I chose the Thazin Garden Hotel in Bagan, Myanmar for one reason and one reason only.
They have their very own 13th century pagoda in the hotel garden (with a pink Buddha) and that, to me, is a pretty fine reason, trumping just about everything else you may require in a hotel.My decision was the right one.
The hotel is delightful, with a view to die for, it is well located, sensationally quiet and peaceful, the staff could not have been sweeter, and once they get the F & B up to scratch, Thazin Garden Hotel will be unbeatable.
And, by the way, there is not one but at least 4 pagodas scattered around the property and the main one has a pink Buddha, and how perfect is that?
The mood was instantly set on arrival by the sparkly sign in reception wishing us a Merry Christmas. In February.
Courteous check in staff, wreathed in smiles.
Lovely welcome – “Sweet welcome to fairy land of wonders”:
But for the record let it be said that the hotel is most definitely not a gastronomic hotspot.
The buffet breakfast was OK, nothing more, nothing less, with charming if erratic service.
We had one lunch and one dinner there, and neither was memorable in any way. Nothing wrong with the food – just ordinary.
Don’t miss the nooodles, which are 500 kyat cheaper than the conventionally spelled noodles 🙂
We had rooms overlooking the pagoda – and it was a view I never tired of.
Our room was large and well appointed, and the bathroom was fine. Loads of storage space. A kettle. A hair-dryer.
Loved the room bell (below) a wooden bell outside which tinkled inside the room.
Nice balcony (below):
Lovely pool, though still pretty cold in February. Spotlessly clean, loads of pool towels.
I booked through Agoda.com so you should check similar booking sites online for rates and prices.
Personally recommended for brilliant location, lovely staff and That View – with the caveat that the food is only so-so.
We paid our own bills and I did not tell anyone in the hotel that I blog or review.
I so wanted to buy some of these delightful statues outside the spa, but they were way too heavy.
Next time.
And once again, that view…
Lovely – though, let’s face it, pagodas (and Buddhas) are ten a penny around Bagan!