while Club Rooms come with privileges including free happy hour cocktails and snacks. A fitness center and swimming pool with a lap lane are nice to have, and dining is excellent -- Cafe Sule serves lavish breakfasts while Summer Palace offers outstanding Chinese. Elegant bars and abundant meeting space make the hotel one of Yangon's top event destinations, though it can be busy. For a more intimate atmosphere, try The Loft Hotel, an upscale boutique property with similar rates, though it lacks features like a pool. 

Amazing Bagan Resort is a three-and-a-half pearl hotel that's a 15-minute drive from the temple crowds in Old Bagan. Guests need to rely on taxis to get around, but it's an excellent hideaway, with a lovely swimming pool, golf course next door, and 66 rooms that are just slightly weathered. They feature lovely local touches, like rattan furniture and lacquerware lamps that add a nice dose of charm. Bungalow Suites, housed in red brick temple-style buildings, are especially quaint. There are several restaurants, one is outdoors, and one has a traditional puppet show performance each evening. Breakfast, bikes, and Wi-Fi are nice freebies. For closer access to the temples, consider options in Old Bagan like Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort, though it will be far pricier. 

Best Western Green Hill Hotel is a three-pearl hotel aimed at business travelers and tourists who want an affordable, reliably modern stay in Yangon. The 187 rooms are spacious, with views of Shwedagon Pagoda from higher floors. All rooms have large flat-screen TVs and minibars; they come with free Wi-Fi and an excellent free breakfast buffet with lots of choices. The hotel has a fitness center with up-to-date equipment plus a restaurant and business center. It's located right near scenic Kandawgyi Lake, making this a quiet and green area that's an excellent alternative to the chaos of downtown, though it can take up to 20 minutes to get there by car. For something closer to downtown's buzz, check out Hotel 51, which has lower rates but less features.