Hotel By The Red Canal, Mandalay Myanmar, Mandalay

The Hotel By The Red Canal is one of Mandalay’s best boutique hotels. With just 26 rooms, the hotel offers tasteful accommodation, excellent service and a range of carefully selected facilities to please today’s discerning traveller.

Modern and contemporary yet with pronounced traditional elements, the Hotel By The Red Canal uses local materials such as teak and rattan to stunning effect. With limited space available, the designers have crafted an intimate environment that pleases the eye and does not compromise on quality. Wood has been used extensively throughout, from the imposing spiral staircases to the intricately carved furniture.

 The rooms themselves are small yet well-appointed. Split into four types, named after the country’s dominant ethnic groups, the Chin, Kachin, Shan and Rakhine suites each offer slightly different facilities. Worthy of special mention is the romantic Kachin Suite, with its outdoor shower. All rooms have a private balcony and offer peaceful and quiet accommodation with plenty of air and natural light.

The restaurant across the garden specialises in Indian food and offers a range of meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes. The hotel also offers 24-hour in-room dining. An unusual freeform swimming pool sits at the centre of the lush, manicured gardens. Although small, the pool provides a focal point for relaxation amidst the city’s famous afternoon heat. A small spa is well known for its ayurvedic treatments. Other facilities include a compact business centre and library and a 1st-flooroutdoor sala with seating for small groups. Wifi internet is available throughout the hotel.

Overall, the Hotel By The Red Canal is one of our favourite accommodation options in Mandalay and stands out for its genuinely ‘boutique’ qualities, excellent and quiet location within walking distance of some of Mandalay’s main attractions.