Has anyone stayed at the new Aureum Palace Hotel? I am wondering about booking this hotel as opposed to the Inle Princess Resort - any advice would be appreciated.

All of the Aureum Palace Hotels are owned by Tay Za. For that reason alone, I'd avoid the place.

We stayed at the Inle Lake View and just loved it! The rooms are lovely and large, the staff is really excellent. It is owned by a Burmese woman who is investing in the local community development (much as the owner of the Princess does).

Dear RPDSPD,
Not sure about these hotels but think you should try to meet up with friends who will be in Burma at the same time as you this Summer!Can't make it to the lake though..............Maybe in Bagan?

Kathie - thanks very much for this advice - it was very timely - but so has the rest of your advice through trip reports etc. Without you knowing it, I have used lots of your guidance to help plan our trip which will start in August. We are planning to visit numerous places that you recommend and then we'll finish our visit to the lake which we are assured will be a lovely place to relax in. Thanks for all your help and also to Shelly / Joan whose trip reports also assisted with my plans.

StrawberryBlueOlive - we'll try to make it to Bagan when you're there, but maybe we'll try Totnes first!

Enjoy your trip. I'm glad I was able to be helpful.

I am now planning a trip to Myanmar for November 2013 and I have to tell you, Kathie, everything I've read of yours is so helpful as are the other voices. I was going to use Sunbird Tours, a co. I read about in the NYTIMEs. I'm calling Santa Maria tomorrow.
Thank you. You seem so fair in your accessments of people and places.

Have a wonderful trip! Burma is really a special place. If there are questions I can answer for you, I'm glad to do so.

Sunbird Tours might be just fine for elsewhere, but you really want a local company in Burma.