Known as the “Las Vegas of the East,” Macau is celebrated for its entertainment and grand casinos.
But this city, a Special Administrative Region of China with its own government and currency, is a destination with a much deeper story to tell.
Once a sleepy fishing village and a Portuguese colony for over 400 years until its handover to China in 1999, Macau has been dramatically reshaped by land reclamation.
This expansion created new districts like Cotai, a gambling hub made accessible by the 1972 construction of the Governor Nobre de Carvalho bridge linking it to the main peninsula.
Today, the lingering legacy of Portugal is evident in the city’s charming architecture and delicious Macanese cuisine, a unique fusion of East and West.
You’ll find colourful European facades alongside ancient Chinese temples, and local menus offering both traditional dim sum and creamy pasteis de nata (Portuguese egg tarts).
These cultural sights and flavours are a key part of how Macau is evolving, as the city’s tourism industry shifts from a casino-centric model to a more diversified and international focus.
This has involved a strategic effort to develop a wealth of non-gaming attractions, including cultural sites, luxury shopping, and high-end dining, creating a destination that caters to every kind of traveller.
With that in mind, we’ve put together a curated list of the very best luxury stays, showcasing a diverse array of Macau hotels that offer far more than just a place to sleep.
We highlight places with everything from renowned Michelin dining and exceptional spa facilities, to impressive architectural design and of course, truly personalised service.
Grand Lisboa Palace Macau
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Nestled in Cotai, Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a destination that feels like the very heart of the city’s East-meets-West spirit.
The resort features the largest collection of locally commissioned artworks in any Macau hotel, giving one the impression that they’re staying in an integrated hotel museum.
Its diverse dining celebrates the city’s culinary duality, with Mesa by Jose Avillez, a Forbes Five-Star restaurant, reimagining Portuguese cuisine with a Macanese twist. The rooms blend grandeur and function, with intuitive smart systems and expansive walk-in dressing suites.
For wellness, each of the three hotel wings has a spa, health club, and swimming pool. This is one of the best Macau hotels for those seeking a sophisticated blend of culture, commerce, and indulgence.
- Rua do Tiro, Cotai, Macau
- Make your bookings via grandlisboapalace.com
The Venetian Macao
Modelled on its sister resort in Las Vegas, The Venetian Macao is best known as the world’s largest casino.
But this Cotai landmark offers far more than gaming. Picture yourself gliding down a canal in an indoor gondola, wandering through a replica of Venice’s grand streetscapes or checking into one of 3,000 suites spread across its 39 floors.
For those who love to shop, the resort is a haven for shoppers and food lovers alike, with over 30 dining spots and an expansive retail space featuring many of the world’s top luxury brands.
Food-wise, Pin Yue Xuan is a must. It recently clinched a Michelin accolade in the 2025 Hong Kong and Macau Guide for its refined Cantonese cuisine.
Entertainment also gets a front-row seat here. The Venetian’s 15,000-seat arena hosts an eclectic mix of events year-round, from international concerts and awards shows to adrenaline-pumping sports.
And when it’s time to unwind, guests can retreat to V SPA for traditional Chinese treatments or soak in the outdoor pools and heated jacuzzi.
- Rua do Tiro, Cotai, Macau
- Make your bookings via venetianmacao.com | @thevenetianmacao
Four Seasons Hotel Macau
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If your idea of luxury involves a little peace and quiet with someone special, Four Seasons Hotel Macao delivers just that.
Just a short stroll from the Cotai Strip, this five-star haven offers an urban escape that feels private, indulgent, and thoughtfully designed for couples.
Spend your days unwinding by one of the hotel’s five serene outdoor pools or treat yourselves to a restorative couples massage at the spa.
Their wellness offerings include customised treatments and facial therapies that make switching off a true pleasure.
Come afternoon, enjoy a refined tea experience in the lounge, or book a table at Zi Yat Heen for elevated Cantonese fare prepared by Executive Chef Anthony Ho and his team, it’s earned a well-deserved Michelin star.
If you’re planning to stay longer, the hotel offers a complimentary third night for stays through the end of 2025 because sometimes, a little more time to relax is exactly what’s needed.
- Estrada da Baia de Nossa Senhora da Esperanca, Macau
- Make your bookings via fourseasons.com | @fsmacau
Wynn Palace
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Few hotels balance grandeur and detail quite like Wynn Palace. This floral-themed retreat has earned six Forbes Five-Star accolades, and with good reason.
Every room, suite, and villa is thoughtfully designed with comfort in mind. Stylish, spacious, and made to help you truly unwind.
Wellness is on another level here. You’ll find the largest spa in Macau and a full-service salon for head-to-toe pampering. Dining is just as impressive, with 13 venues covering everything from casual bites to elegant feasts.
If you’re after a standout experience, don’t miss Chef Tam’s Seasons, a two-Michelin-starred favourite known for its signature Baked Baby Pigeon with sand ginger and salt. Chef Tam’s unique use of sand ginger, a special seasoning technique from Guangdong, brings out the flavours of the meat.
