Hotels in Macau

Macau is the name of the island off the South China Sea in the Pearl River Delta once owned by the Portuguese, however like Hong Kong it's now a "Special Economic Region" of China. there is plenty to do in Macau besides Gambling, there is a lot of history! the Ruins of the old fort and old town square are worth a look and theirs a museum of Portugal days in the main town. The Macau district also ventures into mainland China so it's possible to stay over the bridges in the mainland "Visa Free" other new hotel/casinos are being built there all the time but if you are staying on the island it's worth a visit! buses run around the island and mainland bit almost 24 hours a day most trips cost less that $5 and the small town of Taipa has some of the best restaurants serving good local food at a fraction of the price charged at the casinos!! Overall Macau is a commercial Mecca full of ways to make you spend your cash but for a few day add on to your trip to Hong Kong it's worth taking a look at!

Macau for me is a fussion of the old and new. Since we are staying at Sheraton Hotel Cotai, we explore the area last. Exploring Macau can be done in a 2days 1night stay in the island. We arrived at the hotel at around 10:30am although our check in time was 3pm. They got this luggage storage service and it is for free. For my birthday lunch we went to Coloane and eat in a quaint Portugese restaurant called Espaco Lisboa Restaurante. The staff were accommodatin as they patiently explained to us each dish that we ordered. They also gave me custard cake with a candle and sang happy bithday. Right beside the restaurant is the famous Lord Stow's egg tart. It is something that your full tummy cannot ignore. It taste amazing. We learn to get around Macau island using public transportation. We went to Taipa Village, the Ruins and accidentally a Winter Wonderland theme garden. It was indeed a birthday blast for me.😊

The bus system is clearly outlined on every tourist brochure, they are clean and easy to use, signage is everywhere on bust stops, even the complete journey outlined at major stops., so basically why not use them. They go everywhere even to one of my favourite parts of Macai, the village of Coloane, past Taipa, the first island connected to Macau mainland. Make sure you get to Coloane and do not be timid, wander around everywhere because there are old boatyards here, an old Chinese temple, an unbelievably beautiful square that looks like it was plucked straight out of some village in Portugal and of course the obligatory church. The famous Lord Stow bakery is here, but the egg tarts are a tad overrated. If you can fit in a snack or meal take the bus or a taxi onto the Pousada or local hotel no more than a couple of kilometres away. The hotel is perched above a beach with views over the mouth of the Pearl river. . The famous Fernando's Restaurant (again a tad overrated) is perched on the black sands of a beach called Hac Sa, meaning, yeap Black Sands in Cantonese. You can really tuck in here because they make there own bread and the clams are famous due to a sauce to die for.

The most memorable highlight of our trip to Macau was our stay in Grand Lapa. The staff's attention and care made it extra special. Even prior to arrival, the reservations and concierge staff responded to our queries and requests. Our kudos and thanks to them, specially Romel who went beyond the call of duty to make our trip to Macau really enjoyable... Helping us with our itinerary not only with the tourist sights but with special interest destinations like an anime toy store and choice of churches for Christmas and Sunday Masses. And to Ariel, Roy, Eron and Alex for the extra mile... You all made our visit truly unforgettable with your Pinoy brand of hospitality. In addition to the staff, the hotel is conveniently located, within walking distance to wonderful attractions, with great view and access to shuttle service to Cotai from next door Sands. It has great facilities and is great value for money.

Senado square was my favorite due to it being a walking distance from my hotel.. Cotai is good for high end shopping and is well known for the high end brands, but if designer shopping isn't your thing then picture taking will do! Free shuttle buses to the famous hotels such as City of Dreams, the Venetian, Galaxy Macau, Studio City in Cotai, and also Macau tower, which is very convenient (only in Cotai, but there's a bus that will take you to hotel Sintra for free that's it).. Restaurants are located around sun sun hotel so it was an easy access. I recommend walking because there are closer shortcuts if you're gonna stay in the central area where senado square is located (closer to walk to lisboa). I would say take a taxi, it's easier than taking the bus since bus drivers won't answer your questions at all if you're asking for locations.. You gotta have enough coins to travel around if you want to go by bus.. Avoid going to places you aren't use to and avoid taking the bus if you don't know the route.. There isnt much about coloane, but if you wanna see some pandas or visit the village with comfy cafes then you can also visit Coloane..

It's our first time there, it was great! I personally love the Portugal settlement, a few places just once would do. However, although the old town (where St. Paolo is) is filled with touristsssssss, it's actually really charming at night! I find people at Macau really friendly, and willing to go the extra mile. It's one of the best place I've been. Venetian is basically a mall with all of the brands you could possibly imagine, food is almost as pricey as HK, but it does a great job and realistic replica of Venice! I thought I'm back to Venice if the shops aren't there.