rts123

Vacationing in HK next April, arriving just before noon on a Tuesday and departing mid-afternoon the following Saturday, for a total of 4 nights.

The trip was originally 3 nights (Wed., Thur., Fri.), for which I have booked an award stay at the JW Marriott. The question is what to do with the 4th night (Tues.)?

The obvious choice is to use more Marriott points for a 4th night, either at the JW or switching my entire stay to the Ren Harbourview or Courtyard to save some points.

Another option would be to spend the first night in Macau, taking the ferry straight from the airport, then taking the ferry to HK on Wednesday. Is Macau different enough from HK that it's worth a night? Or would a day trip from HK suffice?

One other option would be to spend the first night near the airport (or shift my award stay and spend the last night near the airport) at the Novotel Citygate or the Marriott Sky City. I know the giant buddha is nearby, but what else noteworthy is in that area? I'm not a shopper at all, so Citygate itself doesn't interest me.

On other trips to Asia I've had the energy to hit the ground running when I arrive, so plan to be out and about no matter where I spend the first night.

Any comments or suggestions are welcome.

rkkwan

Go to Macau and stay first night there. It's significantly different from Hong Kong, as it has a much longer colonial history, and the Portuguese style of architecture is definitely not the same the English. And you have the huge casinos that are absent from Hong Kong.

Hotels are much cheaper there, so that's another big plus.

Third, many of the better known restaurants are only open for dinner, and it's too much a hurry for a day trip.

Spend a night there. Use the daytime hours to visit the historical center with the Portuguese stuff; spend the evening at the casinos. Even if you're not a gambler, they are worth checking out.

unagi1

To second the prior poster, yes, Macau...and..if you want to go a bit further afield and already have a China visa entry to burn, considering also going across the border gate and at least visit Zhuhai.

Macau has more multi-ethnic Chinese and Portuguese appeal for food and cultural aspects, agree on the cheaper hotels certainly, plus the casino(s) for those whose interest lies there. Zhuhai will offer some of the mainland China experience for the not-too-adventurous.

A short hydrofoil ride from HK and you're in a different world (almost).

rts123

Thanks to both of you! I thought Macau might be the better choice, and you've confirmed that. It fits in well with my schedule, giving me enough time to explore it while still leaving me plenty of time for Hong Kong.

No interest in crossing the border on this trip since I expect to be in Shanghai and Dalian between now and April (I'm letting work pay for that trip.)

Rejuvenated

Yes I would also re-echo the Macau suggestion. Avoid the dump known as Shenzhen (which you will in your no intention to cross the border).

FrankieTse

I second the Macau choice too as the feeling is definitely quite contrast to HK. It is small and 1 day would be quite enough (if you are a fast walker).

CousinNick

I'll third the Macau choice. Very different from HK; more of a "colonial" feel. Senado Square and St. Paul's are very cool. The Macau Museum also is worth an hour or two.

The casinos probably are worth a day by themselves, the Venetian in particular (although I have a soft spot for Casino Lisboa).

The best part about Macau might be the restaurants. Strongly suggest A Lorcha, O Porto Interior, Espaco Lisboa (which is on Coloane -- couple that with a stop at Lord Stow's Bakery for some egg tarts). And don't forget to pick up a couple of nicely priced bottles of Portuguese wine or port at duty free.

BW Flyer

Macau is a great choice. The Venetian Macau is better (and newer) than the one in Vegas. Although it is located on Taipo, but a quick and cheap taxi ride will drop you off at Senado Square in no time !

BW

dtsm

I disagree. If you visit Macau on weekend it will be a zoo. If you want to do some shopping and know where to go, Sz is the place.

FrankieTse

Shenzhen to me is definitely not comparable to Macau. Crowd seems not a real problem to RTS123 since he/she will go on Tuesday. I don't really see any strength of Shenzhen for shopping if HK is your destination too unless you are looking for counterfeit.

UncleDude

Save your Hotel points for more expensive Destinations, the Colonial Style Holiday Inn Macau is bookable weekdays for under $100 a night including 2 Full Breakfasts.

http://www.holidayinn.com/h/d/hi/1/e...FRqiQQodgzJhXQ

The New Pseudo Vegas Style Hotel are a $250 a night Rip-off, if you are looking for a relaxing destination try the Regency Resort [Former Hyatt] around $130 a night.

rts123

With all the recommendations, I'm definitely spending that Tuesday night in Macau. The Portugese influence on architecture, etc, looks interesting, the food looks great, and the casinos & resorts look fun. I've been to Shenzen/Shekou on a work trip (just 1 night) and saw no compelling reason to go back, though it was nice enough. I'm not a shopper at all, or maybe I'm just cheap

I haven't booked a room yet, and it looks like most places don't do online bookings that far in advance. It looks as though some of the new casinos/hotels under construction may be finished by then, so perhaps I'll find a good deal on a new place.

rkkwan

If you go on a non-holiday weekday, you can even wait until getting to Hong Kong or Macau to book your rooms. There are hotel agents who can give you the best deal for the night (some of them are also agents for adult entertainment).

hobarthoney

Agree 100%

CousinNick

There should be plenty of agencies at the Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan (on HK Island) that can give you a good rate on a midweek hotel in Macau.