hw711

So I am trying to decide where to stay in Macau. I've been reading tripadvisor reviews of most hotels. I think it comes down to the old Lisboa ($136-$49HotelClub dollar=$87) or Holiday Inn ($118-$49HotelClub dollar=$69). Anyone been to both and can give me a comparison of pros and cons? Or suggestions on other places? I guess I can always stay a second night and try out both places but that'd take away one night to spend in Hong Kong (I'm only in the region Tues-Friday).

Also, what about clubbing. According to my research, "nightclubs" are not the same as nightclubs in the US. "Night clubs" in Macau seem to be more like FKK clubs. Not that I mind since I'm a libertarian and I think prostitution should be legalized. I personally just prefer to buy women's attention the old fashion way (ie buying them dinner and drinks). Maybe I'm looking more for "disco clubs"? I read Tyrst is closed. What's still open? D2? MP3? Are they any good, on a Tuesday or Wednesday night? There is only so much you can learn online about current info on nightlife of some Chinese island.

Oh, I'm late 20, traveling solo. I'm not that big of a gambler. The trip is mostly just to check out Vegas of the East since I love the craziness of the real Vegas so much.

Crocodile

First of all, Macau is not the same as Vegas, so don't go there expecting anything like the Vegas Strip. The Lisboa is basically in the centre of everything. The rooms were renovated a while ago and, from all reports, are quite good value for money, so I would choose that. Most of the Macau attractions are within easy walking distance of the Lisboa.

Can't help you with nightclubs, sorry. But I would not expect to much action happening mid-week. There are plenty of girls around, don't worry they will find you.

thursday

bit of a pig sty is the Lisbao. All sorts of villains stay there. So too all sorts of girls. Massage, sauna, nightclubs, shows are all in the hotel. The centre of all the action.

I prefer a nice quiet stay at the Westin. A retreat from over partying.

Elite VIP

Macau is easy to get around to all of the casinos...though some are on neighboring island of Taipa. On the Cotai strip are several casinos including the magnificent Venetian Hotel/Casino. Wynn has a fantastic buffet & food court last time I was there (about a year ago).

Look around...there's always some action in Macau. Like previously posted, it's really quite different compared to Vegas.

Crocodile

No, there is only The Venetian - all others are still under construction (which has recently slowed/stopped). But The Venetian (the largest casino in the world and one of the largest buildings in the world) is definitely worth a visit.

hw711

Lisboa it is then. lol.

rkkwan

Make sure you go down to the basement of the Lisboa, outside of the casinos. Don't know what's the "official" English name for that place, but in Chinese, it's the 沙圈 i.e. the "Parade Ring" at the horse racetracks. You can figure out what's that about.

anacapamalibu

Just cruising through the place once I thought the casino kinda looked
like something out of a James Bond asian style movie. Lots of dark wood and
cramped by today's casino standards. Not like Venetian where you feel like you are playing cards in the superdome.

I just couldn't understand how many guys were taking the escalators down to the basement shopping mall. Must have had some real bargains down there. LOL

rkkwan

As a tourist, the casino at Lisboa is a lot more interesting than the newer casinos. Many of Lisboa's gamblers are locals and Hong Kongers, and there are a lot more types and tables of Cantonese games there. The newer casinos all cater to those from mainland China, and 90% of the tables are baccarat.

anacapamalibu

It has sort of some international intrigue to it. Have no idea what those games they were playing..even at Venetian I was confused about some of the games
being played. That's good though you are afraid to play so you don't lose any money.

hw711

I read that Lisboa was in The Man With The Golden Gun.

anacapamalibu

Didn't seem dirty or run down to me. The casino, lobby area etc. actually looked like everything was polished up. From what I had previously read about the place I thought it would be run down as their money was being dumped into the new Grand Lisboa.

Maybe they should officially name the basement shopping mall after Honor Blackman's Character in the James Bond Film " Gold Finger".

hw711

[QUOTE=anacapamalibu;10897629]Didn't seem dirty or run down to me. The casino, lobby area etc. actually looked like everything was polished up. From what I had previously read about the place I thought it would be run down as their money was being dumped into the new Grand Lisboa.[QUOTE]

That's my concern after reading all the reviews on tripadvisor. Glad to hear that's not really the case. I booked a room in the west wing for Tuesday night. Now I just have to decide if I should stay Wednesday night in Macau too or go to Hong Kong early.

hw711

I read about the basement mall. Most people refer to it as the arcade in English. Not sure why it's called 沙圈 in Chinese. That means sand circle, right? I can read Chinese as I spent my childhood in Taiwan. I just don't know very many phrases with adult themed double meanings.

rkkwan

Easy. 沙圈 is what they call the Parade Ring at the horse tracks in Hong Kong. Horses walk around where bettors will look at the "condition" of the horses before a race and decide which to bet on.

Apparently, we're not talking about horses in the basement of the Lisboa. But the process is similar...