Oct 8, 2014, 10:07 pm
Sheraton Macao Hotel, Cotai Central, Macau [Master Thread]
Nov 9, 2018, 6:53 am
#226
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 61
Yes my original query was how the Bridge worked as it will be cool to travel on it, but the wisdom here seemed to be Ferry was the go and day before purchases or Mastercard payment gave good discounts . But maybe neither it now seems!.
What does a Cab costs from HKIA to Sheraton Macua?
What does a Cab costs from HKIA to Sheraton Macua?
To cross the bridge from HKIA, your only option would be to
1. Go to the Bridge HK port after clearing HK immigration (Some airport "A" buses/ B4/ cab)
2. Take a HZM Bridge shuttle bus from the HK side to the Macau port (HK$65 iirc) after clearing customs again and entering the restricted area
3. Clearing Macao immigration and change to a shuttle to the Taipa Ferry terminal (Free)
4. Finally a hotel shuttle bus from there (Free)
2. Take a HZM Bridge shuttle bus from the HK side to the Macau port (HK$65 iirc) after clearing customs again and entering the restricted area
3. Clearing Macao immigration and change to a shuttle to the Taipa Ferry terminal (Free)
4. Finally a hotel shuttle bus from there (Free)
Not recommended if you've got lots to bring along i.e. kids and luggage as it requires 4 transits.
The hardest part is also to get to the "city" of Macau after arriving in Macau port as it's not well connected atm.
Just 1 change with the luggage if you take the ferry from airport. You can also take the Turbojet services if the timing of the services work better for you as there's also hotel shuttle bus from the main macau ferry terminal, it's just a lil further from Cotai.
If you take the ferry from Sheung Wan, it'd be
1. Collect luggage and clear immi in HK
2. Go to the Sheung Wan Ferry terminal via Airport Express and a free MTR connection (only if you uses Octopus card)
3. Ferry to Macao (Cotai Waterjet)
4. Entering Macao after clearing immi in Macao
5. Hotel Shuttle from Taipa ferry
Last edited by Redwoodw; Nov 9, 2018 at 7:00 am Reason: Additional info
Nov 9, 2018, 9:01 am
#227
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 1,179
Yes my original query was how the Bridge worked as it will be cool to travel on it, but the wisdom here seemed to be Ferry was the go and day before purchases or Mastercard payment gave good discounts . But maybe neither it now seems!.
What does a Cab costs from HKIA to Sheraton Macua?
What does a Cab costs from HKIA to Sheraton Macua?
The special offer platform doesn’t apply at weekends. You can get cheap economy tickets and also airport express tickets via Klook.
You can buy your return ticket with MasterCard at Cotai Travel in shopping centre near Sheraton.
Finally, there’s a birthday month promotion or you can even get free ferry tickets if you join the casino and play enough within 24 hours of your sailing.
Nov 9, 2018, 11:25 am
#228
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: The World!!!
Programs: Some of them not all ...
Posts: 1,532
A cab cannot cross the bridge as cabs do not have the appropriate license to cross the bridge.
To cross the bridge from HKIA, your only option would be to
To cross the bridge from HKIA, your only option would be to
1. Go to the Bridge HK port after clearing HK immigration (Some airport "A" buses/ B4/ cab)
2. Take a HZM Bridge shuttle bus from the HK side to the Macau port (HK$65 iirc) after clearing customs again and entering the restricted area
3. Clearing Macao immigration and change to a shuttle to the Taipa Ferry terminal (Free)
4. Finally a hotel shuttle bus from there (Free)
2. Take a HZM Bridge shuttle bus from the HK side to the Macau port (HK$65 iirc) after clearing customs again and entering the restricted area
3. Clearing Macao immigration and change to a shuttle to the Taipa Ferry terminal (Free)
4. Finally a hotel shuttle bus from there (Free)
Ok, thanks for posting it. I am really interested on avoiding a ferry to Macau. Will be going to Sheraton Macau on MLK weekend and landing @HKG Airport. Once I clear HKG immigration at the airport, where is the Bridge HK Port? I am assuming there are A Buses there? Like taking the A10 to dowtown HKG? is it from the same station?
For Sheraton Macau, how can you get the special rate everyone is talking about
Nov 12, 2018, 6:30 pm
#229
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Sunny SYDNEY!
