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After trawling through guide books, forums and websites, I'm having troubleworking out where to stay in Yangon. I'd like to stay somewhere where most of my money goes to those who need it most, at the same time I would like to stay somewhere mid range (to $50 etc), within walking distance of restaurants and shops. For those that know, does Central Hotel fit the bill?

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1

I'm not 100% sure this is true, but I was told that the Central Hotel has some government/military ties.

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2

You may not be able to go upscale and support "those who need it most" - at least in terms of accomodation.

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3

All guesthouses and hotels are required to take payment in dollars and hand it to the authorities. In return they get credits to their bank accounts, some in kyat and some in dollars (in a bank account, that is - not cash). The dollars can be used to purchase necessities from overseas through approved channels. In other words, they're over a barrel, and there's no way your money doesn't go the government, no matter where you stay.

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4

Thanks, also on our list was the Winner Inn. Otherwise over to you guys for suggestions. Thanks.

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5

The Central Hotel is in a good location, near reastaurants, market and train station etc. However I prefer to stay a bit further east, which is a quieter less tourist, less hassle area. Money going to those who need it most, not sure about that, probably the cheaper smaller hotels would benefit more than mid range.

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6

Ive stayed at the Central a couple of times...its, well, Central,clean spacious rooms, quiet ...no street noise, good if you have arived from a long flight for example.Also a good place to change money.Dont recall it being a ""hassle area"" a few people asking ""change money "" thats it .Last month a deluxe room was $25

No idea about surmised govt./military ties. Doubt very much if anyone else knows for sure either,
I wouldnt worry too much about it You have already given the Junta your visa fee and more will follow if you visit Shwedagon Bagan etc. Staying at The Central will help the employees keep their jobs after all,,,,,

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7

Re fees I was lucky that I did not pay any fees a part from a camera fee K300 at Indein. I did not pay at Bagan, Mandalay, Sagaing, Mingun or Inle lake.

Another Hotel to consider in that area is Panorama about the same price as Cenral.

Edited by: Herbie47

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8

I didn't pay anything in Mandalay nor at Sagain, but if you come from the airports in Bagan and Inle you will have to pay the fees($10 & $5 respectively).

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9

I went to Bagan by bus and Inle by share taxi, neither stopped to pay fees..

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