BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN MACAU
BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN MACAU
LEARN MORE ABOUT BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN MACAU AND DISCOVER THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN MACAU IF YOU PLANNING TO VISIT
BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN MACAU
The hotels in Macau are already rather outrageous, and things will only become blingier. Tycoons in the city are engaged in a protracted game of one-billion-upmanship to see who can construct the fanciest resorts. These resorts are among the most remarkable attractions in Macau, making it challenging to choose where to stay these days. With so much rivalry, Macau is certain to feature some of the world’s top hotels.
The latest news? Macau has rocketed past some of the world’s most sophisticated cities, such as Paris and Hong Kong, to take its place as the world’s leader in the luxury hotel stakes.
The Forbes Travel Guide team reviewed 199 hotels, 64 restaurants and 60 spas. With 18 hotels, 12 restaurants and eight spas on the list, Macau is punching way above its weight.
If you’re visiting Macau on a budget, here’s a list of cheap Macau hotels you might want to check out.
THE COTAI STRIP
MORPHEUS
Finally, Morpheus the wittily named property has opened on the Cotai Strip and is as intriguing inside as it is outside.
On top of 780 luxury rooms, six duplex villas and three super-luxury villas with a private indoor pool, the hotel’s host of premium restaurants serving international cuisines, two of which are located on the hotel’s sky bridges.
Spectacle is the key ingredient at Morpheus, with high-speed observation lifts in the atrium and an infinity pool on the 40th floor 130m above the ground.
MGM COTAI
The recently opened (February 2018), MGM Cotai is another “second edition” that complements the existing downtown MGM property.
Designed as the “jewellery box” of Cotai, it has 1,400 rooms and suites, a high-end spa, and a vast array of retail offerings and a long list of Macau restaurants worth checking out.
More importantly, it showcases the first international Mansion at MGM, aimed at the very top end of the accommodation market, as well as a dynamic theatre.
PARISIAN MACAO
Just over a month after Wynn opened – zut alors – The Parisian was preparing to welcome its first guests.
Alter ego to The Venetian at the other end of the Cotai Strip, the 3,000-room resort is the new darling of tycoon Sheldon Adelson and the only property in Macau with a scaled-down Eiffel Tower by its front door.
Like many new casino resorts in Macao, this place is all about razzmatazz (and gambling) but it would be hard to come here and fail to enjoy what is to all intents a very well executed architectural facsimile.
Naturally, the style throughout is Gallic with a capital G.
Especially in the rooms, and there’s lots of entertainment to be had around the resort.
The 162-metre Eiffel Tower is an obvious excursion.
And the pool deck is likely to be packed on warmer days.
Retail fanatics should find plenty to amuse themselves and their credit card companies at the 170 boutiques in the mall.
And the 1,200-seat theatre hosts international acts on a regular basis.
Best of all, with The Parisian being part of the Strip, guests can stroll via air-conditioned walkways to neighbouring resorts and malls.
Killer App: It’s not just Gustave Eiffel’s eponymous erection that’s jaw-dropping – check out the painted ceilings and the replica Fontaine de Mers in the lobby.
STUDIO CITY MACAU
Studio City Macau is a cinematically-themed leisure and entertainment complex, that integrates a family entertainment centre with enough things to do for kids to fill several days, a TV studio, five-star hotels, a nightclub, extensive dining venues and a shopping mall.
The art-deco style complex has 1,600 rooms spread between two towers and is centered on Asia’s highest Ferris wheel, the 130m GoldenEye.
GALAXY HOTEL MACAU
Galaxy Macau’s most impressive features is the Grand Resort Deck, the world’s largest Skytop Wave pool, and Adventure Rapids, which at 575m is the world’s longest aquatic adventure river ride.
The deck’s wildly popular with Mainland Chinese youngsters, many of whom live well inland and almost all of whom are whiling away the hours till Dad, and maybe Mum too, are finished winning a fortune at the tables.
RITZ CARLTON MACAU
The 250-key Ritz-Carlton Macau is a prime example.
Opened in May 2015, it’s the city’s first all-suite accommodation, perched on the upper floors of the Galaxy Resort hard by the Cotai Strip, ground zero for Macau’s entertainment.
The hotel is adorned with Azulejo tiles, a form of Iberian ceramic tile synonymous with the heritage décor found in Macau.
There’s no loitering in Reception – during their in-room check-in, guests are served Chinese tea and local snacks.
The outdoor pool provides spectacular views over Cotai, while the poolside cabanas make for an intimate retreat.
The spa hosts ten treatment rooms and three couples’ suites, which celebrate elements of design rooted in traditional Chinese and Portuguese architecture.
As might be expected, the hotel aims to provide some stunning gastronomic experiences with classic Cantonese fine dining at Lai Heen, high-teas and cocktails at The Ritz-Carlton Bar & Lounge and organic fare and seafood at the Pool Bar.
