The 84-room Hotel at Tharabar Gate is a mid-range property tucked into beautiful garden grounds. It's conveniently located in the Bagan Archaeological Zone, near several of Old Bagan's main temples and close to a couple of restaurants. Rooms here have high ceilings, polished wood floors, handcrafted wooden furniture, and modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. The style is a bit dated, though more polished and with more local character when compared to its competition. The resort has a lovely outdoor pool, a small spa, and an atmospheric restaurant and bar with a wood-fired pizza oven. The Thande Hotel Bagan, which has a more scenic location with gorgeous Irrawaddy River views, is a comparable pick, but it's not within walking distance of local dining.

The Hotel Grand United (21st Downtown) is a two-and-a-half-pearl branch of the popular Grand United chain, and sits around the corner from the 19th Street Market in Yangon's bustling Chinatown. The 40 rooms are tiny and modern, with amenities like flat-screen TVs, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. There's a rooftop restaurant that serves free breakfast and looks out at Shwedagon Pagoda. The only other facility is a mini-fitness center, with just two cardio machines crammed into a glorified closet. The hotel is convenient for downtown sights, but the streets are noisy and chaotic, and the traffic is gridlocked all day. Those who want a bit more space and peace might want to opt for the Grand United (Ahlone Branch), though rates will be higher.

Belmond Governor’s Residence is one of Yangon’s premier luxury hotels. The 49-room property sits on beautiful grounds with a pool and open-air restaurants, providing a relaxing escape from the city’s noise and heat. The historic 1920s building -- a former mansion of a Burmese governor -- is a colonial gem from a bygone era. Rooms are spacious and classy, with modern amenities like flat-screen TVs and free minibars that are restocked daily. Though it's close to several restaurants, the hotel is not within walking distance of the downtown area, but free bikes are provided. For something less expensive yet luxurious, travelers might want to check out the Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon or Sule Shangri-La Yangon.

The Mingalar Inn -- formerly the Mandalay Inn -- is a budget hotel with just 36 rooms that's a five-minute walk from Siem Reap's wild Pub Street. Rooms are basic and clean, and feature mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel is housed in an attractive building with teak interiors, and there's a simple restaurant serving Khmer, Western, and Burmese cuisine. The on-site travel agency is a handy resource, and while there is a fitness area on the roof, the equipment is very old. Mingalar Inn's Bargain-basement rates are hard to beat for its location, but the Tanei Boutique Villa around the corner has a pool for just a bit more cash.

The Savoy Hotel Yangon is a colonial boutique hotel that provides one of Yangon's most intimate and charming upscale stays. There are 30 rooms with elegant hardwood floors, traditional Myanmar antiques, fine furniture, and modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. Some balconies overlook the lovely garden swimming pool. The hotel is located a 15-minute walk from Yangon's most esteemed landmark, Shwedagon Pagoda, and one gets a beautiful illuminated view of the structure at night from Kipling's Restaurant, which also serves free buffet breakfasts for guests. Still, the style here doesn't come cheap, and those wanting even more features and a luxury package can find lower rates at Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake, though it's rooms lack the classic charm and it's farther from the pagoda.