Pyin U Lwin: Unexpectedly Charmed at Grace Hotel 1

The charming Grace Hotel 1 From the warm and earthly environs of Bagan, Pyin U Lwin was a pleasant change. As soon as I got out of the trai...

The charming Grace Hotel 1

From the warm and earthly environs of Bagan, Pyin U Lwin was a pleasant change. As soon as I got out of the train station, I hired and hopped on a motorbike to take me to my first choice of accommodation. Immediately the cool air, the sight of pine trees and the British-influenced neighbourhood reinvigorated my spirit. It was until it worried me that a lot of accommodations are fully booked. Dahlia hotel was fully booked and the also the nearby areas. I was worried for a while but it was a blessing in disguise as I wound up staying in Grace Hotel 1.

Very tasty and filling 500 kyat Chinese Noodles

I was lucky someone just checked-out when I arrived enabling me to get a double room at the hotel. While they clean it up, I went outside for a stroll and found the advantage of its location. I was so grateful I ended up here since it’s near a lot of areas. There’s a strip of eatery and Chinese teahouses nearby.  I had one of the tastiest Chinese noodles with complimentary tea for only 500 kyat. And nearby there’s an internet cafe where I caught up with my online world for only 400 kyat an hour. The connection was really fast and less restrictions on the websites. Quickly I realized how expensive Bagan was compared to this place.

My big US$12 room

When I got back to the hotel, I wasn’t expecting much from the room but I was surprised to see a spacious and high-ceiling room with 2 single beds, tiled walls and a huge bathroom with hot shower. It also has a cable TV which was a bit weird as the ones shown on screen are the channels the owners or the people in charge are watching. For US$12 or 9600 kyat, I thought this was really of great value. There’s a fan but since the place tends to be really cold at night (I had 2 thick blankets when I slept) aircondition is not needed.

My breakfast at the garden

Breakfast was really an experience. Grace Hotel has a big front garden where there are tables and chairs set amidst. They served the breakfast there, it was a really pleasant with the relaxing  and quiet atmosphere that I took time enjoying my toast, butter, jam, eggs, tea and fruit. Oh yeah, this is also included with the room fee. It was a great way to start the day before a stroll or a  bike.

Part of why I enjoyed Pyin U Lwin was Grace Hotel 1. Discovering this Indian run hotel made my stay a lot more comfortable. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. It was a perfect place to recharge and invigorate after a long journey and start of a new leg.

Grace Hotel 1
114A Nan Myaing Road
Pyin U Lwin