Mandarin Oriental Macau

It’s easy for a Western traveler to underestimate the significance of Macau, but for Asian hospitality chains, it’s equally as important as Hong Kong, much in the same way American hotel groups are sure to be in top form in Las Vegas. No surprise, then, to see the attention lavished upon the Mandarin Oriental Macau by its proprietors; this hotel is a brand-new replacement for a hotel that was scarcely two decades old, and even by Mandarin’s high standards, it’s an impressive one.

What it isn’t is particularly understated. This is a casino town, and you don’t win extra points for subtlety. What matters in a place like Macau is luxury, which the Mandarin has in spades. The look might be a touch flashier than the group’s typical style, but it’s one that’s well suited to its high-rolling clientele, as are the massive soaking tubs and the far-ranging city and sea views through the floor-to-ceiling windows. All of this matters, of course, but as is so often the case, it’s in the area of service that the Mandarin truly excels itself.

Outside the rooms, the facilities are equally comprehensive, from the state-of-the-art spa and fitness complex to the generous selection of restaurants and lounges. The casinos are easily accessible from the location in the waterfront Nape development, including the MGM, accessible via a walkway.

How to get there: Macau can be easily reached by ferry from Hong Kong. Approximate travel time 1 hour. Macau International Airport is located on Taipa Island, approximately 20 minutes by ferry from Macau.