Do you dream of jetting off to an exotic locale for a luxurious staycation, but your budget only allows for a stay closer to home? Or you’re simply looking for a change of scenery without having to go through the hassle of booking flights and dealing with jet lag. If so, then look no further than Macau! Macau, only a short ferry ride from Hong Kong, is well-known for its magnificent architecture, exquisite food, and, of course, its luxurious hotels. So if you need a little R&R, check out our list of the three best hotels in Macau for a relaxing staycation.
The Venetian Macao
Step into The Venetian Macao, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Venice, Italy! From the canals and gondolas to the cobblestone streets and Venetian-style architecture, this hotel does an impeccable job of recreating the magic of Venice. But The Venetian isn’t all about looks; it also offers some of the best shopping, dining, and entertainment options in all of Macau. And when you’re ready to call it a day, retire to your spacious suite complete with a Jacuzzi tub—ahhh! Owned by the American Las Vegas Sands company, The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel is a luxurious hotel and casino resort. It is a 39-story, 3,000-suite hotel with canal-based gondola rides throughout the property. It opened in 2007 as the world’s largest casino and Asia’s largest single-structure hotel building. The main hotel tower was finished in July 2007 and contained 2,905 suites. The resort has a 120,000-square-foot casino floor with 1,500 slot machines and 350 table games. Adelson said he planned to open more resorts in Macau, including a Second Venetian Macao.
Despite its size, Venetian Macao is governed by the control of one country: China. Of its total land area, only four square kilometers are designated as the actual casino complex; the rest serves as offices, support facilities, and complimentary services for guests staying at one of its hotels. The Venetian Macao is located on Cotai Strip in Macau, an island off mainland China that was once a Portuguese colony. Cotai Strip was created when two islands were reclaimed from the sea: Taipa and Coloane. Part of Coloane was subsequently joined to Taipa by a landfill to form Cotai – hence the name “Cotai Strip.” While most of Macau consists of hilly terrain with little flat land suitable for building major developments, Cotai has large tracts of level ground that were perfect for industrialization and tourism development (the name “Cotai” literally means “Refillable Strand”). The Venetian is located close to many other casinos on Cotai: Four Seasons Hotel Macao (opened 2005), Conrad Macao (opened 2006), Holiday Inn Macao Cotai Central (opened 2009), Sheraton Grand Macao Hotel (opened 2009), and JW Marriott Hotel Macao (opened 2009). Other notable nearby casinos include Wynn Palace (opened 2016), Galaxy Waldo Casino (opened 2014), MGM Cotai(opening early 2018), and City of Dreams (opened 2009). In addition to its casinos, Cotai is also home to many famous hotels, shopping malls, and convention centers. Notable examples include The Plaza Macao shopping center (connected to Four Seasons Hotel), The Venetian Convention & Exhibition Center (the largest convention center in Asia), Studio City Macro entertainment complex (home to Warner Bros Movie World theme park), and Galaxy Mega Mall (the largest shopping mall in Macau). As one of Macau’s most significant symbols of economic growth in recent years, Cotai serves as an important SJM Holdings, and Las Vegas Sands generate a significant portion of their gaming revenues from here. The area continues to undergo massive construction projects despite global economic uncertainties. For example, billions of dollars are being spent on new developments such as Wynn Palace Resort and MGM Cotai, which are slated to open between late 2016 and mid-2017.
Wynn Palace Cotai
Wynn Palace Cotai is the hotel for you if you’re looking for breathtaking views. Perched atop one of Macau’s highest points, this hotel offers stunning panoramic views of the cityscape below. But Wynn Palace Cotai isn’t all about looks; it’s also home to some of the best dining options in town. For example, if you’re craving Chinese cuisine, be sure to check out Wing Lei Palace—the first Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant in Wynn Palace. And if you need some R&R, pamper yourself with a trip to the hotel’s world-class spa. You deserve it! Wynn Palace Cotai is a luxury resort located in Macau, China. The resort opened in 2016 and is owned by Wynn Resorts. The resort costs $4.2 billion to build and includes a casino, two hotels, a retail mall, and a theater. The casino at Wynn Palace Cotai is the largest in Macau, with over 500 table games and 2,000 slot machines. The resort’s two hotels are the Wynn Palace Hotel and the Fairmont Hotel. The Wynn Palace Hotel has 1,706 rooms and suites, while the Fairmont Hotel has 1,056 rooms and suites. The retail mall at Wynn Palace Cotai is called The Shops at Wynn Palace and includes over 60 stores and restaurants. The theater at Wynn Palace Cotai is called the Performance Lake Theater and hosts shows such as Cirque du Soleil.
The Ritz-Carlton Macau
For those who want nothing but the best, look no further than The Ritz-Carlton Macau. This hotel has everything from its prime location in Cotai—Macau’s entertainment hub—to its five-star accommodations and top-notch amenities. And if you’re looking to explore beyond the hotel grounds, The Ritz-Carlton is within walking distance of several casinos and shopping malls. This hotel has you covered whether you’re looking to hit the slots or shops. The Ritz-Carlton Macau is a luxury hotel located in the Cotai district of Macau, China. The hotel opened in 2009 and is operated by the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. The Ritz-Carlton Macau is situated on a promontory overlooking the Cotai Strip and features an infinity pool, a spa, and a casino. The hotel has 546 guest rooms and suites and 18 Residences at the Ritz-Carlton. The Ritz-Carlton Macau is the first Ritz-Carlton hotel in China and the second in the Asia Pacific after the Ritz-Carlton Tokyo. The Ritz-Carlton Macau was designed by Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design, and construction of the hotel began in 2006. The Ritz-Carlton Macau cost approximately US$1 billion, making it one of the most expensive hotels ever constructed.
Conclusion:
Ready to book your staycation? We hope our list of the three best hotels in Macau has inspired you to start planning your trip! With so many amazing hotels to choose from, it’s hard to go wrong. But no matter where you decide to stay, we guarantee that you’ll enjoy unwinding in this beautiful city.