Hong Kong and Macau_ City Guide (Lonely Planet, 14th Edition) - Andrew Stone [270]
Most large hotels add a 10% service charge and 5% government tax to the bill. Prices listed here are the rack rates quoted to walk-in customers.
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MACAU PENINSULA
Macau has a range of choices to suit every taste and pocket. Big names like Sofitel and MGM Grand are in full swing. A new Mandarin Oriental should be ready by late 2009. The Oceanus complex, Stanley Ho’s latest megaproject, is scheduled to open in mid-2010, but it was still very quiet at the time of writing.
WYNN MACAU Map Hotel $$$$
2888 9966; www.wynnmacau.com; Rua Cidae de Sintra, NAPE; r MOP$3000-3700, ste from MOP$7800;
This five-star, American-style resort has charming rooms and suites with high ceilings, and almost everything automated. Bonuses include its superb outdoor swimming pool and some very serious restaurants.
POUSADA DE São TIAGO Map Hotel $$$$
2837 8111; www.saotiago.com.mo; Avenida da República; ste from MOP$5800;
Built into the ruins of the 17th-century Barra Fort, the landmark São Tiago is the most romantic place to stay in Macau. No other hotels in Macau can boast such a rich history. All 12 rooms are recently renovated and upgraded to elegantly furnished suites, and it still has an old-world grandeur. The chapel attached to the hotel is also well restored.
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PRICE GUIDE
Below is the price guide for rooms in Macau. Breakfast is usually included with hotels marked $$ and $$$.
$$$$ More than MOP$2500
$$$ MOP$1650-2500
$$ MOP$500-1650
$ Up to MOP$500
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MGM GRAND MACAU Map Hotel $$$
8802 1888; www.mgmgrandmacau.com; Avenida Dr Sun Yat Sen, NAPE; r MOP$1678-2129, ste from MOP$5280;
The obvious reason for staying in this hotel is the optically fantastic spa. The gallery-like hotel lobby with Dale Chihuly’s spectacular glass installation will impress you at first sight, as will the chic, luxurious rooms straddling the curly corridors. Choose the seaside rooms for the sweeping harbour views. The on-site restaurants and pubs ( Click here ) give you all the excitement you need right at one address.
GRAND LAPA HOTEL Map Hotel $$$
2856 7888; www.mandarinoriental.com/grandlapa; 956-1110 Avenida da Amizade; r MOP$1288-2788, ste from MOP$5300
Compared to its glossy neighbours on the casino strip, the rooms in Grand Lapa (formerly Mandarin Oriental) are a bit outdated, but its superlative service and superb spa complex with impressive natural surroundings win the hearts of its loyal clientele. It’s always full during the weekends.
ROCKS HOTEL Map Hotel $$$
2878 2782; www.rockshotel.com.mo; Macau Fisherman’s Wharf; r MOP$1880-2580, ste from MOP$4080;
This elegant Victorian-style boutique hotel is set amid a tribal-hut African restaurant and Babylon Casino, reminding you that you’re in the middle of a theme park. All rooms feature a balcony and most have a view of the waterfront. It also has affordable shuttle services with its Nissan Cefiro (MOP$30/60/90 to Macau/Taipa/Coloane) and Benz-Mercedes (MOP$150/250/350 to Macau/Taipa/Coloane).
SOFITEL MACAU AT PONTE 16 Map Hotel $$$
8861 0016; www.sofitel.com; Rua do Visconde Paço de Arcos; r MOP$1420-2220, ste from MOP$4220;
This reasonably priced luxury hotel from a high-end chain offers some atmospheric views of the sleepy Inner Harbour and the ruins of São Paulo on the other side. Rooms are modern and large, and beds are comfy. The bathrooms have L’Occitane toiletries.
METRO PARK HOTEL Map Hotel $$
2878 1233; www.metroparkmacau.com; 199 Rua de Pequim; r MOP$1680-2300, ste from MOP$2800
Rooms are small and the service so-so, but this is a good-value casino-free option along the casino strip. A plus is a regular substantial discount (60% or more). Cross-border buses to China also leave from here.
HOTEL SINTRA Map Hotel $$
2871 0111; www.hotelsintra.com; Avenida de Dom João IV; r MOP$650-1200, ste from MOP$1400
This centrally located three-star hotel is a better place to stay than Metro Park. Rooms are spotless, but those facing Grand Emperor Hotel may find the big LED screen disturbing.