THE ROYAL

CROWN TOWERS

WHAT’S IT LIKE? A separate entrance to that of the adjacent casino ensures guests a sense of exclusivity. The hotel lobby is located on the 38th floor of the block. Interiors by the renowned designer Peter Remedios, whose previous projects include the Four Seasons Hotel New York and the Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, are über-chic but timeless in tone. Numerous materials such as stone, wood, tiles and handmade carpets were used to create the final results. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the public spaces and guest rooms create a stylish area you may be loath to leave, whether or not you lose all your money at the gaming tables below.

WHERE IS IT? Attached to the new Crown Casino in Taipa. Shuttle buses run regularly between the ferry terminal and the complex.

SUITE FACTOR There are 16 Deluxe Suites, measuring 88 sqm, and eight Premier Suites, measuring 128 sqm, both with panoramic views of the Macau peninsula. There are also eight villas, which are the height of refinement for the discerning guest. Amenities include dedicated lounge area, walk-in wardrobe, plasma-screen TV with over 50 channels, and broadband internet access. Bathrooms feature a luxurious stone-crafted bath, Japanese-style shower, built-in LCD TV and toiletries from spa expert Elemis.

OTHER FACILITIES The Crown Towers hotel has four restaurants. The Aurora offers contemporary French cuisine
created with imported seasonal produce and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It also boasts one of Macau’s largest wine collections, which is displayed in a temperature-controlled, custom-built cellar. Kira serves modern Japanese food presented in a dramatic setting – diners are lead through an intriguing bamboo corridor into a circular food stadium displaying meat and fish. There is also Tenmasa, a well-known name in Japan, while Ying offers Cantonese cuisine. Leisure facilities include a 25-metre infinity pool and a spa.

PRICE Suites from US$490.

CONTACT Avenida de Kwong Tung, Taipa; tel +853 2886 8888; crown-macau.com.

THE GODFATHER

HOTEL LISBOA

WHAT’S IT LIKE? Despite all the sleek newcomers, tycoon Stanley Ho’s mustard-coloured Hotel Lisboa stands out not only for its eccentric façade but also for its bling-bling interiors, particularly in the West Wing lobby. The blaze of crystal chandeliers and shiny mosaic tiles will probably make you reach for your shades, so don’t forget to bring them if you’re checking into this massive property, which has nearly 1,000 rooms. One thing which is for sure is that the feisty Dr Ho is not giving in to the competition. Behind the Lisboa is its taller, newer sister, the glass-clad Grand Lisboa – in the shape of a lotus – which should be opening shortly (its casino is already going strong).

WHERE IS IT? In the city centre. A five-minute drive from ferry terminal and 20 minutes from the airport.

SUITE FACTOR The Royal Tower suites underwent a recent makeover which saw the original, clunky chairs and sofas reupholstered, the floors recarpeted and new bedding put in. Bathrooms have been modernised and fitted with mood lighting, although the tiling is a bit too glitzy for my taste. (But some guests go for this touch, so who am I to argue?) Amenities include broadband internet connection and satellite TV.

OTHER FACILITIES There are six bars and restaurants to refuel indefatigable gamblers patronising the Hotel Lisboa’s star attraction, its casino. The dining selection includes Robuchon à Galera, which features more than 3,300 wines – celebrity chef Joël Robuchon himself makes at least six visits a year to this outpost.

PRICE Suites from US$265.

CONTACT 2-4 Avenida de Lisboa; tel +853 2888 3888; hotelisboa.com.

THE JEWEL

POUSADA DE SAO TIAGO

WHAT’S IT LIKE? This 12-suite boutique gem is housed in an authentic hillside Portuguese fort – the 17th-century Fortaleza da Barra was built to defend against attacks from hostile European forces. Upon arrival, guests make their way through a small ground-floor tunnel, which even drips water at certain times, into to the reception and lobby area. Refurbishment has been so sensitively done that the original door at the entrance has been left, as have the age-old trees which continue to grow and cling to the ancient walls of the building. As yet, no lifts have been installed, which means guests have to walk up flights of stairs to reach their rooms, so this may not be the best place for the elderly or physically challenged; however, the hotel is considering addressing this problem when it begins its expansion programme.

WHERE IS IT? Nestled in one of the city’s exclusive enclaves at the tip of the Macau peninsula and along the scenic tree-lined Praia Grande Bay. By taxi, it’s five minutes to most attractions in the city centre.

