Inya Lake Hotel

Inya Lake Hotel
အင်းလျားလိတ်ဟိုတယ်
Location in Yangon, Myanmar
General information
TypeHotel
Architectural styleSoviet modernism
Location37 Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Mayangon Township, Yangon, Myanmar
Coordinates16°50′20″N 96°09′22″E / 16.8389°N 96.1561°E / 16.8389; 96.1561
Construction started1958
Completed1962 (1962)
Opened1962
Technical details
Floor count5
Design and construction
Architect(s)Viktor Andreyev, Kaleriya Kislova
Website
www.inyalakehotel.com

Inya Lake Hotel (Burmese: အင်းလျားလိတ်ဟိုတယ်) is a historic hotel located on the shores of Inya Lake in Mayangon Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Encompassing 27 acres of tropical gardens, the hotel is known for its distinctive Soviet-era modernist architecture and lakeside setting.[1] The architectural design integrates functional features such as natural ventilation, broad corridors, and shaded verandas. The hotel is considered a Yangon landmark, reflecting a unique fusion of Cold War-era politics, Soviet design, and Burmese hospitality.

History

Construction of the hotel began in 1958 as a diplomatic gift from the Soviet Union during a state visit by Premier Nikita Khrushchev.[2] It was completed in 1962 and designed by Soviet architects Viktor Andreyev and Kaleriya Kislova.[2] The building was intended to embody Soviet architectural style while accommodating Myanmar’s tropical climate.[2]

The structure, reminiscent of a Soviet sanatorium, includes wide balconies, high ceilings, and a rooftop feature resembling a steamship funnel.[2] An adjacent building resembling a Soviet "House of Culture" was constructed to serve as an event hall.[2] The hotel's open-air swimming pool was reportedly influenced by Khrushchev’s preferences. The nautical-themed rooftop, resembling a ship funnel, remains a defining visual feature.

In 1990, hotelier Adrian Zecha oversaw significant renovations that modernized the facilities while preserving the architectural integrity of the original design.[2] In 1995, Renaissance by Marriott International assumed management of the hotel.[3] In 2002, Thailand's Dusit Hotels & Resorts took over the management.[3]

References

  1. ^ "Inya Lake Hotel". MYANMORE. Retrieved 2025-05-18.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "Inya Lake Hotel". Architectural Guide: Yangon. Retrieved 2025-05-18.
  3. ^ a b "Dusit takes over Inya Lake Hotel in Yangon". www.travelweekly-asia.com. Retrieved 2025-05-18.