The Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon is a large luxury property that sits next to Kandawgyi Lake, one of Yangon's largest green spaces. Its 300 rooms are spacious and feature tasteful contemporary decor and modern amenities. Club-level rooms offer access to the Club Lounge and all of its free perks, including happy hour cocktails and high tea. The hotel has three fine-dining options, several bars and lounges, a large swimming pool, a modern fitness center, and a spa. While it isn't right downtown, the lakeside setting is appealing, with lovely walking paths and plenty of restaurants in the area, plus the hotel offers a free area shuttle. Travelers seeking something in the downtown area might want to consider Sule Shangri-La Yangon, another luxury option, though it's not as stylish or modern.

Thanlwin Guest House is a family-run budget guesthouse located on a small side street about halfway between the airport and downtown Yangon. There are nine clean and bright rooms here, which are a mix of simple private rooms and dormitories with shared bathrooms -- all have air-conditioning, but not TVs. The owners give this humble property the feel of a homestay, and home-cooked traditional Burmese cuisine -- which includes a free breakfast -- is a real highlight. This is a good spot for experiencing local life in a peaceful neighborhood, but it's a good 20-minute drive downtown. The property is comparable to the Agga Youth Hotel in terms of price, but Thalwin is far more personal and intimate. 

Aye Yar River View Resort is a large, three-pearl resort with 127 rooms that sits above the banks of the Irrawaddy River in Old Bagan. While there's not a ton of dining or drinking options in the area, many of Bagan's major temples are within a 15-minute walk. Rooms are simple and traditional, but feature carved wood and lacquerware details; some have river views and furnished terraces. There's also a small swimming pool, kids' pool, basic fitness room, and restaurant with regular live music performances. Other great features include the River View bar, which has an unlimited drink-and-snacks sundowner happy hour and great views of the river. Travelers may want to compare rates at the nearby Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary, which has a lovely pool, though is a bit more expensive.