SUITE FACTOR Each suite comes with a balcony facing the picturesque Inner Harbour, which takes on a golden glow at sunset. And there is no better place to take it in – with a glass of wine in hand – than from this vantage point. Despite recent rennovations which introduced all of today’s standard mod cons into the property (flatscreen TVs, updated lighting fixtures and wifi internet access, as well as rain showers and mosaic tiling in the bathrooms) this has not diminished the Portuguese influence, which gives the building its unqiue ambience. Much of the furniture, such as the ornately carved beds and chairs in dark wood, were retained and renovated. The result is an outstanding blend of traditional design features and contemporary style.

OTHER FACILITIES There is one meeting room, La Paloma Restaurant, and the historic St James Chapel.

PRICES Suites from US$361.

CONTACT Avenida de Republica, Fortaleza de Sao Tiago de Barra; tel +853 2837 8111; saotiago.com.mo.

THE VICTORIAN

ROCKS HOTEL

WHAT’S IT LIKE? Scarlett O’Hara would have been delighted to check in here: charming balustrades, stunning chandeliers in the atrium and plush carpets evoke 19th-century colonial elegance.

WHERE IS IT? Ten minutes by foot from the Macau ferry terminal and a 15-minute car ride from the international airport. If you arrive by taxi, make sure you instruct your driver to take you to the very end of Fisherman’s Wharf – not the entrance – or you’ll be in for a long walk.

SUITE FACTOR All rooms come with grilled balconies offering breathtaking views of sea and sky, and the Premier and two-bedroom suites are also equipped with 32-inch LCD TVs, cable programming, wireless phone with IDD, free in-room broadband internet service, smart CD players and a temperature-control system. The theme of vintage elegance is continued here, with richly patterned wallpaper, powder blue curtains and botanical prints, while the bathrooms boast gold taps and sensuous bathtubs on claw feet, which in some rooms lie alongside a window.

OTHER FACILITIES The main restaurant is Vic’s Café on the ground floor, which has indoor and al fresco seating – the semi-open-plan kitchen offers an à la carte menu and buffet. Next to it is an English-style pub with street entrance, which is great for after-dinner cigars or drinks, while the rooftop Sky Lounge is another post-dining retreat and has a large outdoor area which is ideal for parties of up to 100.

PRICE Suites from US$258.

CONTACT Avenida da Amizade, Fisherman’s Wharf; tel +853 2878 2782; rockshotel.com.mo.

THE PRIDE OF SHELDON

SANDS MACAO HOTEL

WHAT’S IT LIKE? Although the rooms are not yet open to the public, a recent media preview revealed that this 289-room property is sure to attract those looking for an authentic, sophisticated boutique experience in Macau. Housed in a 24-storey building, it adjoins the well-established Sands Macao casino.

WHERE IS IT? A five-minute taxi drive from the ferry terminal, 20 minutes from the airport or 15 minutes from the border gate with China. Its entrance is separate from the gaming palace.

SUITE FACTOR The three Presidential Suites occupy 418 sqm of space and are equipped with private whirlpool bath, karaoke, sauna and massage rooms. These upper-tier suites are complemented by 51 Penthouse Suites, laid out over two floors and 1,858 sqm of space. These rooms also feature massage facilities, whirlpool baths, saunas and karaoke as well as Japanese-style and mah-jong rooms. The 204 Deluxe Suites, measuring about 56-60 sqm, include plasma-screen TVs, whirlpool baths and wifi internet access. For families and groups of friends, the 34 Executive Suites, partitioned into sitting and sleeping areas, are ideal. Dark woods and rich tones dominate the interior colour scheme.

OTHER FACILITIES Amenities planned include seven restaurants and bars, a heated rooftop swimming pool and a
660-seat theatre located on the third floor of the building and equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual hardware. Another innovation, the Ultra Lounge, is expected to become one of Macau’s trendiest venues.

PRICES Not available.

CONTACT Largo de Monte Carlo, No 203; tel +853 2888 3388; sands.com.mo.

THE PERFORMER

STARWORLD HOTEL AND CASINO

WHAT’S IT LIKE? The bustling main lobby is enormous, a dazzling combination of glass and glitz which certainly makes an impression. A smaller reception area to the side caters for the adjacent Galaxy Casino’s favoured clients. The building was designed by Rocco Yim, responsible for the landmark 2IFC (Two International Finance Centre) in Hong Kong.

WHERE IS IT? In the heart of downtown Macau, where the gaming action is hot and heavy, and close to the Wynn Resort.

