JW Marriott Hotel Macau

Even when compared with the shimmering twin golden towers opposite, the grand imposing facade of this JW Marriott Hotel, with its ornate detailing, soaring columns, and neo-classical touches, isn't short on wow-factor -- even more so when lit up at night. Inside is no less striking, with a sleek and airy reception area that combines swathes of ultra-polished surfaces with wave-effect glass paneling, glowing iridescent stone pods, and a dramatic shimmering chandelier. It adds up to a genuinely impressive -- though relatively understated -- arrival experience, with wide hallways lined with abstract artworks contributing to the swish contemporary vibe. At over a thousand guest rooms, it's the largest JW Marriott hotel in Asia, though it still shares the same building as the (even more upmarket) Ritz-Carlton. Part of the $2 billion Galaxy Macau complex, there's a dizzying amount of leisure and dining facilities on-site, appealing to a range of clientele from couples of all ages to families with kids. Common to similarly large hotels, check-in times can be slow during busier times. 

The hotel is located in the Vegas-style, purpose-built neighborhood of Cotai, a gambling and tourism strip situated between the Coloane and Taipa Districts south of central Macau. Part of the Galaxy Macau complex, guests have direct access to over 100 dining options and 200 retail outlets and the surrounding area is composed of other topnotch hotels and casinos. A five-minute drive away, Taipa Village is a touristy historic quarter that offers a blend of local and Portuguese cultures as well as the Taipa Homes Museum. Most of Macau's more interesting sights, such as the historic Ruins of St. Paul's, and lively neighborhoods are across the harbor, a 10- to 15-minute drive away. Macau International Airport and the main ferry port are a 10-minute drive from the hotel via free and frequent shuttle services from both.

The hotel has over 1,000 guest rooms, suites, and studios, all styled in a refreshingly original blend of geometric-pattern carpeting, Art Deco-style polished wood furniture, and translucent marble tops. With even entry-level rooms starting at 485 square feet (45 square meters) there's plenty of space, plus floor-to-ceiling windows ensure lots of natural light and spectacular city views from higher floors. Some rooms, however, are inevitably within eyeshot of construction work.

In-room amenities are suitably high-end, with 52-inch flat-screen TVs (limited English speaking channels and for-fee movies), coffee- and tea-making facilities (including Nespresso machines), and Bose Bluetooth speakers are standard. In-room Wi-Fi is free of charge and reliable. Retreat Studios and Retreat Pool Suites add plunge pools or whirlpool tubs on private terraces. Bathrooms are impressive with separate soaking tubs and walk-in showers (with small bench and both rainfall and handheld shower heads), high-tech toilets, and mirrors inset with TVs. Large windows between sleeping areas and bathrooms can be de-fogged with the touch of a button, and robes and slippers are of particularly fine quality. A variety of toiletries are supplied and orchid plants add life to the bathrooms.

This hotel is part of the Macau Galaxy complex, which means free access to the undeniably impressive and particularly family-friendly Grand Resort Deck. This huge elevated area features a wave pool, various splash parks, an artificial beach (with 350 tons of sand), and the world's longest river ride of its kind. In addition is a tiered outdoor swimming pool with poolside bar, canopied loungers, and plenty of tropical flora. The hotel also features one of the best kids' clubs in Macau, with a ball pit, slides, climbing net, and padded play areas, as well as a video arcade for older children. The ESPA spa offers an impressive range of massage and beauty treatments, together with a lap pool, steam rooms, and therapy baths. The fitness center has modern Technogym equipment with individual TV screens and weights. 

The hotel's main eatery, Urban Kitchen, serves an excellent buffet breakfast (not covered in the room rate), as well as lunch and dinner services that include fresh seafood. Man Ho is the a la carte restaurant, offering a menu of traditional Cantonese dishes for lunch and dinner. An Executive Lounge also serves breakfast, while scores of other dining options can be found around the Galaxy Macau complex. On-site parking is free of charge to guests, and free shuttle services are available to the ferry port, airport, and various other landmarks around Macau.