15 Best Hotels in Macau, China

Towering over Taipa, the award-winning Altira provides stunning sea views of the Macau Peninsula from all of its 200 villas, suites and rooms, each of which also comes with a dedicated lounge, walk-in wardrobe, warm brown hues, wraparound windows, and circular stone bath. Other perks here include a panoramic-view swimming pool, a two-level spa with 12 treatment rooms, and classy VIP gaming rooms. For cool cocktails in a romantic setting, 38 Lounge has starlight seating on the roof.

The chic accommodations—with their muted cream palette, picture windows, standalone tubs, and spacious seating areas—have all the luxuries and comforts you'd expect from a luxury brand; a Portuguese-theme further distinguishes this hotel from the rest. A golden lion statue stands guard over the grounds on the peninsula's southern coast; artwork by Dale Chihuly adorns the hotel lobby and reception; and the spectacular Grande Praça (Grand Square), a glass-ceiling space modeled after a European town square, serves as an inner courtyard and offers dining under the stars.

The lobby of the Crown Towers is filled with fine art, alluding to the luxury within. The bright rooms are spacious at 47 to 81 square meters (506 to 872 square feet), with soft carpeting, sleek furnishings, and huge bathrooms. The spa, with an indoor heated pool and fully equipped fitness center nearby, has an extensive menu of relaxing treatments as well as a Jacuzzi, steam room, and sauna.

With five pools ringed by private cabanas, a restaurant that earned two Michelin stars, and a sensational spa offering the latest treatments, the Four Seasons Hotel Macau conscientiously upholds its brand-name reputation. Nestled in the southeast corner of the Venetian Macao complex, it's independently managed, and, without a casino to worry about, the focus is on providing guests with the best possible experience. The understated luxurious decor in the rooms is a welcome respite from the overwrought design of the nearby Venetian. The luxury boutiques of the Shoppes at Four Seasons await just outside the lobby, as you rejoin the tourist flow.

This is where you can truly get away from it all: it's built into the side of a cliff, and each of its rooms has an ocean view. The white-and-beige color schemes are soothing; the vast private terraces are ideal for alfresco dining and afternoon naps. Guests also receive access to Macau's renowned golf club, the PGA-standard, 18-hole Macau Golf and Country Club, which was built on the rocky cliffs and plateaus above the hotel.

The Grand Hyatt Macau's two towers were inspired by waves, in keeping with the aquatic City of Dreams theme. The elegant interior has both Portuguese and Chinese decorative elements, and the rooms are comfortable, rather than ostentatious, with simple soft white sheets, plush brown carpeting, and a sleekly designed bathroom. Speedy check-in and check-out make the trip smooth.

With a more understated opulence than many of its neighbors, the Grand Lapa weaves Mediterranean charm throughout the resort. The rooms feature old-world Portuguese decor, with views of the city or of the resort itself. The Grand Lapa is also widely known for deluxe treatments in the enormous spa complex next to the tropical swimming pool. The hotel's renowned restaurants include the Café Bela Vista for its endless buffet and green views.

This may be the perfect hotel for music enthusiasts, with some 700 pieces of memorabilia displayed in various spots throughout. The rooms are hip and cozy, boasting floor-to-ceiling windows that let in ample natural light and lovely minimalist bathrooms. You can select your very own soundtrack from the streaming tunes to set the mood for your vacation, or plug in your own MP3 player. Because it is part of the City of Dreams complex, restaurants, bars, and shops are accessible without even stepping foot outside. Near the pool there's an artificial beach, complete with a beach volleyball set-up.

In Macau's infamous landmark, redolent with history and intrigue, labyrinthine hallways and salons display jade and artworks, and an ostentatiously gilded staircase leads to luxurious guest rooms with handcrafted furniture, lush drapes, gold-and-red accents, and whirlpool baths. The old hotel now stands in the shadow of its Grand Lisboa sister; the two are connected by a bridge and share facilities, such as the Grand's modern pool, gym, and spa. Many people come to the Lisboa expressly for its restaurants, most notably Portas do Sol.

The posh yet quaint five-story Rocks Hotel is done up in English Victorian style, and each room and suite is individually decorated. All rooms have a novelty old-fashioned bathtub in addition to a modern shower stall, and balconies offer sea views on all sides. The extensive Asian and American breakfast buffet (included in rate) will keep you fueled during your day's adventures.

The Sands Macao is nothing if not luxurious, with spacious rooms that have deep, soft carpets, large beds, and huge marble bathrooms with Jacuzzis. If you opt to become a high-rolling member, you can stay in one of the 51 deluxe or executive suites, ranging in size from 92 to 743 square meters (990 to 8,000 square feet), with all-in-one remote-control plasma TV, karaoke, and lighting, plus personal butler service on request. VIP members also have privileges such as high-limit gaming rooms at both Sands Macao casinos and at The Venetian Macao. All guests can enjoy the outdoor heated pool on the sixth floor, as well as the exclusive sauna, spa, and salon.

Ever since its 2008 opening, Ponte 16 has pioneered the revamp of Macau's retro western port into an emerging casino and commercial pole. The neighborhood may not be there yet, but Sofitel is Ponte 16's crown jewel, with over-the-top themed suites and a giant, curvaceous pool, complete with cocktail and juice bar, just outside the indoor buffet lounge. Adventurous and up-and-coming, it is stocked with topshelf perks and, oddly enough, a Michael Jackson museum.

Luminous open-plan suites have high ceilings, Jacuzzi tubs, and panoramic bay windows, and even the deluxe rooms, with their high-quality bedding and dark wood furniture, make you feel like you're somewhere special. Flashy dancers and live bands entertain at the happening Whisky Bar on the 16th floor, as well as downstairs in the lobby. The dazzling blue building was designed by Rocco Yim, also known for Hong Kong's towering Two IFC.

You either love it or you hate it. The Venetian Macao's strong presence in the Cotai area is both its draw and its bane. It's not everywhere you have singing gondoliers in manmade canals leading to clowns on stilts under an always-blue sky—but the other place you find it is Vegas, not Venice. Service is geared toward mainland Chinese gamblers, confirming that the Venetian is first a casino, second a shopping mall, third a convention and entertainment venue, and only last a hotel. On the upside, its Royale, Bella, and Rialto suites are spacious enough for family-sized comfort, and the extra TV in every room, the variety of swimming pools, and the miniature 18-hole golf course make the difference with the kids. Come for the over-the-top environment, but be prepared to share it with a round-the-clock flow of tourists.

If you just can't get enough of the Wynn's Performance Lake, all rooms here have floor-to-ceiling windows—many with a plunging view of the fire-and-water spectacle, as well as of the peaceful Nam Van Lake. Alternatively, you can opt for a glittering city view of the outdoor pool and neighboring Lisboa casinos. Fine dining options include Il Teatro and Golden Flower, which has a resident tea sommelier.