SUITE FACTOR There are 500 guestrooms with two Sky Suites – the Presidential Suite and the Penthouse – each measuring 557 sqm. Their large windows provide a sweeping view of city-centre developments (also available in the other room categories). The bathrooms also have expansive windows, allowing uninterrupted views if you’re brave enough to leave the shades open. The “Star Service” button accesses a 24-hour alert service, provided by a Star Service representative. A bar area, contemporary furnishings and works of art in the living room add to the feel of a New York apartment. Other perks include the Intelligent Bill-Checking function, broadband internet access, pillow menu, minibar, private safe, 40-inch plasma TV, ergonomic chair and workdesk, and automatic curtains. Non-smoking rooms are available.

OTHER FACILITIES Leisure facilities include an infinity swimming pool on the 17th floor and a fitness centre. For dining, guests can choose from a range of 12 restaurants and bars, including Laurel and Jade Garden for Cantonese and Shanghainese cuisine, Bi Feng Tang, a unique Chinese deli, and Inagiku, a branch of the famous Japanese chain.

PRICES Suites from US$271.

CONTACT Avenida de Amizade; tel +853 2878 1111; starworldmacau.com.

THE ROMANTIC

THE VENETIAN MACAO

WHAT’S IT LIKE? Is it the Vatican? Is it Versailles? Yes and no, and a lot of both. This 3,000-suite megaresort, replicating the famous canals and icons of Venice, is sister to the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas. In terms of size and takings, it has now surpassed the North American property, astounding even its backers with its early success.

WHERE IS IT? It’s the anchor tenant of the ambitious Cotai Strip development on Taipa Island, which when completed will boast several five-star hotels with their own casinos, meetings and conventions facilities. But the Venetian Macao Resort Hotel is the mother of them all.

SUITE FACTOR All suites are 60 sqm or larger, with a bedroom, an oversized 12 sqm bathroom finished in Italian marble, and a sunken living room. Details which will appeal to business travellers include dual-line telephones, in-room fax/copier/printer and high-speed internet access. Furnishings are rich and plush, just like those found in Venetian palazzos.

OTHER FACILITIES All the features of the Las Vegas property are found in the Venetian Macao, including the gaming experience, the themed retail venue, the wide range of restaurants (over 30 outlets), a spa and wellness centre, a 15,000-seat showroom and arena, and one of the largest conventions, meetings and exhibition centres in Asia-Pacific (92,903 sqm. The Grand Canal, featuring authentic gondolas with good-looking gondoliers as well as Chinese sampans (we are in southern China after all), is a big attraction, although the cost of a short trip across the water is somewhat steep. There is also an abundance of other features such as waterfalls, wave pools, gardens and lanais.

PRICES Suites from US$214.

CONTACT Estrada da Bala de N Senhora de Esperanca, s/n The Cotai Strip, Taipa; tel +853 2882 8888, venetianmacao.com.

THE WINNER

WYNN MACAU

WHAT’S IT LIKE? The intimate lobby, crowned by a striking ruby-red chandelier, belies the miles of floor space devoted to the casino gaming floor.

WHERE IS IT? In the centre of downtown Macau, in front of a “performance lake” where regular dramatic displays are staged several times throughout the day and into the night, when the lighting creates a spectacular visual experience.

SUITE FACTOR The resort has 120 one-bedroom suites (average size 186 sqm) and 20 two-bedroom suites (average size 278 sqm), which are further divided into the Lake Suites and the Sky Suites. Guests who have booked into these categories enter at the Wynn Club entrance, and enjoy VIP check-in and full access to the amenities of the Wynn Club. Perks vary depending on the tier of the suite – the two-bedroom ones all come with 24-hour butler service, while the Sky Suites are located on the top floors of the hotel. All come with Wynn signature padded mattress-toppers, king-size beds with fine Egyptian cotton sheets, living and entertaining areas, and dazzling bath fixtures. The two-bedroom units boast their own massage room, while the Sky Suites are even more luxurious – they
are fitted with “his and hers” bathrooms with a dressing area, glass-enclosed shower and a bathtub with an ultra-deep bathing well.

OTHER FACILITIES Leisure facilities comprise two heated pools and a whirlpool on the ground floor, a high-end shopping arcade, a Starbucks coffee shop, and seven restaurants including Okada (a branch of Okada in Wynn Las Vegas).

PRICES Suites from US$411.

CONTACT Rua Cidade de Sintra, Nape; tel +853 2888 9966; wynnmacau.com.