Programs: UA Million Miler. (1.9M) Virgin Platinum. HH Diamond + SPG Gold
Posts: 32,330
In the end it seems $HK300 one way is the one and only deal HKIA-Macau. An outrageous cost really. No online discount option, and no Mastercard 20% option discount it seems.
Pretty beat up old Ferry, and ZERO food or drink options to purchase on the trip we took, that we could see. Near empty Ferry.
Locals told me ferry schedules have been less and less in recent years from HKIA. The faster they sort out a smooth, fast and less costly bus option, the better!
Far too long waits between Ferries. Arrive at HKIA 5.30pm, and get to hotel 9pm. Not good after long flights.
Alleged 7pm ferry departure arrived Macau dock 8.45pm due to enforced speed restrictions due to Bridge. Monty Python stuff!
Anyway, that aside, and seeing aircraft access seems impracticable from most countries, it surprises me they have not got transfer options sorted out a lot better from HKIA, as it would deter many short term visitors like us.
Far too much hassle and expense - $KH1,200 for a couple via a tacky old Ferry access, and many hours of wasted time each direction.
We have another weekend in HKG soon, and will simply book a flight to somewhere else in Asia that has flights connecting well.
The Sheraton was very nice, got a great Suite Upgrade on 39th Floor overlooking the Strip, with 2 lounge rooms, after booking only a fairly basic room, and a great property. Very much a case of "spot the Anglo" in our 3 days here, and barely saw another westerner in the place. Yes it is in Asia, but other Sheratons here generally have a really wide client base.
Lounge was a bit like eating in an impersonal Food Court in a shopping centre, but wide choice, and as others have said, like a Buffett, even in evening. Getting a drink re-fill was tricky, and time consuming, and self pour would be a good idea in my view. Overall a very nice stay, great Elite recognition, wonderful staff, and if if were not so complicated and expensive to access it, would be back again.
Pretty beat up old Ferry, and ZERO food or drink options to purchase on the trip we took, that we could see. Near empty Ferry.
Locals told me ferry schedules have been less and less in recent years from HKIA. The faster they sort out a smooth, fast and less costly bus option, the better!
Far too long waits between Ferries. Arrive at HKIA 5.30pm, and get to hotel 9pm. Not good after long flights.
Alleged 7pm ferry departure arrived Macau dock 8.45pm due to enforced speed restrictions due to Bridge. Monty Python stuff!
Anyway, that aside, and seeing aircraft access seems impracticable from most countries, it surprises me they have not got transfer options sorted out a lot better from HKIA, as it would deter many short term visitors like us.
Far too much hassle and expense - $KH1,200 for a couple via a tacky old Ferry access, and many hours of wasted time each direction.
We have another weekend in HKG soon, and will simply book a flight to somewhere else in Asia that has flights connecting well.
The Sheraton was very nice, got a great Suite Upgrade on 39th Floor overlooking the Strip, with 2 lounge rooms, after booking only a fairly basic room, and a great property. Very much a case of "spot the Anglo" in our 3 days here, and barely saw another westerner in the place. Yes it is in Asia, but other Sheratons here generally have a really wide client base.
Lounge was a bit like eating in an impersonal Food Court in a shopping centre, but wide choice, and as others have said, like a Buffett, even in evening. Getting a drink re-fill was tricky, and time consuming, and self pour would be a good idea in my view. Overall a very nice stay, great Elite recognition, wonderful staff, and if if were not so complicated and expensive to access it, would be back again.
Last edited by ozstamps; Nov 12, 2018 at 6:55 pm
Nov 12, 2018, 8:37 pm
#230
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Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Sunny SYDNEY!
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Interesting update for future stayers here re the lounge at Sheraton Grand Macau.
We were having breakfast an hour back when a very pleasant Portuguese chap Perdo Sanches introduced himself, the Manager of the Sheraton Club.
Just a polite query as to how we were finding things in the Club.
Made the comment above that offerings were excellent, but the atmosphere and feel in there was more like a shopping centre food hall, with no quiet corners or areas to sit.
He agreed the 140 seat main area was pretty cavernous, and did mention they have when Hotel fully booked there are about 400 rooms/Suites with Club access, plus Elite members as well, so they clearly need a large area to accommodate them all.
He did mention there was the 20 seat area around bar that was quieter, and more important, there was a far more private area of the Club, that you access via stairs when you enter in opposite direction than most guests head for. Further away from food he agreed, and many do not like it for that reason he mentioned. However, wish we had found it before!
