Editor’s Note: This post is part of my Myanmar–Thailand trip to Asia. For more on this trip, check out my other posts on Myanmar, Thailand, and Japan.
After an epic day of sightseeing in wonderful Mandalay, it was finally time to check-in at our hotel for the night, the Hilton Mandalay.
Review: Hilton Mandalay (Mandalay, Myanmar)
Image courtesy of Hilton.com
Location
The first thing you’ll notice about the Hilton Mandalay is its absolute prime location in the city of Mandalay.
It is literally located across the street (and moat) from the Grand Mandalay Palace, the last royal palace of the Burmese monarchy.
Image courtesy of Hilton.com
In addition to the Mandalay Palace, The Hilton Mandalay is also conveniently located near (but not exactly walking distance) the popular attractions of the Kuthdaw Pagoda and Mandalay Hill.
There are also some great local dining options and cafes within walking distance from the hotel.
The Hilton Mandalay sits on the southwest corner of the Grand Palace.
Getting There
Don’t be fooled. The city of Mandalay is a full 1 hour drive from Mandalay International Airport (MDL). Your best bet (only bet?) is to take a $15 to $20 USD taxi (or other arranged transportation) into town.
The Redemption
Interestingly, Hilton is one of the few major international hotel chains currently operating in Myanmar. It’s my understanding this was only due to Hilton’s acquisition of an Asian hotel chain, and Hilton Mandalay – and two other Hilton properties within Myanmar – were part of that deal.
What does that mean for you? You can use points of course!
I was able to book a Twin Deluxe Room at Hilton Mandalay for only 27,000 points. This room went for $126.60 on the night we stayed there, so this was a CPP of .50, the standard redemption value for Hilton Honor points.
The Entrance To The Hotel
We were personally greeted at the front by a staff member who was waiting for me by name. She welcomed us and walked us inside to the front desk.
The Lobby
The lobby was grandly detailed and upscale, with fresh flowers at every turn. It was a reminder that international Hilton locations can be quite captivating and posh.
A beautiful lobby indeed
The Check-In
When we arrived at the front desk I was warmly welcomed, yet again, and thanked for my loyalty and status.
Then something unexpected happened. The front desk attendant made a call, had a quick conversation in Burmese, and then said, “Sir, please wait here, the hotel manager would like to personally welcome you – and also, you have been given an upgrade I’m sure you will enjoy”.
I was handed my room keys and this welcome letter (although I had just recently achieved Diamond status).
About 5 minutes later, we were again greeted warmly, this time by the Assistant Front Office Manager, Mr. Elias Aung Myat Moe.
Mr. Elias welcomed us, noted my Diamond status, and asked if he could personally show us around and walk us to our room. “That would be great,” I responded.
The front desk
He explained a little about the property and its amenities, and informed us about the renovations and upgrades Hilton is making that were currently underway.
Current Hilton renovations underway
The Hallway
The Room
Mr. Elias personally showed us to the Executive Lounge (which I’ll get to in a minute), and then to our room, “the room with the best view on the property”.
He was not exaggerating – this particular room had perhaps one of the best views in all of Mandalay. In fact, it is the room with the direct view of the Mandalay Palace moat and Mandalay Hill used in the marketing materials.
Image courtesy of Hilton.com
The Bedroom
Mr. Elias pointed out that the rooms were next on the renovation check list, but in all actuality, I wouldn’t have noticed a need for renovation if he didn’t mention it. The aesthetics of the room very much felt “upscale with a touch of Burmese”.
The room was large, clean, and comfortable. And wow, what a view.
Mr. Elias left us with a special fruit selection (for Diamond members), then left us – but not before inviting us to join him in the Executive Lounge for cocktails at Happy Hour once we settled in a bit.
The perks of Diamond status
Burmese artwork in the bedroom hallway
Room Amenities
A safe, robes, and slippers
Mini-fridge
The Bathroom
The bathroom was really the only part of the room that I could say felt a little in need of renovation.
Even still, it was clean, well stocked, and in line with other Hilton properties I’ve stayed at around the world.
The View From The Room
Direct view of Mandalay Hill…
…and the Grand Mandalay Palace (post-sunset).
Here’s a shot of a rare red “moon-set” above the Mandalay Palace
Hotel Amenities
Not long after settling in to our room, we headed down to the Executive Lounge to have a drink (or five).
Mr. Elias was there, of course, mingling with the many guests.
Image courtesy of Hilton.com
This lounge was nice and relaxing, and had a very nice spread of various hors d’oeuvres and an ample selection of staple alcoholic beverages.
Click here for a full review of the Executive Lounge at Hilton Mandalay.
A room, next to the front desk, in the Executive Lounge
The Swimming Pool
Image courtesy of Hilton.com
Image courtesy of Hilton.com
The Moat Restaurant Bar And Grill
Hilton Breakfast
One of the great benefits of Hilton Honors Gold or Diamond status is the free Hilton breakfast. This is especially true if the breakfast spread is great and the food is delicious – as is the case with the Hilton Mandalay.
Image courtesy of Hilton.com
Image courtesy of Hilton.com
The food spread itself was very large physically, and plentiful in variety.
They [of course] had Burmese dishes, along with “western” breakfast and Chinese breakfast options (dim sum!).
The “western” options – all delicious
Bread and cereal bar
The Chinese options – all delicious
Juice bar
Fresh fruit and yogurt
Cheese and meat bar
Green tea muffins? Sign me up!
Put it all together and what do you get? The breakfast of champions!
Lest we forget – the dessert of champions!
The Bottom Line Review: Hilton Mandalay (Mandalay, Myanmar)
I’ll be blunt and get right to the point. My first Hilton experience in Myanmar pretty much exceeded all my expectations – in every way.
The hotel was stunningly beautiful, even while under renovation. If it looked like this now, I can’t wait to see the finished product. The location was pretty much the best you could ask for in Mandalay, sitting right on the edge of the Palace.
The rooms were very nice, and I can imagine the coming upgrades will make them gorgeous, but to be honest, I wasn’t left wanting for anything as is. And that view, wow. The Executive Lounge was a valuable benefit and was a genuinely pleasant place to have some drinks and unwind.
I rarely say this as well, but the real treasure of this property was the staff and the service – especially Mr. Elias Aung Myat Moe. If you own a hotel, this is the man you’d want managing the guest experience. His service, both to us and other guests, was exceptional – above and beyond in every way.
I really enjoyed my stay, and I will be back.
Highly Recommended!
Cheers!
