Yangon: Motherland Inn 2, A Backpacker’s Home

As always, the first step when coming in to a new country is adapting. And this process can be an ease or a struggle depending on our initial encounters with the locals. And it couldn’t be any easier when the place you’re staying is already used to foreigners like Motherland Inn 2 in Yangon. It’s like a backpacker’s haven in this part of the country since most foreigners go here and there’s a good reason why.

Booking and Airport Shuttle Service

Advance booking with them was as easy as sending an email which I did a month before my arrival. Knowing how popular the place can be, they are easily fully booked. I didn’t have to pay for the reservation. What attracted me was their free shuttle service to and from the airport which I thought was convenient and saves me a few dollars.

Rooms

I stayed in Motherland Inn for 2 separate nights, upon my arrival and before I left the country since I took advantage of their free shuttle service. I got the US$16 single room which was really spacious for the price. Don’t expect hotel type rooms but it’s like living in a friend’s house where the rooms are neat and clean.

The first room I got was room 7. It is in a quiet corner, 2^nd floor at the back of the inn. When I open the window I could see the neighbours cooking and other roof tops. Did not had any problems as I could barely hear the traffic from the road or the guest along the corridors.

In my last full day in Yangon coming from Mandalay, I had Room 205 at the upper floor was even better. It’s on an upper corner with a nice open view of the city. I definitely enjoyed the breeze coming in when I open the windows.

Both rooms have airconditioning, hot shower, a cable tv (but with only 5 channels) and big beds.

Services

I definitely noticed how young the staffs here were but most of them can speak English and they do delight in talking to guest to practice the language. The rooms, which seems to be a standard on all hotels in Myanmar also includes breakfast. And they are so generous with their breakfast buffet they made me take breakfast on the two occasions I arrived while they prepare my room.

The hotel only accepts dollar payments for the rooms which were not a problem for me as I also booked in a room in advance when I arrived. It is also convenient that they can book bus tickets as well which saved me the problem on going to the bus station which is so far away. And it’s easy to talk to them and ask for directions. There is also internet at the ground floor for 1000kyat per hour.

Location

I can’t say they have the best location since it’s in a secluded quiet spot down town along Lower Pazundaung Road. Its walk able to the City Center if you’re in the mood to sweat and it’s a short ride by trishaw or taxi. But since I’m cheap I usually walk several blocks first. Due to its popularity, a lot of transportation is familiar with Motherland Inn 2.

Motherland Inn 2
No 433, Lower Pazundaung Road, Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)
www.myanmarmotherlandinn.com