Friday, Jan. 22, 2010
Be Charmed at the Savoy
You know a vacation destination has made it when it boasts a boutique hotel. Burma may still be the subject of a raging debate over whether or not tourists should visit the repressive country, but its commercial capital of Rangoon is now home to the Savoy, a European-run oasis of teak and antiques located near the city's famous Shwedagon pagoda. Housed in a colonial-era villa, the Savoy outpaces Rangoon's other upscale hotels, which are run by international chains and tend to lack authenticity. Sometimes that means quirky service and recalcitrant hot water, but the Savoy's hometown charm more than makes up for such deficiencies. Cost: Room rates are around $110 a night.
— By Hannah Beech