Burma-Myanmar
 

Heading off to Burma in September to do a Pandaw cruise along the upper Irrawaddy River. But will spend 4-5 days in Rangoon-Yangon at the conclusionj. Any tips as to where I might stay centrally? Don't want to break the bank, but would like somewhere pleasant, preferably with a pool. I was thinking of the Governor's Residence.

Mitch,
Governor's Residence ain't central - and it's not re-opening until Sept. anyway after cyclone damage. Check www.orient-express.com for details.
The Strand is the best - but no pool. Dunno what rates you'll get: might be full of N.G.O's.
www.ghmhotels.com/
Traders is as central as you can get -
www.shangri-la.com/en/property/yangon/traders

Which cruise are you on?

While I am not sure what you mean by "centrally" in Yangon, we enjoyed our stay at the Savoy. If you book through a Burmese TA such as Santa Maria, you can get a room there for less than US$100 or a spacious suite for US$125. These prices include breakfast and the Savoy has a nice pool as well.

Yangon is a bit spread out but the Savoy is not far from Schweddagon Pagoda. You will need a taxi or a car and driver to get to most places in town. Not sure why you would spend 4-5 days there though - why not fly up to Bagan for a couple of days instead?

The Grand Plaza Park Royal is well located (a block or two from Scott's Mkt) and has a pool. It has a very good breakfast buffet and several other restaurants. And they take credit cards! The downside for me was that it could be in any city anywhere - no special Burmese charm.

Already doing an upper Irrawaddy cruise from Bhamo down to Pagan, with includes Bagan and Mandalay. I finish in Rangoon and want some R and R.

I agree with Craig, take a look at the Savoy.

I agree ferni. I have already checked it out, and provided it's operating by September 1, we will use it. It gets great reviews, and is about half the price of the Governor's.