Background
The Londoner Hotel, which opened in early 2021, is an all-suite 600-room hotel within the Londoner Macao integrated resort. The latter had its grand opening in May last year, with brand ambassador David Beckham in attendance. The resort comprises five hotels; in addition to The Londoner Hotel, it houses the Conrad Macao, the Sheraton Grand Macao, the St Regis Macao and Londoner Court. This enormous complex also has a life-size Elizabeth Tower (that’s Big Ben to most of us) and a facade based on the Palace of Westminster.
Where is it?
On the Cotai Strip, the “Las Vegas of the East”. This reclaimed strip of land connects the former islands of Taipa and Coloane, and has a series of astonishing landmarks fronting its casinos. The Venetian, one of the largest buildings in the world, has more than 3,000 rooms and features a St Mark’s Campanile and Rialto Bridge. Close by and in front of The Parisian Macao is a half-scale Eiffel Tower.
What’s it like?
Like many hotels in Macau, it is remarkable for its sheer scale and audacity. Besides Big Ben and the parliamentary facade, the lobby has a replica of the Eros statue of Piccadilly Circus, a Crystal Palace-style atrium, and statues of famous Brits such as Elizabeth I, Henry VIII and Winston Churchill.
Groups of red-coated guardsmen and London bobbies parade around the premises, obligingly stopping for Instagram moments. An original 1966 red Routemaster London bus is also a popular backdrop for photos. Music piped in public spaces and lifts is by British artists only. Statues – whether they be a punk rocker, Shakespeare or even Margaret Thatcher – greet guests.
Rooms
I stayed in a 75 sqm Louis suite, on the 23rd floor. Hong Kong’s famed Steve Leung Design Group is behind the gentlemen’s club atmosphere, with plenty of brown, black, grey and beige, and textured walls and marble. In addition to the bedroom and living room are a spacious dressing room, foyer and a lavish marble bathroom equipped with a free-standing Victorian-style bathtub, twin basins and smart toilet, and a walk-in shower with body jets and a rain shower. Toiletries are by Aromatherapy Associates.
The living room features a sofa, high-backed leather armchair with footstool, 75-inch TV, writing desk with USB sockets and power points on hand, a Nespresso machine and a surprisingly effective OTO Q foot massager. The bedroom has a truly enormous and very comfortable bed, another 75-inch TV, a pillow menu, an ioniser and control panels for lighting and air-conditioning. Curtains and drapes in both rooms are automated. Eye-catching art depicts London landmarks and street scenes.
Guests on this floor and those on the upper levels of the tower have access to the third-floor Residence, with exclusive dining room and bar, and a concierge service. Breakfast is served here, and along with Western and Chinese staples, the lobster Benedict is a must.
Food and drink
There are numerous outlets throughout the resort. Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill serves British staples such as an excellent beef Wellington with mushroom and truffle duxelles (MOP598/£59).Churchill’s Table, inspired by a Victorian food hall, has favourites like Guinness-braised beef pie and mash (MOP98/£10).
Chiado Portuguese restaurant is overseen by celebrity chef Henrique Sá Pessoa, The Mews serves Thai, and there is also the one-Michelin-starred Huiyang Garden.
Meetings
The Londoner Macao has more than 20,000 sqm of convention space, the 6,000-seat London Arena, 11 ballrooms and 19 meeting rooms.
Leisure
The hotel has six swimming pools, a health club and the Bodhi spa.
Verdict
The London theme may be a little over the top, but the suites are truly comfortable, relaxing and beautifully appointed. The dining, leisure and shopping are also excellent. The MICE facilities are comprehensive and well thought out.
FACT BOX
- Best for British style and attention to detail
- Don’t miss The night-time view of the Cotai Strip from the top of the Eiffel Tower. It will give some idea of the ambition of the developers.
- Price Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in May start from MOP 5,598/£550 for a Louis suite
- Contact Estrada do Istmo. s/n, Cotai, Macau SAR, China; +853 2882 2878; londonermacao.com
Words: Nick Goodyer
