Sule Shangri-La Yangon

Sule Shangri-La soars above central Yangon in ways that go well beyond its size. The 22-story building is visible throughout downtown -- not only is the building's extreior impressive, but the lobby is sparkling and opulent as well. Once one passes through the thorough security check at the front door (all bags must go through X-ray machines and guests pass through a metal detector), the lobby stretches out long and narrow, with a marble floor, gold paneled ceiling, and elegant chandeliers. While Shangri-La devotees might remark that it isn't as big or fancy as the chain's other properties, spaces like the Peacock Lounge -- which takes up the entire back area of the lobby -- quell these initial observations. Tall ceilings, elegant hardwood and rattan furniture, and gorgeous traditional artwork all come together to create a sophisticated and luxurious welcome. The lobby is small, maybe because the hotel's many gorgeous food and beverage outlets are the real star of the show. While it's one of the city's most exclusive and luxurious properties, the hotel is a constant hive of activity, as guests, groups, and walk-ins come for meetings, events, and to enjoy the fabulous restaurants in one of Yangon's most social spots.

It doesn't get much more central than this by Yangon standards, and the hotel sits smack in the middle of the bustling downtown. Sule Pagoda, which is just down the street, is the point from which the British measured all distances during the colonial era, and there are seemingly countless restaurants, bars, shops, and cinemas in the immediate area. The popular Bogyoke Aung Son Market is just down the street as well, while the lively 19th Street Market in Chinatown will take 15 minutes to reach on foot. It's a 10- to 15-minute drive to Shwedagon Pagoda -- the city's most famous landmark -- and the international airport is at least 40 minute away, depending on traffic. It's worth noting that traffic is a nightmare in central Yangon, and the hotel is in the heart of the maelstrom. The taxi queue and lineup to get back out on the street can be ferocious -- drive times can thus vary widely. 

There are 484 rooms at the Sule Shangri-La Yangon, making it the largest hotel in town. The rooms are quite similar in design and style, and mainly differ in size, view, and some amenities. All rooms feature modern or contemporary decor, carpeted floors, and bright watercolor paintings of local landmarks. Most are done in neutral tones with pops of deep red, and some of the lower category rooms -- like the Deluxe Room that we visited -- look a bit traditional. Still, they include sharp hardwood furniture and high-end touches like marble surfaces. Suites are a nice step up, with handsome furniture in cool blue tones with hardwood accents. 

All rooms include writing desks, sofas or banquettes, and plenty of space. They also have modern amenities like flat-screen TVs with cable channels, minibars, electric hot water kettles, free tea and coffee, air-conditioning, safes, irons and ironing boards, and flashlights in case of power cuts (which can be frequent in Yangon). Bathrooms feature shower/tub combos in lower-category rooms, or separate walk-in showers and tubs in higher-category rooms. Expect to see details like marble countertops, and all come with premium L'Occitane toiletries.

While there are no balconies, there are superb views of the city from various angles, which get better the higher up one moves in the hotel. Entry-level Deluxe Rooms occupy the lower floors, while Executive Rooms are just slightly bigger and a bit higher up. Even better are the suites, which have extra living room space and two TVs. The Club Rooms -- which occupy the 20th, 21st, and 22nd floors -- have the best views in town. They also come with Horizon Club Lounge privileges, which include free happy hour cocktails, free snacks, and private check-in. Keep in mind that this is the heart of Yangon, and as such, noise from traffic and construction will be heard in some rooms.

Befitting its luxury status, the Sule Shangri-La is full of fabulous facilities. There's a proper gym with modern LifeFitness cardio and weight machines plus free weights. As it's open to local membership, it's well managed and maintained, and features a sauna, a steam room, and a whirlpool tub. There's also a small spa and beauty center located here. Adjacent to the gym is the outdoor swimming pool, which, while not overly large, is fine for swimming laps in (they’ve even put in a lap lane). There's also a small circular children’s pool and sun loungers are set around both ends of the pool. There's even a pool bar off to one side.

Other facilities at the Sule Shangri-La include an excellent range of meeting and function rooms, as well as a large ballroom -- in fact, the hotel is a top player in the corporate and business travel market in town. It's also a popular venue for weddings and other events. Additionally, there are souvenir shops and an ATM in the lobby, plus a car park downstairs. Wi-Fi is fast and free throughout the property. 

For dining and drinking, the Sule Shangri-La has some of the best options in Yangon. Cafe Sule in the lobby serves a lavish breakfast buffet for an extra charge and the restaurant continues with different buffets and theme nights for lunch and dinner throughout the week. There's a Japanese night, a seafood night, a pasta night, and a Burmese night, among others. The Sunday brunch includes free flow champagne, making it a popular ex-pat spot. The quality of the seafood and fresh ingredients makes the restaurant worth a visit even if one isn’t staying at the hotel. 

Upstairs, Summer Palace is the fine-dining Chinese restaurant that serves Peking duck and dim sum lunches. The restaurant has cute rubber ducks placed on all the tables, along with giant duck dolls out front, to show off their signature dish. Gourmet Shop, in the lobby, serves pastries, cakes, fancy breads, and provides a cozy niche to have fine coffees and teas in the corner.

For drinking, the Peacock Lounge in the lobby is named for the large peacock portrait on the wall, staring at a painting of Shwedagon Pagoda. The ornate lounge, with its magnificent chandelier and high ceiling, is fronted by elegant rattan throne chairs and comfortable armchairs. Live piano music is played, and one can watch the crowds arriving to the hotel from here. Upstairs is the more intimate -- but more raucous -- Gallery Bar, where one can watch sports, enjoy a gourmet hamburger, and take advantage of happy hour specials. Room service is available, and Club Room guests are entitled to freebies like breakfast and cocktails as detailed above.