CASINO AND RESORTS

Where to Splash Your Cash

By Rory Boland, About.com

Whether it’s a 17th century Portuguese fort, or a hotel with a dedicated golf course, we’ve picked out the best Macau hotels for luxury.

All of these locations are likely to be popular at weekends when Macau fills up with gamblers from the mainland and China, and it’s recommended to book ahead. Although these are the best Macau hotels for luxury, most of the major Casinos also offer luxurious rooms, often with good deals when booked in advance.

1. Mandarin Oriental Macau - Best for Luxury

Aside from the dedicated high-roller suites at certain casinos, the Mandarin Oriental is Macau’s most luxurious five-star. Spacious rooms and a wonderful interior of Portuguese touches, such as a hand-carved teak staircase and Lisboa tapestries, make for an ideal romantic escape. The hotel has its own, small, casino, an outdoor swimming pool and some of the finest restaurants in the city, including the highly recommended Macanese Cafe Bela Vista.

As befits a decent resort hotel, The Mandarin also houses a dedicated kids club, freeing you up to enjoy the superb spa complex. 956-1110 Avenida da Amizade. Tel +853 793 3261. www.mandarinoriental.com. 435 rooms.

2. Pousada De Sao Tiago Macau - Best for History

Climb inside Macau’s Portuguese history with a room inside this converted 17th Century Portuguese fortress. The out of town location isn’t ideal for those who want to be in the heart of the city, but with palm trees and sea views, it’s the perfect place to soak up the city’s relaxed pace. Despite the historical setting, rooms have been brought stylishly up-to-date.

The terrace bar, looking out over the South China Sea is a romantic location to sip a cocktail. Pousada is both pricey and popular, so book ahead. www.saotiago.com.mo. $$$$$3.

3. Westin Resort Macau - Best Resort

This resort hotel set at the very end of Taipa Island along the sands of Hac Sa Beach is where mainlanders and Hong Kongers come to rest and relax. The complex is designed to provide everything you’ll need during your stay, including a spa, recreation centre swimming pool and its very own 18-hole golf course. Which is lucky, because the hotel is at least 30mins from Macau downtown.

Rooms are generous, and feature balconies with views over the South China Sea. As an added bonus, Fernandos restaurant is just around the corner. Booking ahead for weekends is a must. 1918 Estrada de Hac Sa, Coloane, Macau. Tel +853 2887 111. www.starwoodhotels.com 208 rooms. $$$$4.

4. Venetian - Best for Gamblers

Just like the casino itself, the Venetian’s rooms are modelled on the city of canal’s Renaissance architecture, and although the marble floors and painted frescos wouldn’t fool Michelangelo, they are suitably luxurious. Rooms are massive, with their own living rooms and Queen-sized draped beds. Set out on the Cotai strip, downtown Macau is a drive away, although the spas, swimming pools and restaurants, as well as endless gambling opportunities are all designed to keep you and your cash on site.

The Venetian does run free buses to both the Sands Casino and Macau Ferry Terminal. Cotai Strip, Macau. Tel: +853 2882 8877 2905 . www.venetianmacao.com Rooms 2905. $$$5.

5. Hotel Lisboa - Best for a Budget

Once the cream-of-the-crop, the Lisboa is now slightly inferior to the other luxury options in town, however the bargain prices make it the best option for luxury on a budget. The somewhat tired rooms, are a blinding mix of gold splashes with red Portuguese touches, yet spacious.


There is a swimming pool and modest gym, while just downstairs is Macau’s original casino and a fine roll call of restaurants. The downtown location is also excellent for those who want to explore the city on foot. 2-4 Avenida de Lisboa, Macao Tel +853 2888 3888

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