Let’s go to Macao this weekend

For those weekends when you’re craving a change of scene and pace, Macao has all the characteristics of an exciting, far-flung destination – charming neighbourhoods, must-try delicacies, electrifying nightlife – while being no more than a short ferry ride away from Hong Kong.

To help you enjoy this resort city to the fullest, we’ve rounded up the best hotels in Macao for a magical, spur-of-the-moment getaway.

Four Seasons Macao Cotai Strip

This world-class hotel is a blend of European elegance and Hollywood glamour, with its exterior partly resembling a Portuguese castle and partly a grand movie theatre. From its magnificent lobby, twin staircases lead guests towards rooms that are generous in both light and space, oozing a sense of understated luxury with a palette of soft colours. Enjoy afternoon tea in the sophisticated environs of Xiao Ting , or relax under the shade of a palm tree at one of the five outdoor pools.

Wynn Palace

No hotel serves up opulence quite like this one. Wynn Palace lives up to its name with rich and regal interiors, while the hotel’s Lakeview Palace restaurant offers front row seats to spectacular water displays on Performance Lake, which take place every 20 to 30 minutes. Other top dining destinations include Chef Tam’s Seasons , which specialises in Cantonese cuisine, and Wing Lei bar , designed to emulate the inside of a jewellery box.

Macau Hotel S

If you’re looking for somewhere with a youthful and artsy vibe, boutique property Macau Hotel S is the place to be. Simple and cosy rooms are injected with personality through splashes of colour and an eclectic mix of textures, prints and artwork. Before heading out to explore Macao’s cultural and gastronomic delights, pop into Momokawa, the hotel’s trendy Japanese-inspired coffee bar – its array of flavoured teas and lattes will help you start the day with a spring in your step. 

Andaz Macau

Just removed from the buzz of Cotai’s main strip, the Andaz Macau combines stylish design with experience-oriented service. Rooms are tastefully decorated with warm-coloured fabrics and statement art pieces while boasting views of neighbouring Zhuhai in the distance. Work your muscles at the fitness centre or indoor swimming pool, then enjoy a leisurely lunch at Andaz Kitchen , a stunning all-day dining space that pays tribute to Macao’s Portuguese heritage. 

The Parisian Macao

It’s impossible to miss The Parisian as you cruise along Cotai’s main thoroughfare – the eye can’t help but be drawn to the glittering Eiffel Tower replica that stands just before its entrance. Closer up, the view gets even better: you’ll be welcomed into a gold-trimmed, fresco-adorned lobby inspired by the baroque palaces of 17th-century France. Inside guest rooms, meanwhile, floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of manicured lawns and, beyond them, the shimmering Cotai strip. 

The Macau Roosevelt

Located on the waterfront in Taipa village, this boutique hotel is a masterclass in eco-chic design. Its tree-lined entrance leads to a lobby that draws on natural elements like wood, stone and foliage to create a sense of serenity. Guest rooms similarly combine rich earthy building materials with light airy fabrics for a rustic yet modern feel. Meanwhile, the hotel’s Soul spa immerses guests in a lush tropical environment, perfect for enjoying its wide assortment of relaxing treatments. 

Sofitel Macau At Ponte 16

Perched on the edge of Old Town Macao, the Sofitel has perfected the art of unpretentious elegance. Inside this neoclassical-styled property, crisp white guestrooms invite you to sink into soft and plump bedding. Outside, cloistered walkways surround a tranquil sculpture-filled garden, while a turquoise pool looks directly onto Macao’s calm waterways. If all this isn’t enough to relax you, the hotel’s spa takes you into the French countryside with design elements and treatments inspired by nature.

Holiday Inn Macau, an IHG Hotel

In the heart of Macao’s historical quarter, the Holiday Inn Macau is housed within a lovingly-preserved heritage building – you’ll be instantly taken by its ornate façade. Here, clean and comfortable rooms ensure you’ll be well-rested for a day exploring the sights, from the romantic Ruins of St Paul's to the mosaic paving of Senado Square. For a taste of traditional Portuguese fare, stop by the hotel’s Frascati Cafe , open all day.

City of Dreams - Morpheus

Named after the Greek god of dreams, the Morpheus is pure imagination. In this Zaha Hadid-designed property, each and every element of the architecture and décor, from windows to furniture to colour, has been chosen to complement one another, making the hotel feel like one big art installation. On the 23rd floor, you’ll find yet more artwork in the hotel’s designated gallery, but the biggest treat for the eyes might just be the one visible from the top floor swimming pool: Macau’s incredible skyline. 

W Macau - Studio City

Another Zaha Hadid creation, the W Macau is a vision of shimmering reflective glass. Inside, guest rooms are stylishly decked out in teal and copper, with floor-length windows that provide dramatic views. Be sure to visit restaurant Diva , where you can enjoy contemporary Cantonese cooking in a gorgeous Art Deco-inspired setting. You could lose yourself in the environs of this hotel, but if you’re hungry for action, you’ll find the casinos and shopping streets of Studio City right on your doorstep.