The Strand
The Sarkies' 1901 Rangoon grande dame, 'finest hostelry east of Suez'
Transparency
Why This Score
How each of the nine Heritage Hotel Index dimensions was evaluated.
Heritage & Authenticity
40% of HHIReview pending
Review pending
Review pending
Guest Experience
35% of HHIReview pending
Review pending
Review pending
Operational Excellence
25% of HHIReview pending
Review pending
Review pending
About the Property
Built in 1901 by the Sarkies brothers — the same Armenian family behind Raffles Singapore and the E&O Penang — The Strand earned the reputation as the "finest hostelry east of Suez." This Victorian gem survived wars and revolutions, its teak-floored corridors echoing with the footsteps of Kipling, Orwell, Noël Coward, and the Prince of Wales. Restored by Aman founder Adrian Zecha in 1993, it reopened in May 2025 after a five-year closure with a full restoration of its Myanmar marble, teak wood, and Burmese antique interiors.
Original Purpose
Victorian grand hotel
Highlights
History Timeline
Opened by the Sarkies Brothers as Rangoon's finest hotel
Requisitioned by Japanese army during occupation
Major restoration by Adrian Zecha (Aman founder)
Second comprehensive restoration completed
Hotel closes due to COVID-19 and political instability
Reopens after five-year closure with full heritage restoration