Hotel in Macau
Jan 25th, 2005, 08:03 AM
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Hotel in Macau
Going to Macau for a few days. Any recommendations for a hotel. The Pousada de Sao Tiago sounds good. Anyone stay there recently? Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you for your time.
Jan 25th, 2005, 08:28 AM
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The Pousada de Sao Tiago is very pretty. Its location isn't the most convenient, but taxis are cheap in Macau. I've eaten and had tea there a few times, but never stayed in its rooms.
The other really good hotels I'll recommend are the Mandarin Oriental and the new Landmark in Macau, the Hyatt Regency on Taipa, and the Westin on Coloane. However, I think the Westin is just too far from Macau proper.
Another small hotel in Macau is the Pousada de Coloane, in the Cheoc Van area of Coloane, not far from the Westin (and the Fernando restaurant). It even has its own beach, but it's not as luxurious as the other ones I mentioned.
Be careful with the star ratings of hotels in Macau. For example, I stayed at the New Century on Taipa, and it's more like a 3.5/4* hotel than the official five stars it received. [Of course, I am totally aware of that, and its prices also show.]
I also wouldn't recommend the Hotel Lisboa. Its prices are high, as many people will pay more to be in the Lisboa casino complex. Most of its rooms are also comped to its best customers - so its pricing isn't really reflective of its actual quality.
The other really good hotels I'll recommend are the Mandarin Oriental and the new Landmark in Macau, the Hyatt Regency on Taipa, and the Westin on Coloane. However, I think the Westin is just too far from Macau proper.
Another small hotel in Macau is the Pousada de Coloane, in the Cheoc Van area of Coloane, not far from the Westin (and the Fernando restaurant). It even has its own beach, but it's not as luxurious as the other ones I mentioned.
Be careful with the star ratings of hotels in Macau. For example, I stayed at the New Century on Taipa, and it's more like a 3.5/4* hotel than the official five stars it received. [Of course, I am totally aware of that, and its prices also show.]
I also wouldn't recommend the Hotel Lisboa. Its prices are high, as many people will pay more to be in the Lisboa casino complex. Most of its rooms are also comped to its best customers - so its pricing isn't really reflective of its actual quality.
Jan 25th, 2005, 08:51 AM
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I just stayed in Macau two weeks ago, and I can tell you DON'T STAY at the Hyatt-awful-and those rooms-sheesh-Hyatt must be thinking of tearing down the joint, because even on the Passport floors, they were in dire need of renovation! (Their food however, is quite good-partic. their Chinese restaurant, and its dim sum-I understand Hong Kongers come over just to have dim sum there).
I don't know the Landmark, but I did eat at the Mandarin Oriental and looked around. The Mand. Oriental would definitely be my first choice for a place to stay. Their Thai restaurant Na'am is good and looks out onto their lovely pool area- it's located right next to the behemoth new Sands Casino, if you want some action there (Mand. Or.'s casino is quite small). They have a deluxe shopping arcade with nothing but the top designers-from Burberry to Gucci. It's in an ideal location to see the sites and for shopping.
The Westin is lovely, but way too far out in Coloane-the Hyatt is also not too well located in Taiga for most of the sights-except for the Tin Hau Temple. It is very well located if you want to be near the airport, however.
And as far as the famed Fernando's- let me say this: If people think the meals there are so fab., they've never eaten in Portugal-I've had at least 7 meals in Lisbon exactly like what they serve at Fernando's except better. It's not difficult to make a salad of lettuce, tasteless tomatoes, some onions and throw some viniagrette on it, boil some potatoes, and grill sardines or other fish Sorry, but that doesn't qualify in my book as all that creative, original or even that good-just mediocre. Any average Lisbon restaurant can do it better-(partic. the grilled sardines, which weren't good). (I will say that the prices at Fernando's were quite reasonable and compared favorably to what one would pay for such a cheap meal in Lisbon-so in that sense it was okay).
I don't know the Landmark, but I did eat at the Mandarin Oriental and looked around. The Mand. Oriental would definitely be my first choice for a place to stay. Their Thai restaurant Na'am is good and looks out onto their lovely pool area- it's located right next to the behemoth new Sands Casino, if you want some action there (Mand. Or.'s casino is quite small). They have a deluxe shopping arcade with nothing but the top designers-from Burberry to Gucci. It's in an ideal location to see the sites and for shopping.
The Westin is lovely, but way too far out in Coloane-the Hyatt is also not too well located in Taiga for most of the sights-except for the Tin Hau Temple. It is very well located if you want to be near the airport, however.
