Introduction

Mandalay

Central Mandalay has a host of accommodation options in the flashpacker and midrange, though decent budget choices are still somewhat limited. The larger upmarket hotels mostly avoid the cramped centre and are around the edges of town. Most of the $25-$50 spots are in a rectangle between 78th and 83rd streets north/south and 26th and 32nd streets east/west. Many are of a very similar design and layout to the extent that it’s quite difficult to tell one from another. Many are perfectly adequate; very few stand out.

Several of Mandalay’s uninspired budget operations are dotted along 82nd and 83rd Streets while a clutch of up-market alternatives are found in the leafier south section of town. (Note, all the below have complimentary breakfast unless indicated otherwise.)

Seasonal rates aren’t as universally applied, (and if they are then not as excessively), as in say Bagan or Inle Lake. Generally speaking - as elsewhere in the country - high season is November through to February with October, April and August forming a second tier. May to July plus September are low.