Mandarin Oriental Macau

It's hard to miss the slick glass high-rise that houses this five-pearl hotel, with its picture-ready location near Nam Van Lake and the South China Sea. There are water views from throughout the hotel, as well as of the Taipa Island skyline beyond, though some lower floors look out onto an abandoned lot across the busy road. Interiors have a shimmery, refined elegance that relies on luxe materials like black marble walls, polished light marble floors, area rugs with subtle patterns in on-trend shades like sage and gold, twinkling contemporary chandeliers, and dark abstract art. Sophisticated classical-contemporary furniture in rich cream tones and just the right amount of velveteen texture complete the look, and frequently face out massive windows overlooking the sea. The aptly named Vida Rica Bar and restaurant (the name translates to "rich life") has a sexy ambience, with deep red walls, low lighting, and velvety couches and chairs. Asian-inspired light fixtures emit a soft glow over the plum carpeting and white table linens. Guests can also take in the sea views while swimming in the outdoor pool. Couples flock here because of romantic extras -- including a couples’ suite at the spa -- but plenty of business travelers and families pass through as well.

Mandarin Oriental Macau is located on the Nape Waterfront and connected to One Central Macau, a high-end shopping mall that's home to internationally recognized brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci. The hotel is near the Central Business District, and the bars and restaurants making up the nightlife on Senado Square can be reached within a 10-minute drive. It’s also less than a 10-minute drive to the Hong Kong-Macau ferry terminal -- a ferry ride to Hong Kong takes about an hour. Macau's historic sights, like the Ruins of St. Paul's, the Monte Fort, and Rua da Felicidade, are all 10 minutes away by cab as well. The hotel is near the road leading to Taipa, making it less than a 15-minute drive to both the Macau International Airport and the Cotai Strip, which is full of casinos and hotels.

Decorated in shades of cream, gray, and warm wood tones, the spacious rooms at Mandarin Oriental Macau have a soft and elegant feel that's slightly less glitzy than what's on offer downstairs. Velvety chairs and shiny throw pillows do kick up the shimmer factor just a touch, and medium- to dark-tone wood-veneer furniture looks sharp, set on subtly patterned tan carpets and light marble floors. Walls are hung with attractive traditional prints depicting tree branches and flowers, and the aromatherapy oils used in the rooms are a particularly delightful touch. All rooms are spacious and entry-level Deluxe Rooms start at a generous 40 square meters of space (431 square feet). Large windows offer sea, lake, or city views, though rooms like the Deluxe Corner View Room that we visited to have some scrubby unused lots in the foreground. Of course, higher-category rooms offer even more luxury and can include separate living rooms and sharp Asian screens in edgy geometric patterns. 

All rooms include free Wi-Fi and big LCD flat-screen TVs with on-demand content as well as minibars and Nespresso coffee machines. The light marble bathrooms are especially luxurious, with double sinks, walk-in showers, and separate soaking tubs. Televisions are installed in all bathrooms and generous amenity kits are provided. There are also plenty of conveniences for families -- cots, rollaway beds, high-chairs, and strollers are all available to borrow as well as DVDs and video games.

This five-pearl hotel has all of the standard features one would expect from the Mandarin Oriental chain. There's a chic restaurant and bar serving cocktails and Asian cuisine. It has a romantic vibe, though it's also appropriate for a business dinner, and reviews across the board are enthusiastic. Unfortunately, but not surprising at a hotel of this caliber in Macau, breakfast is not included with standard room rates. It's served as a buffet and includes a wealth of international options, fresh fruits, and local Asian dishes. There’s also a lobby lounge serving tea, light fare, and drinks plus a cake shop with desserts available for purchase. 

For wellness, the hotel has a heated outdoor pool and hot tub with sea views (well...sea views just beyond the abandoned lot across the road). The spacious stone deck next to the pool doesn't have many places to sit and take in the sun. There's a posh spa offering health and beauty treatments, and the couples' suite is an especially nice touch for those who'd like a romantic simultaneous treatment. As far as fitness centers go, the one here is a step above most city hotel gyms. Sharp hardwood floors and big windows keep things bright, and it's quite large, with a wide selection of modern cardio and weight machines. Five meeting rooms are available for private events. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.