Merchant Art Boutique Hotel

Merchant Art Boutique Hotel is an art-themed boutique hotel in Bahan Township, Yangon, Myanmar, listed at 67/71 Bahan Township near Shwegondaing Road. Bahan is one of the city's more established residential and diplomatic districts, with tree-lined streets, cafes and restaurants, and it lies north of the downtown core and close to the Shwedagon Pagoda. Shwegondaing Road is a short drive from the Shwedagon's eastern approach and from Kandawgyi Lake, and the hotel is convenient for visitors who want to be near the great pagoda while avoiding the crowded downtown streets. Downtown sights such as Sule Pagoda and the Strand are reachable by taxi. The hotel's defining feature is its art focus: rooms and public areas are decorated with artworks, giving a gallery-like atmosphere that sets it apart from the plainer mid-range hotels in the city. Rooms are offered as Standard Rooms and Deluxe Rooms, with the Deluxe category providing more space and more distinctive decor. Amenities include a restaurant, free Wi-Fi, art-filled rooms and a rooftop. The rooftop provides views over the surrounding neighbourhood and a place to relax in the evening, while the restaurant serves breakfast and meals with a mix of local and international dishes. The surrounding Bahan streets offer additional restaurants and cafes within a short taxi ride. Service is personal and informal, as is typical of small boutique properties, and the staff can help with taxis, tours and recommendations for galleries and craft shops in the city. There is no pool or spa, and the hotel suits travellers who value character and design over extensive facilities. Nightly rates generally run from about US$70 to US$120, or roughly 301,000 to 516,000 MMK. It is a good choice for couples and independent travellers interested in Myanmar's contemporary art scene.