Golden Island Cottages ( Thale-U Hotel )

|Situated next to the Nampan village on Inle Lake, this hotel has spectacular views from all around. ||We were welcomed by many of the team playing drums and symbols, which is something I will never forget! It became part of the day as each new guest was welcomed. ||Our room / cottage was large and airy with a spacious balcony overlooking the lake. We looked onto a large area of water lilies, and I never tired of the view from sunrise to sunset. A traditional fisherman was often in front of our balcony, which was incredible to watch. ||We chose to spend a day there relaxing after many days of continuous travelling. I believe we were the only guests there for the day....bliss.||The breakfast was not the best, and the evening menu limited, especially for vegetarians, but the prices were reasonable. ||This hotel mainly caters for large touring groups, and so is really a base to see the Lake for a day or two nights, as opposed to taking time to relax. Therefore there were no public areas to sunbath, sit and read a book or swim. You can do so on your private deck, but it was often in shade due to the layout of the cottages. ||For most people who are literally on the Lake with a day to see the sites, this is a perfect place to stay.

Had a great 2-night stay at Golden Island Cottage Thale U.||Staff: AMAZING. They took care of us throughout our stay, from food recommendation to booking our boat trip to canoeing and fishing at hotel area. ||Room: spacious, clean and many windows to ensure bright daylight. The bed was comfortable and the mosquito net was a nice touch. Each cottage comes with sitting area by the large window where you can enjoy coffee/tea. There was also a cute balcony to view sunset. ||Restaurant: we ate nearly all our meals at the hotel restaurant and was never disappointed! We were recommended various local dishes (needs ordering in advance) and we appreciated the advices. All the fish dishes were amazing. Local wine was also surprisingly good.||Location: it cannot go wrong with staying at the lake itself. Hotel is 1.5 hour away from Heho airport, we took a taxi directly from airport but best way to reach is probably via a motor boat from Nyaungshwe. Staff welcome guests arriving on boats with music. ||The hotel is a well run co-op and is strongly recommended for anyone planning to stay in the lake area. (Bring mosquito repellent!)

On our trip through Myanmar we stayed one night at Golden Island Cottages Thale-U Hotel. It was not the most luxurious hotel during the trip but definitely the best. We were warmly welcomed. Every employee, from the manager to the staff at the front desk or in the restaurant are super friendly and totally committed. The bungalows are very nicely decorated and clean. The style of the decor fits in perfectly with the surroundings. From the terrace you have a wonderful view of the lake. In the evening we had a great dinner in the restaurant. On request we were even put the table on the terrace. The food and the whole atmosphere were unique. On our departure we got a refund, since we had not used the hotel's free arrival pickup over the lake. This has never happened to us. The second night at Inle Lake we stayed at the Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort Inle. And yes, the villas are bigger and more luxurious there and it was also a nice stay. But if I would book again, I would spend both nights at Golden Island Cottages Thale-U Hotel. The employees know what hospitality means. We travel a lot and often stay in hotels. But this stay will be remembered for a long time.

As one arrives in ones private long tail boat after a 40 minute drive across the lake tucked in against the chill with a thoughtfully provided blanket there is a troupe of musicians to welcome you to this charming resort, which by the way is a community owned project. The rooms might be considered a little basic but have absolutely all you might need including plentiful hot water. Thrown in at no extra charge are awesome awesome sunsets right off your balcony, and as an extra the 1000's of egrets that roost in trees behind the hotel fly in in great skies, just skimming the roofs.

The boat ride is not far from the Nampan Jetty to the hotel but you may have to negotiate the cost with the boat driver beforehand, otherwise, they really charge you a lot.||The room we chose (Room 301) is decorated with wood and is very spacious. The balcony lets you sit outside your room with a peaceful view and is noise free (comparing to the other side of the hotel room). The bathroom is spacious as well. ||We got traditional Inle food for breakfast that the hotel staff had prepared for us from the morning market.||The hotel is near a famous resrautant and the restaurant provides a boat ride to and from the hotel should you make a reservation there.||It's quite a nice hotel and I wouldn't hesitate to lodge there again.

A very nice 2 star hotel. Spacious rooms, with a fantastic view of the sunset . The hotel is small cottages on stilts in the water. The rooms are made the traditional way , braided bamboo walls. Nice bathroom as well. Behind the hotel is a village, and be brave and go for a walk there by yourself to see how the local people are living. |The restaurant is cold in winter time , so bring fleese jacket and wool to wear for all the meals. Butnoce traditionel food , and good service. |Behind the hotel is a bird sanctuary, very nice for the people crazy for birds, but they smell! |This hotel is like most hotel at Inle : Noicy! They do provide earplugs.. but the boats pass the hotell until 22.30, and starts at 4.00.. and its terrible noicy. |I would stay here again :)

The hotel is situated in the lake and one has be ferried to the hotel by a narrow motor boat. I was advised not to stand and had to remain seated during the journey. Love the breeze hitting my face! ||The room was incredibly spacious. Don't worry about mosquitoes because there isn't any. The staff are amazingly helpful, friendly and polite. The buffet spread for Breakfast was good! The dishes served at the hotel restaurant did make me drool.||Highly recommend this hotel.

Great hotel, located by the lake but also with shore access that gives you a great opportunity to walk by the plantation up to the hill where has a monastery. Early morning we can experience bird watching, it was the first time I saw so many different birds altogether, it was incredible. Ohh the staff definitely is the best part of this place always smiling and friendly. The food delicious, all my requests were completely fulfilled. I felt at home.