Hong Kong and Macau - Macau hotel/casino recs?

2 days alone in Macau in the middle of a 2 weeks biz trip. Interested in all the high end jints except Venetian and I think 4 seasons is just way too much. Looking online within the $250 range is Wynn/Encore, MGM Grand, Grand Hyatt, Mandarin Oriental, Lisboa etc. I'm going mid week so theyre probably the lower rates.

Looking for a classy casino with craps tables, a nice pool, i assume good restaurants comes with both of those. Friend recommended MGM from his trip 5 years ago. The Park Hyatt in Shanghai is my favorite hotel in the world.

For reference my last 2 trips in vegas stayed at the Aria and was very happy with it both times. Younger crowd, casino wasnt all loud slotsm great pool, good restaurants. IMO the Wynn in vegas is for olds, I have never stayed at MGM there.

You simply can't compare Vegas situation to Macau in terms of demographics--most everyone will be middle-aged and older Chinese--both mainlanders and Hongkies. Also, much more of the % of floor space is given over to table games vs slots. For room stays, go for the good deal and kind of rooms you like. Then if you don't like the casino, just head elsewhere. The two main locations in Macau are the main peninsula area (Wynn, MGM, Grand Lisboa, etc.) and the Cotai strip (Venetian, Galaxy, City of Dreams). With 2 days, you should sample a few. The Venetian is famous for recreating--indoors level above the casino level--the look of old Venice complete with gondola rides. Mid-week is absolutely better for both crowds and pricing than weekends.

One place to visit, even if you don't play there, is the (old) Lisboa, Stanley Ho's original. Just the ambience, architecture, atmosphere is interesting. And I swear I saw mysterious table games there (Chinese) I've never seen anywhere else.

Also, do try to spend at least a couple of hours or so wandering around old Portuguese Macau, the historic area. I personally find Macau quite interesting on this dimension.

You simply can't compare Vegas situation to Macau in terms of demographics--most everyone will be middle-aged and older Chinese--both mainlanders and Hongkies. .

Good luck finding venues like REHAB at Hard Rock Hotel Vegas in Macau.
Also craps table are scarce.

You will be able to find Craps tables at Venetian and City of Dreams on Cotai.
On the Peninsula go to Wynn and MGM. Grand Lisboa used to have one but I'm not sure if it is still active.

Good luck finding venues like REHAB at Hard Rock Hotel Vegas in Macau.
Also craps table are scarce.

I dont care about clubs and definitely not pool clubs. But somewhere to relax in the sun during the day that isnt rampant with kids and has waitress service. When I say younger crowd I guess i mean less old folks at the slots. And they exist in Asia too, I been to Foxwoods ;)

http://www.cityofdreamsmacau.com/gaming/city-of-dreams-casino

I dont care about clubs and definitely not pool clubs. But somewhere to relax in the sun during the day that isnt rampant with kids and has waitress service. When I say younger crowd I guess i mean less old folks at the slots. And they exist in Asia too, I been to Foxwoods ;)

I've stayed at the Wynn, MGM, and Venetian in Macau and rank them in that order as far as hotel, casino, and service go.
As far as pools, i like the variety of the Venetian (5 pools, including one adult-only pool and a hot-tub). The Wynn has one small pool between the buildings which makes it slightly claustrophobic and lacking sun. Can't vouch for the MGM pool as it was not yet open when i stayed there.

I've stayed at the Wynn, MGM, and Venetian in Macau and rank them in that order as far as hotel, casino, and service go.
As far as pools, i like the variety of the Venetian (5 pools, including one adult-only pool and a hot-tub). The Wynn has one small pool between the buildings which makes it slightly claustrophobic and lacking sun. Can't vouch for the MGM pool as it was not yet open when i stayed there.

I'm gonna book at MGM. It's just under $200 per night and Wynn is around $250 and theyre right next to each other. I'm not interested in the Venetian but it too is alot more than the MGM which seems is having a special.

My friend was telling me the casinos there are very serious, no one drinks and its not a "fun" environment. I know this is the reputation of the casinos in Connecticut popular with Chinese new yorkers. Being that I Play craps I'm there for the fun and the money. Hhe said Lisboa was a fun place more along the lines of Vegas. Anyone find that to be the case?

Macau is known for two things.
Gambling and "fun"..but their definition of "fun" may differ
from here.

Lisboa has plenty of "fun" available on the lower level.

Macau is known for two things.
Gambling and "fun"..but their definition of "fun" may differ
from here.

Lisboa has plenty of "fun" available on the lower level.

I dont like to pay for that kind of fun.

I'm staying there for a few days in July between HK and Singapore and decided on the Grand Hyatt, mostly because it's a Cat 4 property and I can use my annual free night there... plus it's connected to the City of Dreams walkway.

