Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts announced Traders Hotel, Yangon in Myanmar has rebranded to operate as Sule Shangri-La, Yangon, following an extensive renovation that took two-and-a-half years to complete.
The 484-room hotel, which is positioned on Sule Pagoda Road near the landmark namesake pagoda that is over 2,000 years old, has been a major fixture in the city’s central business district since it opened in November 1996. Nearly two decades on, the hotel continues to be Yangon’s most popular gathering and networking spot for businesspeople and hotel guests.
A key port in the British Empire, Yangon still boasts vestiges of its colonial past after nearly a half-century of isolation. It is the essence of this history and Myanmar’s rich culture that the newly branded Sule Shangri-La, Yangon captures with a design that effortlessly mixes elegance and simplicity.
While the exterior of the building is modern, the lobby of Sule Shangri-La, Yangon evokes bygone colonial days with imposing white columns and a grand staircase that ascends to an open balcony. The classic impression extends to the adjacent double-height lobby lounge where a tiered crystal chandelier highlights a wall mural and panel details with intricate peacock motifs. The Green peafowl, called the U-Doung in Burmese, is one of the country’s national animals.
Hotel staff uniforms celebrate Myanmar’s colorful history, incorporating the traditional longyi (a large sheet of cloth folded to form a cylindrical shape) in unique styles specially designed for the hotel. Doormen proudly wear a range of seven different uniforms, each representing the seven states of the country.
A walk through the public areas reveals more cultural components of the property with tall ornate Burmese vases, panes of intricate woodcarving and specially commissioned art pieces by local artists such as Ba Khine and Hla Phone Aung, whose artworks decorate the hotel’s café, conference rooms and suites. The hotel is a showcase for local artists and craftsmen, and their works are creative depictions of Burmese stories.
For dining, the hotel’s updated restaurants and lounges offer a variety of choices. Summer Palace, Shangri-La’s signature Chinese restaurant, overlooks street activity through large window alcoves. Red and mahogany accents contrast against the light-colored walls and patterned ceiling, and Chinese paintings and fabric finishes around light fixtures complement the restaurant and its six distinctive private dining rooms specializing in Cantonese dim sum and authentic Chinese dishes.
The Gallery Bar was modified to reflect a public drinking house from the past British era. Half-curtained glass windows allow a peek of the dark wood interior with wraught iron and brass details. Memorabilia and photographs from the early 1800s fill the walls and add nostalgia to the comfort menu of homemade shepherd’s pie, steaks, light bites and crisp cold beers. Its balcony has an encompassing view of the Lobby Lounge which constantly bustles with patrons.
The hotel’s renovation also included the three other venues – Café Sule for international flavors and Asian favorites; the Peacock Lounge (see photo above), an informal meeting ground for catch-ups between friends or executives, and the Gourmet Shop serving freshly baked goods, snacks and beverages. All outlets are the first in Myanmar to be awarded the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point System (HACCP) certification for world class standards of food management and hygiene.
For recreational pursuits the Health Club, which is bathed in natural light and overlooks the outdoor pool, offers an expanded space of over 850 square-meters of fitness equipment, sauna, steam and massage rooms. The hotel’s meeting spaces—regular hosts of delegations and dignitaries—span three levels at Sule Shangri-La, Yangon and were refurbished in a modern palette with gold accents.
While the décor references the past, guestroom amenities are thoroughly modern. The hotel’s 484 remodeled guestrooms present large picture windows that frame the city, river or Shwedagon Pagoda. Flat-screen televisions, complimentary Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, fine linens and marble bathrooms complete the guest experience. Vibrant pictures of local life grace the walls of each room to balance the modern touches.
On the top floor of the hotel are three refashioned suites bordered by views of Yangon city or Yangon River. Incorporating artifacts to display Myanmar’s much-admired handicraft, they are swathed in plush fabrics and trimmed with dark wood. The suites, including the city’s largest Presidential suite, measure between 66 and 189 square-meters and are comfortably designed for relaxing and working in separate areas. Spacious bathrooms are fitted with a bathtub, rainforest shower and quality amenities.
Travelers in search of an exclusive retreat will enjoy the new Horizon Club Lounge. The executive lounge was relocated to level 21 to offer an unobstructed view of Shwedagon Pagoda and enlarged to over 490 square meters to provide additional seating and two private meeting rooms.
As part of the Horizon Club benefits, guests will enjoy personal check-in and late check-out at the lounge, complimentary beverages and refreshments all day, a dedicated concierge and Wi-Fi access. Other guest privileges that come with Horizon Club floor accommodation, on levels 18 to 22 of the hotel, include complimentary breakfast, in-room wine and snacks upon arrival, suit pressing and daily fruits.
“It’s exciting to see the luxury enhancements of the hotel and to introduce Shangri-La’s signature touches in such a desirable destination,” says Philip Couvaras, area general manager of Sule Shangri-La, Yangon. “We look forward to continuously providing our guests with new and personal experiences, and to help immerse visitors into the local culture.”
To mark Sule Shangri-La, Yangon’s rebranding, the hotel is introducing a “Celebration Package” priced from US$215 per night, subject to tax and/or service charges, until 31 July 2014. A minimum two nights’ stay in a Deluxe Room includes one way airport transfer (pick up or drop off) and US$40 hotel credit which may be used for hotel food and beverage, laundry, massage services and at the beauty center. Golden Circle members can also earn double GC Award Points. For inquiries, telephone the hotel on (95 1) 242 828 or e-mail ssyn@shangri-la.com.
Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, one of the world’s premier hotel companies, currently owns and/or manages more than 80 hotels under the Shangri-La brand with a room inventory of over 34,000. Over four decades the group has established its brand hallmark of ‘hospitality from the heart’. The group has a substantial development pipeline with upcoming projects in mainland China, India, Mongolia, Philippines, Qatar, Sri Lanka and United Kingdom. For more information and reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at the Shangri-La website.
Images courtesy of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts
