How to find good WIFI in Myanmar

Myanmar and accommodation is always a gamble. Being one of the cheaper hotels with decent reviews on Agoda, I settled on 79 Living Hotel very quickly. Complimentary tea and warm towel on arrival made my expectations for 79 Living Hotel increase exponentially.

Wifi is poor at best throughout Myanmar, but the wifi at 79 Living Hotel made you feel as if you had entered a new age, with the wifi being the best we had experienced in Myanmar. Each floor had its own router, allowing the moderate speed wifi to reach all the rooms. I did have a moment of panic when the wifi stopped working on first arrival and I quickly sought out reception to ask for the usual reboot. The response I received was of a higher standard. They contacted the manager who saw to it that every router was reset and working at full strength.

The staff continued to be extremely helpful and friendly on any matter. They confirmed our bus, booked tours, bike rentals, sorted out beds in our room after accidently providing a double room etc etc. All duties were carried out with a smile and cheerful countenance, creating a happy homely atmosphere in the hotel.

The room was spacious with a clear view of Mandalay Hill. And another first in Myanmar occurred as the room had every facility and service advertised online.

The hotel’s restaurant was very basic but with a very enthusiastic cook. The menu had a large Western influence and you don’t find many traditional Myanmar dishes on offer. It was also pricier, as per usual hotel restaurants, compared to outside street vendors and local restaurants. The restaurant held spectacular views across the city and of Mandalay Hill though. With an adjoining rooftop terrace, it was a great place to unwind with a bite to eat.

79 Living Hotel has a great location, but as Mandalay is a sprawling city it was a long walk to most sites. The hotel offered tours and taxi services for those not wanting to walk or cycle several kilometres in the sweltering summer heat. Its central location meant that even if you do catch a taxi, the price was small and not budget breaking.

All opinions are subjective to the writers personal travel experience. The writer travelled at her own expense.