Last time I was there, I remember playing craps at Venetian. It was a little harrowing multiplying my normal bets x10 (roughly 8:1 exchange rate) but after awhile you get used to placing $600 Maccanese patacas on 6 and 8. :p Let me know if you find any other fun places to play craps, nerdkiller.

[QUOTE=nerdkiller;18281594]My friend was telling me the casinos there are very serious, no one drinks and its not a "fun" environment. QUOTE]

That's the truth.

Went to Venetian shortly after it opened. The casino floor looks like
a footbal stadium with about 50K people glued to machines and
tables.

Asked, where is the bar?

You mean noodle bar?

No, bar for liquor.

There is one upstairs, I think.

50K people gambling and one empty bar upstairs. (http://img.agoda.net/hotelimages/856/85650/85650_080913000100123797_STD.jpg)

I'm staying there for a few days in July between HK and Singapore and decided on the Grand Hyatt, mostly because it's a Cat 4 property and I can use my annual free night there... plus it's connected to the City of Dreams walkway.

Last time I was there, I remember playing craps at Venetian. It was a little harrowing multiplying my normal bets x10 (roughly 8:1 exchange rate) but after awhile you get used to placing $600 Maccanese patacas on 6 and 8. :p Let me know if you find any other fun places to play craps, nerdkiller.

Oh I never thought about gambling with an exchange rate, it'll be a first. Still I look forward to being the only drunk guy at a craps table making money. And if everyone really is so serious and boring I'll play the don't pass :)

Oh I never thought about gambling with an exchange rate, it'll be a first. Still I look forward to being the only drunk guy at a craps table making money. And if everyone really is so serious and boring I'll play the don't pass :)

I'm kind of weird about money management with craps (because the game has so many swings) so I found it tough at first to do the exchange in my head, but I figured it's easier just to think of it as 10:1 instead of 8:1.

Guys at the craps tables were a little more social than the other table games. I'm Asian American, but not Chinese, so I ended up befriending a group of Yanks and we ended up having a few good rolls. I haven't had very many good experiences with the don't pass, so I wouldn't know what to say about betting darkside.

[QUOTE=nerdkiller;18281594]My friend was telling me the casinos there are very serious, no one drinks and its not a "fun" environment. QUOTE]

That's the truth.

Went to Venetian shortly after it opened. The casino floor looks like
a footbal stadium with about 50K people glued to machines and
tables.

Asked, where is the bar?

You mean noodle bar? ^^^^^

No, bar for liquor.

There is one upstairs, I think.

50K people gambling and one empty bar upstairs. (http://img.agoda.net/hotelimages/856/85650/85650_080913000100123797_STD.jpg)

High rollers in Macau get table side boodle service.

You don't gamble with Macanese pattacas. All the main casinos use HK Dollars instead.

Yeah rkkwan is right about using HK dollars and not Maccanese currency. Unfortunately, my memory is shot after losing $30k at the craps tables last time I was there... thankfully they were HK dollars, but still. :p

Will be spending 4 nights in Feb 2013 - prior to a cruise. Given all the luggage to be transported, is one easier than the other to get to the cruise terminal? Also, is there a more efficient and quicker way to get from HKIA to the Macau Hilton than taking the ferry? Is there a private ferry taxi? Thanks for any input.

Will be spending 4 nights in Feb 2013 - prior to a cruise. Given all the luggage to be transported, is one easier than the other to get to the cruise terminal? Also, is there a more efficient and quicker way to get from HKIA to the Macau Hilton than taking the ferry? Is there a private ferry taxi? Thanks for any input.

From HKIA to either the Conrad HK or Conrad Macau, with luggage, the HK one is definitely easier. Just get a car from the airport to drop you off directly at the hotel. Conrad Macau would require a ferry (no private ferries as far as i know), and requires another car/bus ride from the ferry terminal in Cotai to the hotel.

I don't think the helicopter service runs from HKIA to Macau, which would have made the trip quicker, but still require transfer from terminal to hotel.

From HKIA to either the Conrad HK or Conrad Macau, with luggage, the HK one is definitely easier. Just get a car from the airport to drop you off directly at the hotel. Conrad Macau would require a ferry (no private ferries as far as i know), and requires another car/bus ride from the ferry terminal in Cotai to the hotel.

I don't think the helicopter service runs from HKIA to Macau, which would have made the trip quicker, but still require transfer from terminal to hotel.

sniles: thanks for your prompt reply. I think we'll opt for the Conrad HK and just visit Macau on a day trip. Thanks again.

sniles: thanks for your prompt reply. I think we'll opt for the Conrad HK and just visit Macau on a day trip. Thanks again.

Yeah, and didn't you ask this same question just a week ago and gotten answers?

Anyways, only quicker way than the ferry is the helicopter, and last flight is at 10:59p from Hong Kong Island. Which you won't be able to take if you're still arriving HKG at around 10p. Also, it's HK$3,700 each way per person. That's about US$500.