WYNN PALACE MACAO
Wynn Palace is casino mogul Steve Wynn’s second property in Macao, and it’s bedecked with the sort of artworks (Jeff Koons, Qing Dynasty vases, et al) that are dear to his heart, and fronted with a cable car that guests can ride directly to check-in if a limo or shuttle bus seems a little bit humdrum.
There are just over 1,700 rooms and suites and – by invitation only and containing just about every possible amenity – five garden villas.
The colourful regular rooms are the biggest in the city, with plenty of space to move around the king-sized bed and its 500-thread count sheets which are embroidered with a delicate cloud pattern.
There’s lots to enjoy: the TV screen in the bathroom mirror, the eight-strong pillow menu, the complimentary gilt razor and hairbrush, and the bedside speakers which sync with iPhones.
Rooms facing west get the Performance Lake and up-and-coming neighbouring hotels, while it’s the airport runway and the South China Sea to the east.
Nobody is likely to go hungry here; take your pick of a dozen restaurants (and one bar) whose menus range from top-notch Cantonese at Wing Lei to exactly what you might expect at Sweets.
The steak and seafood at SW are truly superb, while Michelin-starred Yuki Onishi sorted the ramen menu at Hanami.
Tiered seating at Café Fontana grants an extra fillip to breakfast, as does the view of the lake.
Naturally, wherever you are in the resort, you are never more than a few steps away from the casino.
Killer App: Arriving at the hotel by cable car after buzzing over the performance lake.
FISHERMAN’S WHARF
LEGEND PALACE
The beginning of 2017 saw another step in the rejuvenation of Fisherman’s Wharf, the shopping, dining and entertainment strip right next to Macao’s main ferry terminal.
Joining the Rocks and the Harbourview [sic] hotels, the Legend Palace rose on the site of what had previously been, believe it or not, a volcano theme park.
The décor is modelled on “grande luxe” – no modernist minimalism here – and each and every room has a really splendid balcony.
Overall, it’s a very comfortable property, but it should not be viewed in isolation, as the Fisherman’s Wharf convention centre and attractions such as an ersatz Roman Amphitheatre are right next door.
Within the hotel, a casino stands on one side of the main lobby, and a shopping arcade the other. The 18-metre outdoor pool is a pleasant oasis, while guests can get stuck into a good workout at the adjacent fitness room.
Opportunities to eat and drink are limited, but uniformly good, from the all-embracing Brasserie de Paris to the rather special Grand Palace, which prides itself on its Cantonese fare. The Gallery, intimate and well-stocked, is one of the neatest hotel bars in Macau.
Killer App: Whichever way your room’s facing, there’s a roomy balcony and easy chairs to recline on.
ROCKS HOTEL MACAU
First things first – the Rocks Hotel Macau is part of the retail, dining and entertainment strip known as Fisherman’s Wharf, right next to the main ferry terminal, and enters into the spirit of things with a cod Victorian design that sets the 74-key Rocks Hotel Macau apart from its neighbours.
The rooms and suites are each prettily decorated with intricately patterned wallpaper and faux antiques, and the atrium grants a spacious feel to the whole property.
Pleasant on the eye the hotel maybe – but it’s the tummy, and taste buds, that are in for a real treat.
By way of aperitif, ease up to Sky Lounge on the top floor, and grab a cocktail and take in the panorama which embraces airport, harbour and the vast new bridge being built across the delta to Hong Kong.
Even more enticing, Vic’s Restaurante [SIC] on the ground floor serves up amazing Portuguese and Macanese cuisine with a modern twist.
The tables are often packed with locals – quite the best recommendation. Naturally, the wine list – predominantly Old World – is excellent.
WHERE TO STAY IN MACAU LIKE A MOVIE STAR
When Maria Carey, Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Martin Scorsese pitched up for the launch of the US$4.5 billion Studio City in Macau in October 2015, they certainly weren’t spotted standing patiently in the check-in queue.
It’s no secret that superstars get treated like royalty in Macau while us mere mortals have to consider our budgets when choosing where to stay in Macau.
They’re whisked hither and thither in limousines and helicopters, granted VIP access everywhere, and lodged in hotels’ most luxurious accommodation, where butlers stand waiting to cater to their every whim and there’s no-nonsense about checking the minibar price list.
State-of-the-art hi-tech, gorgeous accessories (and marine and metropolitan views to be reincarnated for) are all part and parcel of the exclusivity that comes with staying in a Presidential Suite.
Of course, such palatial digs don’t exactly come cheap. Here’s a selection of life at the top in Macau.
SKY SUITES, WYNN MACAU
Kicking off at MOP41,000 (AUD6970) per night, guests staying at Wynn Macau’s two-bedroom Sky Suites on the upper floors of Wynn Tower can access the VIP entrance and take advantage of the exclusive amenities of the Wynn Club.
The average suite measures 278 square metres, with impeccably furnished living and entertaining areas and a separate media and dining room plus kitchenette.
The bedrooms are dominated by Wynn’s signature king-size bed which is draped with Egyptian cotton, so utterly perfect for romping around on.
Each bedroom has a combination of “his-and-her” bathroom with a dressing area, a glass-enclosed shower, a bathtub with an ultra-deep bathing well and a private toilet.
For entertainment, there’s a 70-inch flat-screen LCD television and an in-room spa therapy suite complete with iPod docking station. Lacking something? Just hum, and the butler’s there in a trice.
PRESIDENTIAL SUITE, ST REGIS
Slightly more expensive, and opening December 2015, the 477-square-metre St Regis Presidential Suite will set you back a mere MOP60,655 (AUD 10,311), but guests certainly get a lot of bang for their pataca.
On the top floor of the hotel, the Presidential Suite has beautifully crafted oriental-inspired furnishings and eye-catching views of the Cotai Strip.
The suite features three bedrooms including an exquisitely appointed master bedroom, four bathrooms all stocked with Remède amenities, separate spacious living and dining areas that comfortably accommodate up to ten guests and a private entertainment room equipped with up-to-the-minute technology.
A private exercise room outfitted with a TechnoGym allows guests to burn up whatever calories they put on in the hotel’s restaurants, while a private massage room offers guests an Iridium Spa experience. Bespoke St. Regis Butler Service is available any time, day or night.
PRESIDENTIAL SUITES, FOUR SEASONS MACAU
Up a couple of notches, Four Seasons Macao [sic] has two Presidential Suites each priced at MOP63,888 (AUD 10,860) per night.
Located high on the 18th and 19th floors, the three-bedroom Presidential Suites are spread over an area of 314 square metres.
Each suite has a grand foyer, a plush living room and lounge, formal dining room with seating for eight and a pantry.
The suites bask in rich colours and Oriental elegance, highlighted by plush fabric, silky drapery and beautiful objets d’art set off by fresh flowers.
Guests can sit back and enjoy their 42-inch plasma screen television, broadband and wireless Internet connections, in-room voicemail system, IDD, private bar, DVD player, and coffee- and tea-making facilities.
PRESIDENTIAL SUITE, BANYAN TREE
Finally, paramount king of the suites castle, the Banyan Tree’s Presidential Suite weighs in at a hefty MOP88,888 (AUD 15,110) nightly.
Occupying the 30th and 31st floors, the entrance is marked by grand carved wood panel doors and wrought iron chandeliers.
Italian marble columns flank the main living room, which is decorated with hand-painted silk wall coverings and hand-tufted rugs with a contemporary floral pattern.
An impressive chandelier lights the dining area, which also boasts its own refrigerated wine display.
A private gaming room, an informal dining cum breakfast area, and a bar area complete the lower floor line-up.
A sweeping staircase leads to the upper floor’s brace of bedrooms and family area, as well as an oversized relaxation pool.
Naturally, there’s plenty of audiovisual entertainment in the suites, but the enticing pool is one of the most private in Macau. Swimming costumes are optional!
MACAU PENINSULA
POUSADA DE MONG HA
The lovely thing about the Mong Ha is that it doesn’t really feel like a hotel – more like a private city hideaway.
It’s right in the middle of town and actually started life as an army barracks. Pousada de Mong Ha is now a hotel training school, and the student staff members impart a real sense of enthusiasm and liveliness.
There are just 20 rooms – go for a suite if you would like a balcony. Naturally, there’s little in the way of facilities beyond some well-kept gardens, but the whole of Macao is on the doorstep.
Start the day with a buffet breakfast (it’s worth checking in just for the homemade bread and jams) and – from Monday to Friday – try lunch or dinner or both at the Educational Restaurant, which got an enthusiastic nod in the latest Michelin guide to Macao.
The menu is international and the chef a professional. Otherwise, the Mong Ha’s chief asset is its peace and solitude.
TAIPA
Looking for the best place to stay in Macau away from the glamour?
Macao’s boutique hotels are the complete opposite of the city’s flashy casino resorts.
With just a handful of rooms, they make up in charm and discretion what they lack in facilities. And some are so unobtrusive, you can walk right by without realising they are there.
Macao’s loveliest boutique hotel – Pousada de Sao Tiago, parts of which date back to the 17th century – is currently closed for renovations.
But there’s still an awesome boutique foursome spread between Coloane, Taipa and Macau proper, all waiting to welcome their select clientele. Where to stay in Macao away from the crowds?
ROOSEVELT
Next up, the Roosevelt is twinned with the hotel of the same name in Hollywood, but the stars at the Macao edition are horses and jockeys, as the property stands right next to the city’s racecourse.
Understandably, it gets heavily booked on days when the horses are running.
Built for a reported US$2-billion, the 12-storey Macau [sic] Roosevelt stands out as there are no other hotels nearby, and there’s a definite emphasis on a thought-provoking hip design which was dreamed up by Iceland-born, Los Angeles-based architect Gulla Jónsdóttir, who takes a certain pride in being classed as a “Glamazon”.
Starting with the artificial garden that’s etched into the wall and ceiling of the lobby – this is a hotel that, like its sister property in California, fairly crackles with brio.
The best of Roosevelt’s 368 rooms and suites face the racecourse, while the interiors are spiced up with ebony-lacquered burnt-wood floors, burnished bronze, and carved Italian marble.
The hotel’s focal point, so to speak, is the pool deck, which overlooks the gardens and racecourse, and is right next to the sunny, breezy space that is the bar and all-day dining restaurant, Casa Roosevelt.
The hotel opened in the summer and is expected to be fully complete (penthouse suite, Japanese restaurant, signature boutiques) by the end of the year.
Killer App: Horses for courses – and this hotel is the ultimate grandstand.
REGENCY ART HOTEL
Long-time visitors to Macao remember the Regency when it was a Hyatt.
The international chain’s logo has gone, but standards remain high and this is one of the best hotels in Macao for families.
The 326-room Regency Art Hotel is large and uncluttered, while not exactly fancy, and at the back of the property, a lagoon pool and shady colonnade are just the places to kick back and relax.
Many of the Regency’s guests are part of large groups, who tend to shop and sightsee during the day, so the pool area is rarely crowded. Rain or shine, there’s plenty to keep youngsters occupied.
There’s also a gym, tennis, ping pong, darts and three acres of gardens that are well used to games of hide-and-seek.
Food is not the Regency’s strong point, however, three outlets – Chinese, International and an all-day café – do a perfectly adequate job. And the Regency Hotel is neatly situated at the northern end of Taipa, equally handy for both Cotai and the main part of the city.
COLOANE
GRAND COLOANE RESORT GOLF COURSE
Amazingly, there’s room for a golf course in Macao, tucked away on the southernmost one-time island of Coloane. Guests at the Grand Coloane Resort – which is set into the hillside overlooking the South China Sea – can simply step into the lift, ride it to the top floor, and stroll out onto the first tee.
The 18-hole, par-71 course – site of the annual Macau Open – provides both a challenging game with a number of strategically placed bunkers and lakes and a very scenic experience, given the abundance of natural flora.
Resort guests enjoy easy access – it must be all of 100 metres from the furthest guestroom to the start of the course – and special course privileges all year round.
POUSADA DE COLOANE
For anyone whose image of Macao is a long lunch that stretches well into the afternoon while sitting beneath a vine-covered trellis, Pousada De Coloane’s restaurant provides the answer.
With a mere 28 rooms, this former tycoon’s country mansion puts the “x” in relaxation, with a splash pool, newly opened spa, and all just five minutes’ walk away from the beach.
Just about everyone who comes here waxes lyrical about the staff, many of whom have worked here for years and proudly regard the hotel as their second home.
You can’t get much further south in Macao.
And few venture as far as Pousada de Coloane unless they’re headed to the 18-hole golf course that’s just down the road.
So the hotel’s residents are left in peace, with time to relax on the balcony or dally in the spa bath that’s a feature of each room.
The hotel stands a little below the main road, which lies a short way from the circular Coloane hiking trail. The other main attraction here is Coloane village, a picturesque, rustic seaside settlement about half-an-hour’s walk away along the coast.
NEWEST MACAO HOTELS
THE 13
The 13, pet project of Hong Kong billionaire Stephen Hung, has already garnered a great deal of attention with the delivery of its limousine fleet – 30 red.
Extended wheelbase Rolls-Royce Phantoms helmed by specially trained chauffeurs; the bevy of chefs imported from Paris’s multi-starred L’Ambroisie.
And the prospect of an invitation-only atelier stocking one-of-a-kind products from the world’s foremost brands.
Mr. Hung has modestly gone on record to say he is “striving to establish.
PALAZZO VERSACE
Palazzo Versace will be the third edition – following on from Dubai and the Gold Coast – of the Donatella Versace-inspired hotel.
while its sibling will be the world’s first hotel entirely designed by the octogenarian Karl Lagerfeld. Altogether the three hotels represent approximately 2,000 keys – a significant amount of top-tier accommodation.
Ed Peters is a freelance writer who lives in Hong Kong.
Check out our 1 day Macau itinerary and how to visit Macau in three days. For more accommodation choices in Macao see the website of Macao Government Tourism Office.
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