And as far as the famed Fernando's- let me say this: If people think the meals there are so fab., they've never eaten in Portugal-I've had at least 7 meals in Lisbon exactly like what they serve at Fernando's except better. It's not difficult to make a salad of lettuce, tasteless tomatoes, some onions and throw some viniagrette on it, boil some potatoes, and grill sardines or other fish Sorry, but that doesn't qualify in my book as all that creative, original or even that good-just mediocre. Any average Lisbon restaurant can do it better-(partic. the grilled sardines, which weren't good). (I will say that the prices at Fernando's were quite reasonable and compared favorably to what one would pay for such a cheap meal in Lisbon-so in that sense it was okay).
Jan 25th, 2005, 09:27 AM
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Wow, didn't know the Hyatt has deteriorated so much. Stay here a while ago and it was fine. And it has one of the largest and nicest pools in a Macau or Hong Kong hotel.
I didn't eat at Fernando's during my recent trip, but have a recent conversation with my father who has eaten at many Macanese eateries. He has had excellent food at Fernando's but it's a big party with special-order food. Otherwise, it's just so-so. My parents also ate at the other famous restaurant, Pinnocio, on Taipa, and they weren't that impressed either.
I didn't eat at Fernando's during my recent trip, but have a recent conversation with my father who has eaten at many Macanese eateries. He has had excellent food at Fernando's but it's a big party with special-order food. Otherwise, it's just so-so. My parents also ate at the other famous restaurant, Pinnocio, on Taipa, and they weren't that impressed either.
Jan 25th, 2005, 09:57 AM
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Let's put it this way: seams peeling off the wall, water stains on the ceiling, dirt in the corners-the room had an icky smell when I walked in-made the asst. mgr. come up and unlock the window to let in some fresh air-and that helped immeasurably. I thought, maybe this is just my room-so I looked in other rooms, and the other passport floor, and nope, same thing.
And then there was that dragon lady at the front desk-Junko. I checked in at 1:15pm-check-in was at 2:00, she wouldn't give me my key until 2, and there was no one there at the hotel-so I had to wait around for 45 min. for no reason whatsoever!
NOrmally I would have said something-but I didn't, this time. And then I said I wanted late check-out, and she said she would have to charge me, but of course, what she didn't tell me is that for Passport members, you get free late stay (at least there-until 3:00!) She was going to charge me a half-day's rate at the RACK rate-not the rate I paid! She had that fake smile but latent hostility thing going-I'm sure she was trying to climb the Hyatt middle-manager rungs-I could have lit into her had I been in the right mood-but I just let this all pass, because it was only for one night....I did complain to Hyatt mgmt. about Ms. Junko when I got back, however.
I was not at all impressed by the Macanese hospitality, rkkwan. On the other hand, I had no problem with the Hong Kongers whatsoever. I thought them quite friendly, overall. (Sometimes some of the shop people like to talk about you, the gweilo, in Chinese when they didn't want you to bargain with them so much-like at Yue Hwa Chinese Products Emporium (I like this place very much, btw-but that was okay-didn't bother me in the least-this is after all, the big city!)
Incidentally, has anyone been hit up with a marketing survey? I got this twice while in Hong Kong!
And then there was that dragon lady at the front desk-Junko. I checked in at 1:15pm-check-in was at 2:00, she wouldn't give me my key until 2, and there was no one there at the hotel-so I had to wait around for 45 min. for no reason whatsoever!
NOrmally I would have said something-but I didn't, this time. And then I said I wanted late check-out, and she said she would have to charge me, but of course, what she didn't tell me is that for Passport members, you get free late stay (at least there-until 3:00!) She was going to charge me a half-day's rate at the RACK rate-not the rate I paid! She had that fake smile but latent hostility thing going-I'm sure she was trying to climb the Hyatt middle-manager rungs-I could have lit into her had I been in the right mood-but I just let this all pass, because it was only for one night....I did complain to Hyatt mgmt. about Ms. Junko when I got back, however.
I was not at all impressed by the Macanese hospitality, rkkwan. On the other hand, I had no problem with the Hong Kongers whatsoever. I thought them quite friendly, overall. (Sometimes some of the shop people like to talk about you, the gweilo, in Chinese when they didn't want you to bargain with them so much-like at Yue Hwa Chinese Products Emporium (I like this place very much, btw-but that was okay-didn't bother me in the least-this is after all, the big city!)
Incidentally, has anyone been hit up with a marketing survey? I got this twice while in Hong Kong!