Also, it's HK$3,700 each way per person. That's about US$500.

That's a complete rip-off.

500 for the ticket and 500 for 50 lbs of baggage.
1000USD for a 15 minute flight.


50lbs/2.2= 22.72kg - 7 kg allowance=15.72kgx200rmb/kg=3144rmb/6.3perUSD= 499USD baggage fee

t/c
One hand-carried bag of up to 5kgs in weight may be taken in cabin plus a maximum free baggage weight allowance of up to 7 kgs per passenger (except an infant) is permitted. Every kg of excess baggage thereafter shall be charged at a rate of HKD/MOP/RMB 200. Each check-in baggage should not exceed 37 x 24 inches in size.

Yeah, and didn't you ask this same question just a week ago and gotten answers?

Anyways, only quicker way than the ferry is the helicopter, and last flight is at 10:59p from Hong Kong Island. Which you won't be able to take if you're still arriving HKG at around 10p. Also, it's HK$3,700 each way per person. That's about US$500.


rkkwan: mea culpa. My memory sometimes fails me. Thanks for jogging it.

Does anyone know how much your odds bet can be?

Anyone stayed at the Conrad Macau yet? How was it?

Anyone stayed at the Conrad Macau yet? How was it?

They are offering reasonable deals right now, but as with every new hotel/casino opening, it takes them a few months to get their service up to a above average standard. It is still a bit of a construction zone in parts of the Sands Cotai complex. The Sheraton and Holiday Inn are in the same complex. I prefer the Four Seasons Hotel. One main pool and a few other lap pools and a jacuzzi. Lucky to see a dozen people there in they day though. Chinese are just not into sitting by the pool when there are gaming tables waiting for them.

Anyone who has been to Vegas and thinks that Macau will be the same is going to be sorely disappointed. Go with an open mind and find a table you like to gamble and you will be okay. Don't expect drinks to be brought to you. There is a nice bar right in the middle of the Venetian gaming room. Also a bar/club at one end. Macau is much more than gambling.

So ended up at MGM and was very happy with our choice. Got free upgrade to an ocean view but would not have paid for it, nothing spectacular. The rooms were big and very nice. The pool is awesome and was deserted, only complaint is theres noice from the building next dor, but its a very cool infinity pool facing the bay.

Of all the casinos i visited I liked it best, followed by the City of Dream casino. The wynn casino was a snooze. I never found any casino with more than 1 craps table. Minimums were $100 HK which is $12 USD. City of dreams had a $50hk table one night, but if u cant afford $12 on the pass line you shouldnt be gambling :)

The breakfast buffet was very good, $23ish USD which is not bad for a hotel/casino buffet. Didn't eat dinner there but I would strongly recommend the Italian place in the Wynn very very much. Awesome view and the food was as good as places back in NY.

Went to Mortons at the Venetian it was good but not great. I probably should have had the ribeye instead of the NY Strip.

All in all MGM was a very good choice for me, the inner courtyard is pretty and bright and a nice break from winning fat stacks of dollars. I would stay here again for sure, though would check out City of Dreams as a 2nd option.

BTW laundry at MGM is a fortune, watch out. A private car from the hotel all the way to Guangzhou airport is $350ish in a pretty luxe mini van limo thing. Total trip time just about 2.5 hours. It is worth noting I stayed here mid week.

Didn't eat dinner there but I would strongly recommend the Italian place in the Wynn very very much.

Thanks for the update.
I would second Ristorante il Teatro at Wynn. It is directly above the lobby and overlooks the fountains.

They are offering reasonable deals right now, but as with every new hotel/casino opening, it takes them a few months to get their service up to a above average standard. It is still a bit of a construction zone in parts of the Sands Cotai complex. The Sheraton and Holiday Inn are in the same complex. I prefer the Four Seasons Hotel. One main pool and a few other lap pools and a jacuzzi. Lucky to see a dozen people there in they day though. Chinese are just not into sitting by the pool when there are gaming tables waiting for them.

Anyone who has been to Vegas and thinks that Macau will be the same is going to be sorely disappointed. Go with an open mind and find a table you like to gamble and you will be okay. Don't expect drinks to be brought to you. There is a nice bar right in the middle of the Venetian gaming room. Also a bar/club at one end. Macau is much more than gambling.

Thanks. Wife and I are going in September for 2 nights while out in Hong Kong. My dad got us a suite using his Hilton honor points.

We are not big drinkers nor gamblers so that won't make up too much of the trip.

I stayed at the new MO in Macau shortly after it opened. Very nice property. Exceptional rooftop pool/sauna/exercise area with all the bells and whistles. Close enough to some nice casinos without the hustle and bustle.

As far as casinos, it was interesting to see the different varieties. Wynn and MGM reminded me more of the quintessential Vegas style i'm used to, but the atmosphere in the others can be very different and more serious. Wynn holds a special place in my heart having given me 2700 HKD.