Some of Macau’s top hotels offer great value, and many come with
brand names that will make American travelers feel comfortable. But
for those looking for something different without sacrificing
comfort, there are also some possibly less-familiar hotels that are
worth considering.
Because Macau (once a Portuguese colony, now a Special
Administrative Region of China) is a relatively compact city,
location is not the only concern when choosing a hotel. Some
clients, however, may be adding quick trips to Macau to their
longer stays in Hong Kong (an hour away by ferry), in which case
they might prefer to stay close to the ferry terminal.
The 437-room Mandarin Oriental Macau, known for its service and
its location a short walk from the main ferry terminal, is offering
an unusual “Horoscope Special” during 2003. It would be ideal for a
client wanting to add Macau to a South China/Hong Kong
itinerary.
The special package is only available to guests who check in
during the birthday period of their horoscope. It includes a tarot
reading from a renowned Macau card-reader; a 10 percent discount on
massages; round-trip ferry tickets from Hong Kong; and one night in
a superior-class room, priced from $133.
The Holiday Inn Macau is centrally located in the new commercial
district. The hotel is offering an “E-Plus Room” package through
September 30.
Under the special, executive rooms are $88 on weekdays and $110
weekends, and executive suites are $122 weekdays and $172 weekends.
Benefits include daily breakfast, cocktails, pressing service for
four suits a day and 15 percent discount in restaurants and
bars.
Located on Coloane, the southernmost of Macau’s islands, the
newly refurbished Westin is terraced up a mountainside and each
room has a private balcony overlooking the South China Sea. This
month, the resort launched a program of 12 different retreat
packages called “The Twelve Indulgences,” including “Romance,”
“Massage,” “Golf” and “Food Lovers.”
“Romance” features a night in a beachview room, which the hotel
transforms into a lovers’ sanctuary with a floral bath and fresh
petals, natural-scented candles, handcrafted chocolates and fresh
strawberries, priced from $192 per night.
The “Massage” package features two 45-minute massage treatments
where guests can select several different massage options, priced
from $205 a night.
Many Macau regulars insist the Hyatt Regency Macau is the
perfect place to stay. Its sprawling swimming pool and panoramic
views of Macau city across the Taipa Bridge are close enough to the
action to make it convenient, but sufficiently far away from any
disturbance.
Its flagship restaurant Flamingo offers authentic “Macanese”
cuisine, which is a blend of Portuguese, Chinese, African, Indian
and Malay spices.
Room prices average $103 Sunday through Friday and $180
Saturday.
The Pousada de Sao Tiago hotel has retained elements from the
17th century fortress and chapel that once occupied its grounds.
This place is for those who want the kind of local flavor some
brand-name hotels do not deliver.
It has 24 rooms and is located in a prime residential
neighborhood. Balconies look out on Macau’s Inner Harbor. Trees
overhang its gardens, which are dotted with white tables and
wrought iron chairs. Rates are $208 to $506.
Holiday Inn Macau: www.ichotelsgroup.com
Hyatt Regency Macau: www.macau.hyatt.com
Mandarin Oriental Macau: www.mandarinoriental.com
Pousada de Sao Tiago: www.saotiago.com
Westin Resort Macau: www.starwood.com