Jan 25th, 2005, 10:14 AM
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Spygirl - The common theme in Hong Kong and Macau is this: the more properous a place is, the less courteous are the people. This is <b>SO</b> true in Hong Kong. Anybody who's been there in the early 90's and recently can tell you people are so much more polite now, especially those in the service sector. Why? Because economy is down, and people realize you and I are feeding their family.
And Macau in the last 1-2 years is like Hong Kong in the 90's. So many mainland Chinese are coming to gamble away their money, it's really like there's gold all over the ground. New hotels, casinos, theme parks are coming up everywhere. Jobs are plentiful. In a place like this, it's hard to find good service.
I am Chinese, and I can tell you that Chinese people are by their nature not the most courteous and friendly. We don't by nature say "hi" to people, for example. Those in the service industry have now learned to do that, but it's an ongoing process.
As for the survey, I've seen lots of those in Hong Kong during my last few visits. And I believe they are towards Western tourists. Pretty easy to understand why. They haven't been coming like they used to in the 70's or early 80's; and as I mentioned in my HK trip report, only in the last few years do they realize they need to do more. The www.discoverhongkong.com website is an excellent product from the recent effort, so are the nice brochures in the HKTB's office, 8pm harbor lightshow, uniform signs and directions to attractions, free harbor sailboat tour, etc... None of this was there before the Asian economic crisis of 1997-98. And you can't believe how rude people were back then.
Unfortunately, one may see more in the future those side effects properity is bringing to Macau.
And Macau in the last 1-2 years is like Hong Kong in the 90's. So many mainland Chinese are coming to gamble away their money, it's really like there's gold all over the ground. New hotels, casinos, theme parks are coming up everywhere. Jobs are plentiful. In a place like this, it's hard to find good service.
I am Chinese, and I can tell you that Chinese people are by their nature not the most courteous and friendly. We don't by nature say "hi" to people, for example. Those in the service industry have now learned to do that, but it's an ongoing process.
As for the survey, I've seen lots of those in Hong Kong during my last few visits. And I believe they are towards Western tourists. Pretty easy to understand why. They haven't been coming like they used to in the 70's or early 80's; and as I mentioned in my HK trip report, only in the last few years do they realize they need to do more. The www.discoverhongkong.com website is an excellent product from the recent effort, so are the nice brochures in the HKTB's office, 8pm harbor lightshow, uniform signs and directions to attractions, free harbor sailboat tour, etc... None of this was there before the Asian economic crisis of 1997-98. And you can't believe how rude people were back then.
Unfortunately, one may see more in the future those side effects properity is bringing to Macau.
Jan 26th, 2005, 01:43 PM
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Hi travellinbug. I've stayed at Mandarin Oriental and liked it. I haven't stayed at Pousada de Sao Tiago but have eaten there. It is a lovely little place but I don't know how the room prices compare.Cheers!
Jan 27th, 2005, 12:22 AM
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travellinbug, I think your best bet would be Mandarin Oriental and Westin. Quality is more guaranteed.
Regarding Fernando, I don't think one goes there mainly for the food. It's more a place for a relaxing atmosphere that one cannot find easily in Hong Kong and Macau. Thus, prices are good and no service charge is included in the bill. For food alone, there are many more good restaurants around.
Regarding the attitude of people, IMHO, it's more a matter of cultural differences/practice. I agree that the front desk staff should have been more helpful and polite. But other people that have nothing to do with you are not likely to say hi to you when they sees you in the street or bus. It's just rare for the Chinese to greet someone they don't know and they have nothing to do with. It can also be a matter of language problems.
Regarding Fernando, I don't think one goes there mainly for the food. It's more a place for a relaxing atmosphere that one cannot find easily in Hong Kong and Macau. Thus, prices are good and no service charge is included in the bill. For food alone, there are many more good restaurants around.
Regarding the attitude of people, IMHO, it's more a matter of cultural differences/practice. I agree that the front desk staff should have been more helpful and polite. But other people that have nothing to do with you are not likely to say hi to you when they sees you in the street or bus. It's just rare for the Chinese to greet someone they don't know and they have nothing to do with. It can also be a matter of language problems.
Jan 27th, 2005, 01:36 AM
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We've stayed in Westin 3 times and would strongly recommend it if you have a few days to space out your sightseeing, which is the case. If you have kids they'll (and you will too) love the kids program, minigolf, etc. It's basically a resort nicely tucked away from all the casinos yet easily accessible from town. With golf club and nice tennis courts, etc.
Every half an hour they have a shuttle going to and from Taipa and Mainland Macau, which is just 10 and 15 minutes away. (Free shuttle from ferry.)
By the way it's just 5 minutes away from the famous Fernando (infamous for their poor service). Fernando runs a cheap shuttle which you can call any time.
