Hotel by the Red Canal
Mandalay

The Hotel by the Red Canal is a stylish boutique hotel perfectly located in the centre of Mandalay's main sites.

The small but perfectly-formed rooms are decorated with teak and rattan furnishings and traditional Myanmarese fabrics. The building is constructed of a warm polished wood that follows all through the hotel corridors, where guests go barefoot or in hotel slippers, and so you instantly feel at home.

The Hotel by the Red Canal gives a level of attention to detail missing from the other properties in Mandalay, with small touches such as fresh flowers and a good range of toiletries to make your stay just that much more pleasant. The beautiful gardens are well-maintained, and the small pool is surrounded by rich foliage, hiding swimmers from view in their little oasis.

There is a gym and spa and complimentary Wi-fi is available throughout the hotel. The staff are a delight and service is exceptional. The Indian owner has gained a well-earned reputation for the Indian food served at the renowned Spice Garden restaurant on site, which is delicious and an Ampersand favourite. In our opinion, all of these things more than compensate for the slightly petite bedrooms, and it remains one of our top properties in Mandalay.

To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson