Up until not many years ago, Macau was nothing more than a day trip destination for visitors to Hong Kong, who came here for the floating casino and the cabaret shows at Hotel Lisboa…
But things have changed dramatically since the handover to China in 1999: Public security has improved tremendously, the gambling market has been opened for foreigners, and the city's rich past has gained international recognition after "The Historic Centre of Macau" was inscribed as a UNESCO world heritage site.
Macau's recently opened luxury hotels are one of the most prominent signs of the economic renaissance the city has enjoyed over the last few years, as foreign investors keep on flocking to the former Portuguese colony and new luxury hotels in Macau are coming up like mushrooms…
This article will take you through the best of Macau's luxury hotels:
• Hotel Lisboa Macau
Although the good old Lisboa is no longer Macau's most luxury hotel, it has long become one of the city's best known emblems.
Enjoying a great location on one of Macau's busiest crossroads, this stylish hotel boasts classic décor that revives the romance and charm of bygone colonial days, with flamboyant chandeliers, filigree handrails and sumptuous oriental pieces of art.
As expected from a luxury hotel in Macau, the rooms are fairly large and quite detailed in terms of design, with retro Chinese furniture and mosaic floor in the bathroom.
Facilities include the famous Casino Lisboa, as well as some excellent cabaret shows, World-class restaurants, swimming pool and the likes…
• Pousada de Sao Tiago
Pousada de São Tiago is possibly the most atmospheric of Macau luxury hotels.
Built within the fortifications of a 17th century Portuguese fort, this gorgeous boutique hotel boasts 24 character-full rooms with beautiful old furniture and balconies that overlook the bay…
Otherwise, the "Pousada" has a small swimming pool, a charming alfresco terrace-café, an outstandingly good restaurant, and above all… a team of nice people who really contribute to the special atmosphere of this place…
Staying here is certainly worth considering - Especially if you don't mind not being within walking distance to the city centre (It's only a short and inexpensive taxi ride).
• MGM Grand Macau
Well distinguished for its ultra modern architecture, this newly opened Macau luxury hotel enjoys a good location on the city fringe, a short walking distance to both Senado Square and the old town centre, as well as to most of the casinos and the nightspots around "the Docks".
Large rooms with elegant classic-contemporary décor, alongside an array of fantastic hotel amenities (including the stylish pool from which you can enjoy spectacular views of Taipa Island) have turned the MGM Grand into one of the most popular luxury hotels in Macau town.
In terms of restaurants and entertainment, the hotel's Grande Praça is where things happen… Designed like a Colonial-Portuguese piazza, this sunlit atrium is lined with some superb restaurants and shops, which means you can have a lovely evening out without even leaving the hotel.
Expectedly, the MGM Grand also has its own flashy casino…
• Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16
The Sofitel is one of the most recent additions to Macau luxury hotel scene.
Strategically located along the Inner Harbour waterfront, the hotel is just a short walking distance to ,Avenida Almeida Ribeiro, Ruins of St. Paul's and Senado Square, and many of its spacious guestrooms provide fantastic views of the Inner Harbour and the city of Zhuhai on one side, or Macau's old city on the other side.
Rooms are not only spacious and beautifully decked out, but are also very well equipped with everything you can expect from an international luxury hotel… From LCD TV and speedy internet to a set of L'Occitane products in the bathroom...
The Sofiel is a part of a swanky Casino and Entertainment Complex and alongside some superb restaurants and bars, it also has a very nice swimming pool with a sundeck facing the Inner Harbour and Zhuhai, as well as a spa, wellness center, well equipped gym and the likes...
And the best thing about this hotel is that its prices are still very reasonable… Especially when considering what you get for that money…
• Venetian Macau
Some people dislike the Venetian, others adore it - But nobody can ignore it!
You simply can not talk about Macau luxury hotels without mentioning the Venetian… Housed in one of the world's largest hotel buildings, this über-grandiose casino resort offers more luxury and amenities than almost any other hotel in Macau, including some of the best and most spacious rooms in the world.
"Opposers" claim that other than its inconvenient location, the Venetian is simply too oversized and lacks that personal touch of smaller hotels… Not to mention that you have to spend a lot of time and energy walking from your room to other parts of the hotel.
The supporters, on the other hand, argue that the pros of the Venetian definitely outweigh the cons… From the unbelievable guest rooms (or rather suites), to the immense facilities, and from the endless shopping and entertainment choices to the world's largest casino… No matter what you are looking for, the Venetian has it, big time.