We had not noticed that, and popped our head in on way out, and were pleasantly surprised, and a FAR more a traditional private club quiet area away from kids and racket, and future FT members staying here, might care to check that out.
Mr Sanches was very pleasant, and was in no hurry to move away, so seemed genuinely interested in getting guest input, and was pleased to hear the positive comments on staff interaction there.
We were having breakfast an hour back when a very pleasant Portuguese chap Perdo Sanches introduced himself, the Manager of the Sheraton Club.
Just a polite query as to how we were finding things in the Club.
Made the comment above that offerings were excellent, but the atmosphere and feel in there was more like a shopping centre food hall, with no quiet corners or areas to sit.
He agreed the 140 seat main area was pretty cavernous, and did mention they have when Hotel fully booked there are about 400 rooms/Suites with Club access, plus Elite members as well, so they clearly need a large area to accommodate them all.
He did mention there was the 20 seat area around bar that was quieter, and more important, there was a far more private area of the Club, that you access via stairs when you enter in opposite direction than most guests head for. Further away from food he agreed, and many do not like it for that reason he mentioned. However, wish we had found it before!
We had not noticed that, and popped our head in on way out, and were pleasantly surprised, and a FAR more a traditional private club quiet area away from kids and racket, and future FT members staying here, might care to check that out.
Mr Sanches was very pleasant, and was in no hurry to move away, so seemed genuinely interested in getting guest input, and was pleased to hear the positive comments on staff interaction there.
Last edited by ozstamps; Nov 12, 2018 at 11:03 pm
Nov 13, 2018, 4:00 am
#231
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Sunny SYDNEY!
Programs: UA Million Miler. (1.9M) Virgin Platinum. HH Diamond + SPG Gold
Posts: 32,330
Given the connection time required for the airport transfer, sometimes it can actually be quicker to clear immigration into HK, take the Airport Express to Central and then walk/taxi to Sheung Wan and jump on the next ferry to Macau from there (CotaiJet is every 30 minutes).
1. Allow at least 2.5 hours from Tapia Ferry Wharf to get to your airline departure gate. And trust me, I am generally ‘’Mister Last On Board’’, and do not ever allow more time than needed. Indeed we allowed only 10 mins to get from Sheraton to Ferry due to a slow check-out line, and JUST made it by Ferry check-in cutoff point, and I was scowled at. So I'd If I did this again, I’d allow 2 hours 45 mins from leaving Sheraton to airline gate for sure. Allow 25-30 mins ahead of depart time for Cotaijet to issue paper ticket, and then do Immigration at Macau, so allow TWO hours from Ferry depart time to get to your HKIA airline gate, with the absurd ferry speed restrictions, check in at your airline counter at HKIA to get BP and tax refund chit (no ‘’premium’’ lines for most airlines I noticed - all just 1 line, and some were pretty long) then line up for Departure Tax refund in HKG, ($HK120 a person) then long lines at security, then take 2 airport train transfers to get to your gate etc. All chews up a ton of time.
2. See point #1 . You get handed back $HK120 CASH if you went to and from Macau without going into HK and downtown. The several advices above to schlep about into downtown HKG were all very nice, but sounded complicated and fraught with disaster if a delay or breakdown etc. NONE of them mentioned the bog basic reality, that you LOSE the $HK120 cash money per person refund at HKIA, if you took that path in either direction. I have absolutely no idea why they handed us $HK240 in cash, but bought some litres of Scotch due to this very unexpected windfall, and revelled in the fact we had that to take home, AND not spent more hours darting about on various old HK ferries etc! I assume this is a tax added by airlines onto all It’l tickets to HKIA, and if you never actually “enter” the place, you get it back? Someone here will know for sure.
Jan 6, 2019, 5:28 pm
#232
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Bangkok
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Titanium, BAEC Silver, TK Miles & Smiles Elite
Posts: 2,209
Just in case all you Platinums want to know how the other half live...
I stayed here for two days in peak, peak season over New Year. It's my 6th stay and the first that I've not been upgraded to the huge suite with the entertainment room. I've had this suite on previous occasions when the lounge has spilled over into the conference room opposite. But this time, no huge suite upgrade.
I was not upgraded at all.
Got the most basic room which at this hotel is really basic. What surprised me is that they don't even have tea/coffee facilities in these basic rooms. Not even a sachet of Nescafe instant coffee. No kettle. Nothing. The mini bar was also empty. How the other half live eh?
