Cathay Dragon 666

(Note to Moderator: I've only found a Master Thread for both JW Marriott and Ritz Macao, but I think Ritz is so good it deserves a thread of its own, but if you disagree, please merge with that Master Thread).





Took family to Ritz Macao for 2 nights, and we regreted not staying there longer (we have stayed at HK for 5 nights prior, what a mistake that was with the protests going on, should of spend all the days in Ritz Macao).





1) Make sure to UPGRADE/PURCHASE Club Lounge access. To me it's a no brainer at this property.


A: It gives you complementary one drop-off (hotel car) per day, and I've used it on picking us up and dropping us off at the Ferry Terminal. I've made the mistake of also using it to drop off at a tourist site in Macao. The problem is taxi is so hard to flag down, and we were saved by downloading this app but even with the app it took us 1 hour to find a taxi available. Simply book a hotel car for a few hours the next time, do this in Macao, save the hassle of trying to flag down a taxi that seems to be non-existent (I am told they like to line up at casinos/hotels and pickup people there instead of roaming the streets).


B: Club Lounge food is fine dining quality. 5 "meals" a day (breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, desert). All of them either just as good or better than what we have eaten elsewhere (we've tried Albergue 1601 which is supposed to be this quality fine dining Macao food in Macao, food is very average, Club Lounge food beats it by far).





2) Ritz gives great personal services. I'm not sure if Ritz provides this kind of personal attention to all the guests (they must have great memorization skills if they do), but from the time we've checked-in to the time we leave, literally everyone, and I mean everyone (General Manager down to doorman) knows our name (not just my name, but all of my family, including my children's, names). When we appeared anywhere in their sight, they would greet us with our names/title and escort us to where we wanted to be, answer our needs, or follow-up on what we have or our prior requests if they are satisfactory. But this personalized attention to details are amazing.





3) Family that loves the beach and swim and water rides, Ritz is a great resort for that as well. They have two amazing sand beaches (we've only used the one that's closer to Ritz, there's another further away with man-made waves that we've not tried yet). Genuine white sand that's mostly clean (some spots have small fragments of trash here and there hidden underneath, of course when kids are at play it will uncover them, maintenance could do a better job cleaning the sands). But if you just want a place to swim, kids play with sands, lay in cabana or under the sun, this place has it all. Also, a water slide with 3 levels of excitement (but make sure your body doesn't have sands on your back, I've slid down with sands on my back and the frictions from the sand against the slide pretty much burned my back).





4) Suite is great, not really sure if I have gotten the Premium Suite or Carlton Suite (didn't ask), but it's big enough for family of 5 we don't feel congested. Asked them to make two tents for my kids with themes of cartoon that they like. Decent tub in the bathroom. Automatic toilet (flips open on itself as you get closer, auto-flushes as you're done with your business) actually scares my youngest, LOL. Bed is comfortable.





All in all, I would say this is the best property in Macao I've stayed so far (used to stay on the Sands side: Sheraton, St. Regis, Parisian, Venetian), but I think from now on we will stay with Ritz Carlton on the Galaxy side. Simply that much better. If you have the time definitely plan at least a 3 nights stay. 2 nights simply isn't enough for all the fun!

GetSetJetSet

Fatal Flaw: Macao itself is a horrible place.

Nagasaki Joe

I'm considering a stay at the RC Macau late next year. I was surprised to see the paid rate at $1,700/night, but only 50,000 Reward points/night. I'm planning a stay on points, in which case I would not be able to use my RC Rewards Card's Club upgrade certificate. Are you suggesting that an upgrade to the Club Lounge can be purchased at this property? Did you purchase an upgrade? If so, did you do so when you made the reservation or after you arrived at the hotel? Also, how much did the upgrade cost?

yorkboy24

You can purchase lounge access - I’ve done it with a points booking for a redemption on a Saturday in February (also 50k points). The price varies depending on the day. 1650 MOP NET for 2 at weekend and I think 1150 for weekdays. It’s better to call them and ask in advance. The Suite is the same so it’s just for the lounge access.

Nagasaki Joe

Thanks for the info. Are the rates you quote of 1650 MOP (weekend) and 1150 MOP (weekday) per night or for the entire stay? My guess is per night, but I just want to confirm. .

yorkboy24

You’re welcome. It’s per night. I’m not sure if Friday is somewhere in between.

Cathay Dragon 666

As another poster has said, the redemption booking can purchase Club Lounge access. I told them to add the lounge after I've arrived, but if you do it before you've arrived you get to check-in at the Lounge, instead of in the lobby (so I was told). But other than that, makes no difference. Simply write them an email to get that setup, they response to email promptly and very helpful.

yorkboy24

Updated club lounge upgrade prices as of 1st April 2023 (add 15% in tax / service to them). They still offer the free car drop off to the ferry upon check out (make sure you reserve in advance). I’m upgrading a redemption booking (40k cert plus 9k points top up). The GM Jackie has left and is now at Bulgari in Beijing. Vernise is now at Grsnd Hyatt Macau. You don’t need taxis in Macau (unless going from Taipa to Ruins of St Paul area) - there are so many free shuttle buses to get around.

diablo77

How was your stay and is it worth adding the club lounge package? I'm assuming the rate is in HKD

yorkboy24

The stay was great but with all the excellent choices in Macau, I would only find it worthwhile to stay here if you buy lounge access, especially if you book the room initially with points. Secondly, if you mostly want to stay in the hotel and enjoy the lounge and its offerings, go for it. If you want to go to old Macau or do other things, perhaps one night here to wind down and relax is good with another night elsewhere. All the Marriott choices are in Cotai though it’s no big deal to get a taxi to the ruins it St. Paul etc. Prices are in MOP.

diablo77

It is actually on a points booking, the rest of my stay will be at the JW. This will be my 4th visit to Macau, so will probably be spending most of the time at the hotel.
Did you receive any elite benefits like a room upgrade or late checkout?

yorkboy24

Elite 4 pm check out was no problem. No upgrade because it was full but there are only 2 room types here and both at suites. You should email them to book the free car (if upgrading to club package in advance otherwise might not be available on the day) back to the ferry at 4:15 (enough for 5 pm ferry).

diablo77

Thanks for the info, will purchase the package prior to arrival.

j_x

Anybody have any recent DPs on staying here?
Currently have a 50K cert for a night at the downstairs JW for next summer, but for some reason I'm struggling to find (any, even paid) availability at the Ritz. Is it really plausible that they are sold out every Fri-Sat-Sun?
Award space is even worse; I thought that it was supposed to be dynamic? I see only one night open in the next year, for November 29th (which is today).

illico

This hotel is always this way. You likely wont see paid availability for all 7 days a week til about 2 months before, (though it does appear from time to time). Points availability in advance is sporadic at best.