The Strand Yangon, which was once one of Southeast Asia’s most famed hotels, is embarking on a major renovation project aimed at restoring the property to its former glory.
Dating back to 1901, The Strand was previously owned by the Sarkies brothers, as part of a portfolio of colonial icons that also included Raffles Hotel in Singapore and the Eastern & Oriental Hotel in Penang.
In an effort to “reaffirm the hotel’s position as one of the leaders in luxury hospitality in Southeast Asia”, the hotel’s current owners will close The Strand on 1 May 2016 to undertake a major refurbishment. The project will see the property retain its classic colonial style, with marble and teak flooring, ceiling fans, chandeliers, wooden furniture and decorative Burmese antiques, while adding a new “contemporary twist”. The hotel is expected to reopen in November 2016.
“The Strand name has been synonymous with luxury hospitality in Southeast Asia since 1901 and this renovation of the hotel is an exciting next chapter in our story,” commented Olivier Trinquand, vice president of The Strand Hotel & Cruise.
“This refurbishment comes just months after the successful launch of The Strand Cruise, our 27-cabin river cruiser operating on the Ayeyarwady River between Bagan and Mandalay, and will further reinforce the Strand’s position as market leader in the region.”
All of the hotel’s 31 suites will be redecorated and equipped with new technology, including air-conditioning, sound and communications systems. The Strand Signature Restaurant will be revamped as a “pop-up outlet”, led by a Michelin-starred chef and opening only in high season. And the hotel’s main restaurant, Strand Café, will also be renovated, with its traditional rattan furniture and ceiling fans being complemented by a new colour scheme.
The famous Sarkies Bar, which has hosted luminaries like Noël Coward and Rudyard Kipling, will also be fully refurbished and a new selection of whiskeys and single malts added to its selection.
And during the closure, all hotel staff will be retained and sent on “extensive service training and language courses”.
The Strand Yangon underwent its last major renovation in 1993, when it reopened as an all-suite hotel.
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