All the other Platinum benefits of course were the same and the service in the lounge is excellent. The lounge wasn't as crowded as it has been other times I've stayed and I ate and drank in the bar area as is my preference.
I do like this hotel with its 4000 rooms but for 35k points a night (rate was about MOP2000+ when I booked it) and to get this basic room it's not good value at all. Cash rates and redemptions have crept up over the last few years. I remember when it was 7000 SPG points and reliably MOP850+ a night only a few years ago. Supply and demand eh.
Maybe have to try the Marriott next time. I imagine they do have coffee in the rooms.
I stayed here for two days in peak, peak season over New Year. It's my 6th stay and the first that I've not been upgraded to the huge suite with the entertainment room. I've had this suite on previous occasions when the lounge has spilled over into the conference room opposite. But this time, no huge suite upgrade.
I was not upgraded at all.
Got the most basic room which at this hotel is really basic. What surprised me is that they don't even have tea/coffee facilities in these basic rooms. Not even a sachet of Nescafe instant coffee. No kettle. Nothing. The mini bar was also empty. How the other half live eh?
All the other Platinum benefits of course were the same and the service in the lounge is excellent. The lounge wasn't as crowded as it has been other times I've stayed and I ate and drank in the bar area as is my preference.
I do like this hotel with its 4000 rooms but for 35k points a night (rate was about MOP2000+ when I booked it) and to get this basic room it's not good value at all. Cash rates and redemptions have crept up over the last few years. I remember when it was 7000 SPG points and reliably MOP850+ a night only a few years ago. Supply and demand eh.
Maybe have to try the Marriott next time. I imagine they do have coffee in the rooms.
Jan 6, 2019, 9:19 pm
#233
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: BKK
Programs: World of Hyatt Globalist; Marriott Bonvoy LTP; IHG Plat
Posts: 2,232
I stayed here over christmas period last year.
The 1st 2 nights i got upgraded to a deluxe suite by using sna and last 3 nights needed to move back to a basic room as booked. My rate was around 1550 mop++/night (for 3 pesons) so i found it quite reasonable. at check-in, i was offered choices for platinum amenitiy, breakfast at downstair restaurant, 1000points and another thing or two i cant remember. I chose points as i felt too lazy to go down and wanted to avoid crowd.
the rooms were ok, quite spacious and comfortable. However furnishing is not that good and no rain shower head (even in a suite bathroom) made me a bit surprised.
they were quite generous with plat recognition, giving all of us lounge access (needed to pay extra bed fee though).
to me, lounge offering were just ok, service was ok to good. However i dont expect extraordinary thing from a 4000-room hotel anyway.
all-in-all, an acceptable-to-good stay but might not return. in general, no returning to Macau expected anytime soon.
The 1st 2 nights i got upgraded to a deluxe suite by using sna and last 3 nights needed to move back to a basic room as booked. My rate was around 1550 mop++/night (for 3 pesons) so i found it quite reasonable. at check-in, i was offered choices for platinum amenitiy, breakfast at downstair restaurant, 1000points and another thing or two i cant remember. I chose points as i felt too lazy to go down and wanted to avoid crowd.
the rooms were ok, quite spacious and comfortable. However furnishing is not that good and no rain shower head (even in a suite bathroom) made me a bit surprised.
they were quite generous with plat recognition, giving all of us lounge access (needed to pay extra bed fee though).
to me, lounge offering were just ok, service was ok to good. However i dont expect extraordinary thing from a 4000-room hotel anyway.
all-in-all, an acceptable-to-good stay but might not return. in general, no returning to Macau expected anytime soon.
Mar 13, 2019, 8:01 am
#234
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: OKC
Programs: DL DM/2.768MM, Global Entry, Titanium_Marriott, GHertz
Posts: 6,748
I am a bit confused about Bonvoy PL benefits at this property. Since one is given lounge access, does that not include a 'free' breakfast along with food in the evening?
The rate I am looking at is 70K pts for 2 nights or $235 (USD) which is not a prepaid rate. I very much like the JW Marriott but they are not taking points for my dates and the cash price is too high for me.
Also, if one is upgraded to the room shown with photos by @ozstamps in post #229 then there is a cash fee of how much?
The rate I am looking at is 70K pts for 2 nights or $235 (USD) which is not a prepaid rate. I very much like the JW Marriott but they are not taking points for my dates and the cash price is too high for me.
Also, if one is upgraded to the room shown with photos by @ozstamps in post #229 then there is a cash fee of how much?
