“It’s whole new way to stay” says roomarama.com. It’s a pretty attractive strapline if you ask me. Looking into their site, it caters for different kind of travellers from the smart, adventurous and independent traveller like me. Roomorama.com offered to try out their services and since I have a two week trip in Myanmar, I thought it would be great to try them out there. That led me to this fancy boutique hotel Mandalay View inn.
Room-o-what?
Roomorama.com is basically a peer-to-peer online rental agency service connecting more than 400 apartment/hotels/room owners to travellers looking for quality and affordable place to stay and transact securely online with their chosen hosts.
Rooming-in
So basically I quickly created an account in Roomorama.com, then searched for an accommodation in Myanmar at certain dates. I found Mandalay View Inn attractive enough and contacted the hosts via “Inquire”. Once I got the confirmation it was time to “Book”. Payments can be done via paypal. A confirmation payment code would be given and should be shown upon arrival to the hosts. There’s a minimum transaction fee on top of the room cost.
Mandalay View Inn
As their first guest via roomarama.com, the staff had to confirm a few details first as they were not accustomed to the process but I didn’t have to wait that long to check into my room.
For a US$55, the room I got at the back was huge and elegant. I definitely liked the details on the dark wood accentuating the design of the room. It has most of the facilities one would need, comfortable bed, clean bathroom with hot shower, cable tv and airconditioning. Plus the room got a nice small veranda with a view of the street and in room wifi access works decently. The staff were friendly and accommodating which is a plus.
The hotel only has 12 rooms which makes the service more personal. The location is along the strip of large hotels but it sits quietly by the roadside near Mandalay Palace with a good choice of eateries and convenience stores nearby. I could easily run for an emergency chapatti next door.
The service doesn’t end there upon check-out. As guest, I also enjoyed the facilities of their bigger sister hotel “Hotel by the Red Canal” which is 3 blocks away. They have free wifi, swimming pool and gym use. I spent some time here in the afternoon after I checked out. These are probably two of the few hotels in Manadalay that accepts credit card payments (with commission).
It sure was a pleasurable stay. After a few overnight bus rides and basic accommodations while travelling Myanmar, Mandalay View Inn was a welcome comfort with mid-range luxury perfect to recharge and relax midway through my journey.
Disclaimer: Many thanks to Roomorama.com for letting me try out their service. Personally it is a good service if you are looking for quality rooms and apartments in certain areas.
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