The ocean view rooms are truly lovely and we love having breakfast out at the terrace. No one will see you.
Kat
Every half an hour they have a shuttle going to and from Taipa and Mainland Macau, which is just 10 and 15 minutes away. (Free shuttle from ferry.)
By the way it's just 5 minutes away from the famous Fernando (infamous for their poor service). Fernando runs a cheap shuttle which you can call any time.
The ocean view rooms are truly lovely and we love having breakfast out at the terrace. No one will see you.
Kat
Jan 27th, 2005, 05:43 AM
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Selinai-I've lived, worked, studied all over the world, I would hardly expect anyone in ANY country to speak to me or anyone else out on the street, for goodness' sake (that made me chuckle!)
My experience in Macau had absolutely nothing to do with "cultural" differences or the "language" problem.-(that always seems to be a convenient excuse, btw, that I almost never buy!) I just found the Macanese to be more bureaucratic than the Hong Kongers, is all. And as far as the Hyatt Macau, that's more a staff issue than anything else-a relatively minor annoyance.
I do credit rkkwan's comment that Macau's "attitude" as it were, is directly related to its apparently thriving economy-as far as casinos, I must have seen at least 4 in construction on both Taiga Island and Macau-there does seem to be a construction boom going on, perhaps Macau is on its way to becoming a little Vegas, (or Reno!) and thus can afford to be more unconcerned with hospitality.
And as far as restaurants, I certainly wouldn't go out of my way to get to Fernando's. Judging from my experience, the restaurant scene in Macau is overrated, although hopefully, travellinbug and others will post back about their experiences there.
One thing I really did like about Macau: The streets winding down from Sao Paolo are chock full of excellent Chinese antique and other Asian antique/repro. furniture and curio shops. For one who collects such stuff, they had great inventory and at fairly reasonable prices (after bargaining).
My experience in Macau had absolutely nothing to do with "cultural" differences or the "language" problem.-(that always seems to be a convenient excuse, btw, that I almost never buy!) I just found the Macanese to be more bureaucratic than the Hong Kongers, is all. And as far as the Hyatt Macau, that's more a staff issue than anything else-a relatively minor annoyance.
I do credit rkkwan's comment that Macau's "attitude" as it were, is directly related to its apparently thriving economy-as far as casinos, I must have seen at least 4 in construction on both Taiga Island and Macau-there does seem to be a construction boom going on, perhaps Macau is on its way to becoming a little Vegas, (or Reno!) and thus can afford to be more unconcerned with hospitality.
And as far as restaurants, I certainly wouldn't go out of my way to get to Fernando's. Judging from my experience, the restaurant scene in Macau is overrated, although hopefully, travellinbug and others will post back about their experiences there.
One thing I really did like about Macau: The streets winding down from Sao Paolo are chock full of excellent Chinese antique and other Asian antique/repro. furniture and curio shops. For one who collects such stuff, they had great inventory and at fairly reasonable prices (after bargaining).
Jan 27th, 2005, 07:36 AM
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Macanese have always been more friendly and laid-back than Hong Kongers. During my recent trip, I had several nice conversations with people I don't really know. But that's at places away from the casino-hotels. There are really two worlds in Macau.
Having said that, I had a great experience at the new <b>Landmark</b> hotel, even though I didn't spend a dime there. It was an embarrassing story, so I won't tell it here, but at the end, the front desk manager said this in effect to me, "Once you come into our building, you're our guest". I was very impressed by the sincerity and helpfulness of the whole staff. That's why I recommend it, even if I have not stayed there. It's a classy operation.
Having said that, I had a great experience at the new <b>Landmark</b> hotel, even though I didn't spend a dime there. It was an embarrassing story, so I won't tell it here, but at the end, the front desk manager said this in effect to me, "Once you come into our building, you're our guest". I was very impressed by the sincerity and helpfulness of the whole staff. That's why I recommend it, even if I have not stayed there. It's a classy operation.
Jan 27th, 2005, 06:47 PM
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Spygirl, I am really sorry that you didn't enjoy yourself as much as you expected during your visit to Macau.
When I mentioned the not saying hi issue, I was addressing to rkkwan's comments about Chinese who by nature do not say hi. I generally agree with that, highlighting that it's a matter of culture. And I think that, generally speaking, people in Macau are still more laidback and friendly.
When I mentioned the not saying hi issue, I was addressing to rkkwan's comments about Chinese who by nature do not say hi. I generally agree with that, highlighting that it's a matter of culture. And I think that, generally speaking, people in Macau are still more laidback and friendly.