Mar 13, 2019, 1:37 pm
#235
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: BNE
Programs: QF Gold, VA Gold, IHG Spire, Accor Plat, Marriot Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,281
I am a bit confused about Bonvoy PL benefits at this property. Since one is given lounge access, does that not include a 'free' breakfast along with food in the evening?
The rate I am looking at is 70K pts for 2 nights or $235 (USD) which is not a prepaid rate. I very much like the JW Marriott but they are not taking points for my dates and the cash price is too high for me.
Also, if one is upgraded to the room shown with photos by @ozstamps in post #229 then there is a cash fee of how much?
The rate I am looking at is 70K pts for 2 nights or $235 (USD) which is not a prepaid rate. I very much like the JW Marriott but they are not taking points for my dates and the cash price is too high for me.
Also, if one is upgraded to the room shown with photos by @ozstamps in post #229 then there is a cash fee of how much?
Whats confusing, the lounge offers canapés and breakfast? and the suite upgrades are complimentary, but vary by how busy they are, from memory the room to suite ratio is 1:6
Mar 13, 2019, 1:58 pm
#236
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: OKC
Programs: DL DM/2.768MM, Global Entry, Titanium_Marriott, GHertz
Posts: 6,748
One or more said they paid for breakfast and another seemed to shun the evening food implying not much food provided. That model would be a total contrast to the Macau JW Marriott.
Mar 13, 2019, 2:50 pm
#237
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,760
Breakfast at JWM can be taken at either downstairs restaurant or at lounge. We did not check how the lounge breakfast was, downstairs there were lots of foods, lots of varieties - but did not look particularly fresh unfortunately. On a Monday morning there were less than 5 guests in that huge restaurant when we went. Other than a family with 1 kid came shortly before closing time, in the 45 min we were there, there was no any other guest came. May explain why the foods did not look very fresh and the breakfast foods showed up in the lounge on Sunday night before.
Seems the Sheraton may have a much higher occupancy due to the price point. In return, the offerings in the lounge might be fresher.
Mar 13, 2019, 3:10 pm
#238
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: BNE
Programs: QF Gold, VA Gold, IHG Spire, Accor Plat, Marriot Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,281
Re paying for breakfast, I did eat in the restaurant once, and was asked to pay, when I mentioned I was plat it was waived.
Mar 13, 2019, 6:20 pm
#239
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Bangkok
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Titanium, BAEC Silver, TK Miles & Smiles Elite
Posts: 2,209
Nothing confusing about the lounge offering here or suite upgrades. They keep to the programme.
I've had massive suite upgrades five of the six times I've stayed here. The only time I didn't get one was over New Year's Eve when the hotel was full.
The lounge is huge (catering for all the paid-for and Platinum guests in this 4000-room hotel) and has a comprehensive buffet - for a lounge - for breakfast and in the evening. Evening alcohol is from 5.30-7.30pm IIRC along with the evening buffet.
The lounge was refurbished last year (not that you'd notice) and for a magnificent period Platinums were able to take their evening meal and freeflow alcohol in the main hotel buffet with all its seafood and extensive food stations. We ate and drank to oblivion. Breakfast was provided in the Italian restaurant.
I've had massive suite upgrades five of the six times I've stayed here. The only time I didn't get one was over New Year's Eve when the hotel was full.
The lounge is huge (catering for all the paid-for and Platinum guests in this 4000-room hotel) and has a comprehensive buffet - for a lounge - for breakfast and in the evening. Evening alcohol is from 5.30-7.30pm IIRC along with the evening buffet.
The lounge was refurbished last year (not that you'd notice) and for a magnificent period Platinums were able to take their evening meal and freeflow alcohol in the main hotel buffet with all its seafood and extensive food stations. We ate and drank to oblivion. Breakfast was provided in the Italian restaurant.
Mar 13, 2019, 7:17 pm
#240
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 547
The lounge was refurbished last year (not that you'd notice) and for a magnificent period Platinums were able to take their evening meal and freeflow alcohol in the main hotel buffet with all its seafood and extensive food stations. We ate and drank to oblivion. Breakfast was provided in the Italian restaurant.
Just to be clear, sumptuous breakfast and hor d'oeuvres in restaurants are no longer provided as the lounge has reopened a year ago. The elite breakfast and hor d'oeuvres are now served in the club lounge, with a focus on quantity over quality in my opinion.