hotel in Macau
Apr 8, 2013, 6:40 pm
#16
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Charlotte, NC
Programs: Alcoholics Anonymous - Platinum, Gamblers Anonymous - Gold
Posts: 212
For location, unless you only want to gamble the Sofitel is in a much better position - all the historic sites are walkable and if you do want to go to a casino there are free shuttles.
We'll also be in Macau in December and although the weather should be nice it won't be pool weather. I assume that's not your main reason for visiting Macau anyway.
Looking at the pictures of both the BT and the Sofitel I do prefer the look of the BT but as you're only there for a couple of days I would do for the hotel closest to what you want to do in Macau.
We will be spending a couple of nights on Coloane (at a hotel which wouldn't be eligible for mention on this forum
) and then I'm considering a couple of nights at the Sofitel in a club room - Sofitel Clubs are usually very good - the patisserie items etc are excellent and afternoon tea usually has very good macaroons.
The Pousada De Sao Tiago that Kage mentions is also in a good location. I was there for drinks when it first opened and it looked nice. It appears to blacked out from January onwards so I wonder if is closing for renovation. My favourite hotel in Macau - the Bella Vista closed some time ago - it's now something like the Portuguese Embassy - it was a bit like Raffles pre it's refurb complete with ancient staff and noisy water pipes
.
We'll also be in Macau in December and although the weather should be nice it won't be pool weather. I assume that's not your main reason for visiting Macau anyway.
Looking at the pictures of both the BT and the Sofitel I do prefer the look of the BT but as you're only there for a couple of days I would do for the hotel closest to what you want to do in Macau.
We will be spending a couple of nights on Coloane (at a hotel which wouldn't be eligible for mention on this forum
) and then I'm considering a couple of nights at the Sofitel in a club room - Sofitel Clubs are usually very good - the patisserie items etc are excellent and afternoon tea usually has very good macaroons.The Pousada De Sao Tiago that Kage mentions is also in a good location. I was there for drinks when it first opened and it looked nice. It appears to blacked out from January onwards so I wonder if is closing for renovation. My favourite hotel in Macau - the Bella Vista closed some time ago - it's now something like the Portuguese Embassy - it was a bit like Raffles pre it's refurb complete with ancient staff and noisy water pipes
.
Apr 21, 2013, 7:38 am
#17
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Fort Lee, NJ
Programs: continental one pass, delta skymiles, platinum american express
Posts: 171
I stayed at the Grand Lapa (MO) in Macau as part of my "Around the World in 90 Days" trip (see my blog: www.toscanoworldtrip.blogspot.com) It is an older but really nice hotel. The pool area is like an oasis (see my pictures). the location is convenient to the airport, the downtown as well as the COTAI strip. The buffet breakfast room is bright sunny elegant and the offerings are great. It is right next to the Sands Casino where there is an excellent buffet with plentiful seafood. The Grand Lapa MO is a great choice in Macau as it is a quiet refuge from the noise and crowds.
Nov 19, 2013, 9:01 pm
#18
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Cary, NC
Programs: AA 1MM; DL DM; Global Entry; MR Gold; HH Gold; Nat'l EC
Posts: 562
hotel in Macau
Just returned from three nights at the Banyan Tree Macau, which is a separate hotel within the larger Galaxy Cotai resort. Impressive standard room, very serene public areas, and gracious staff. Room included a plunge pool, Japanese wooden soaking tub, and huge shower with two rainfall shower heads. Very comfortable bed, and plenty of areas for lounging. This particular room also had a large, unfurnished balcony that is only accessible if you call housekeeping, which I found odd. The incense with the evening turndown was a nice touch, though.
Location-wise, it's a bit removed from the Cotai Central resorts, but not a big deal unless you plan on spending a lot of time downtown. The attractive casino is also a bit more low-keyed than the Venetian or Sands, which suited me fine.
The exclusive BT pool area is beautiful, and was completely deserted during our stay despite favorable weather. Excellent fitness facility, but I did not get a chance to try the spa.
The only negatives were the disappointing minibar (no proper single malts!) and some of the finishes and fixtures did not seem to be of the highest quality.
This was my first visit to any BT property, so I have no other basis of comparison, but if the BT Macau is representative of other BT properties, I would not hesitate to recommend it.
Location-wise, it's a bit removed from the Cotai Central resorts, but not a big deal unless you plan on spending a lot of time downtown. The attractive casino is also a bit more low-keyed than the Venetian or Sands, which suited me fine.
The exclusive BT pool area is beautiful, and was completely deserted during our stay despite favorable weather. Excellent fitness facility, but I did not get a chance to try the spa.
The only negatives were the disappointing minibar (no proper single malts!) and some of the finishes and fixtures did not seem to be of the highest quality.
This was my first visit to any BT property, so I have no other basis of comparison, but if the BT Macau is representative of other BT properties, I would not hesitate to recommend it.
Nov 19, 2013, 11:20 pm
#19
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Here Today Gone Tomorrow
Programs: NW Silver, CO Silver,SPG Gold, USMint Presidential, Chase/BA 100k, Airtran Wendy's cups
Posts: 815
I stayed at Four Season and bought the cheapest room. When we checked in they upgraded us into a 1500 sq ft suite.
Jan 13, 2015, 1:20 pm
#21
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: London
Posts: 3,439
For seeing the sights only the MO or Sofitel work well as you can just walk out of your hotel as they are close to the sights. Or the Pousada de Sao Tiago which is a R&C property. From anywhere on the Cotai Strip you will have to be transferring back and forth by car. Have a look on the map - all the historic sites are on the mainland bit although if you have time I suggest you spend a couple of hours walking around Coloane village on Coloane - sample the custard tarts at Lord Stowes bakery - definitely worth the trip for them alone.
Jan 14, 2015, 12:30 am
#22
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 676
I have not stayed at the Mansions, Conrad or Banyan Tree though.
Jan 14, 2015, 12:49 am
#23
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 676
If you do go to Macau, I would suggest spending a night as follows. Start off at Taipa Village around sunset hours. Walk over to Taipa Houses Museum through Av. de Carlos da Maia, spend a bit of time at Our Lady of Carmel Church and then walk down to the Museum. These are old colonial Macanese houses and it has a nice view over a lake with the large Taipa casinos in the distance. Once you feel hungry, head back to Taipa village and have dinner at Estb de Comidas Amagao. Have your hotel concierge make a reservation first and I would recommend the Clams with pork and potato and Portuguese chicken (preorder these dishes when making reservation). It is a tiny restaurant at the back of an alley but it is cozy and feels like eating at someone's home. Great food and a nice way to spend the evening. I don't get bored with this routine and do it almost every time I am there!
Jan 14, 2015, 3:06 pm
#26
Community Director Emerita
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 33,743
If you do go to Macau, I would suggest spending a night as follows. Start off at Taipa Village around sunset hours. Walk over to Taipa Houses Museum through Av. de Carlos da Maia, spend a bit of time at Our Lady of Carmel Church and then walk down to the Museum. These are old colonial Macanese houses and it has a nice view over a lake with the large Taipa casinos in the distance. Once you feel hungry, head back to Taipa village and have dinner at Estb de Comidas Amagao. Have your hotel concierge make a reservation first and I would recommend the Clams with pork and potato and Portuguese chicken (preorder these dishes when making reservation). It is a tiny restaurant at the back of an alley but it is cozy and feels like eating at someone's home. Great food and a nice way to spend the evening. I don't get bored with this routine and do it almost every time I am there!
Do you have a place you'd recommend for Beijing duck in Macau?
Mar 3, 2015, 4:36 am
#28
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 676
For Beijing duck, I haven't tried them in Macau but I would suggest Beijing Kitchen in the Grand Hyatt. Made In China in Grand Hyatt Beijing is my fav duck restaurant in BJ and the chef at Grand Hyatt Macau and Hyatt Shatin all train there.
Mar 3, 2015, 4:39 am
#29
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: London
Posts: 3,439
SD1K - can't help you with the restaurant mentioned by HKtraveller but the best dining experience in Macau is Fernandos at Hac Sa beach on Coloane. It's only open for lunch I think but if you go late say 3pm you can avoid the rush. Excellent food - we were there on a day trip from HK about 10 days ago.
Not sure about Peking duck in Macau but if you're in HK as well I can recommend Peking Garden - we had an excellent meal at the branch in Star House.
Not sure about Peking duck in Macau but if you're in HK as well I can recommend Peking Garden - we had an excellent meal at the branch in Star House.