Add to that the spectacle of the dragon-themed SkyCab ride over Cotai’s landscape and you’ve got the perfect ending to a day of indulgence.
- Avenida da Nave Desportiva, Cotai, Macau
- Make your bookings via wynnresortsmacau.com | @wynn.palace
Galaxy Macau Grand Resort Deck
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If you’re travelling with the whole crew in tow, Galaxy Macau might just tick all the boxes. It’s home to the Grand Resort Deck, a massive outdoor playground complete with a colossal Skytop Wave Pool and the world’s longest Skytop Adventure River Ride. It’s made for families, thrill-seekers, and anyone who loves a splash.
When you’re not in the water, there’s still plenty to do. Galaxy Arena hosts international concerts and performances, while the on-site cinemas and Broadway Theatre offer movie nights and live shows.
Feeling hungry? The resort is a dining destination in its own right, with over 120 restaurants and bars, including the two-Michelin-starred Feng Wei Ju, where bold Hunan and Sichuan flavours shine.
Whether you’re floating in the wave pool with your kids or catching a family-friendly show at night, Galaxy Macau makes it easy for everyone — from toddlers to grandparents — to enjoy quality time together without skimping on comfort.
- Galaxy Macau™ Integrated Resort, Cotai, Macau
- Make your bookings via galaxymacau.com | @galaxymacau
Mandarin Oriental Macau
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Tucked along the Macau waterfront, the Mandarin Oriental feels like a serene escape from the city’s glitz. With sweeping views of Nam Van Lake, Macau Tower, and the South China Sea, the hotel blends contemporary design with subtle Eastern touches: understated, elegant, and effortlessly calming.
The rooms are quietly luxurious, with marble bathrooms, walk-in wardrobes, and thoughtful details that make it easy to settle in and slow down.
It’s the kind of place where mornings start with a slow stretch and a cup of tea by the window, and afternoons are best spent at the spa, enjoying wellness therapies designed to restore both body and mind.
As the sun sets, head to the award-winning Vida Rica Bar. With floor-to-ceiling windows and a menu of handcrafted cocktails, it’s the perfect spot to wind down and take in the view.
- n.945, Avenida Dr. Sun Yat Sen, Macau,
- Make your bookings via mandarinoriental.com | @mo_macau
Banyan Tree Macau
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If your idea of a getaway involves a little more privacy and a lot less rush, Banyan Tree Macau might be just the place. Every suite comes with its own relaxation pool, just your own pocket of calm above the city.
Couples often opt for the Spa Sanctuary Suites, which include a dedicated treatment room and in-suite jetpool. For families, the villas are spacious and well laid out, complete with outdoor pools and plenty of room to spread out.
Dining here takes you on a trip to Thailand without ever leaving Cotai. Saffron, the hotel’s Michelin-recognised restaurant, serves traditional Thai dishes with depth and flair. Think Southern-style Alaskan King Crab Curry and fragrant Tom Yum Tiger Prawn Soup. If you’re curious to try your hand at the cuisine, the hotel even offers Thai cooking classes in-house.
- Av. Marginal Flor de Lotus, Macau
- Make your bookings banyantree.com | @banyantreemacau
City of Dreams Macau – Morpheus Hotel
Stepping into Morpheus feels a little like walking into the future. Designed by the late Zaha Hadid, the building’s flowing steel exoskeleton is striking from the outside, but it’s just as impressive once you step through the doors.
High-speed glass lifts whisk you up through the hotel’s hollowed core, giving you a sense of floating inside an architectural sculpture.
The rooms keep to that same spirit of modern ease: heated floors, smart tablets to control your space, Dyson hairdryers, and floor-to-ceiling bar fridges stocked and ready. It’s high-tech comfort, without feeling cold.
Dining here is a highlight. The two-Michelin-starred French restaurant puts the focus on seasonal ingredients, while Yí reinterprets Chinese cuisine with Cotai views stretching out below. If you’d rather keep it low-key, there’s always Morpheus Lounge for tea or a quiet drink.
And when the evening calls for something memorable, a swim under the stars at the rooftop sky pool is hard to beat.
- Estrada do Istmo, Estr. do Istmo, Macau
- Make your bookings via cityofdreamsmacau.com
Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16
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On the edge of the Inner Harbour, Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16 feels like a meeting point between French elegance and local heritage. The design leans into both influences, soft Parisian touches alongside details that nod to Macau’s own traditions.
The hotel has a few playful sides too. At the Sofitel SPA, you can toast the day with champagne while enjoying an OPI manicure at their Champagne Nail Bar. A fun way to wind down if you’re travelling with friends.
When it comes to dining, Le Chinois puts a French twist on Cantonese classics, while Mistral keeps things breezy with Provençal-inspired dishes.
- Rua do Visconde Paco de Arcos 999078 Macau
- Make your bookings via sofitelmacau.com | @sofitelmacau
The Londoner Hotel
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Staying at The Londoner feels a bit like hopping across continents without leaving Cotai. The design borrows from London’s stately Mayfair district, but there’s a sense of whimsy too. Walk through the hotel and you’ll stumble upon British-themed corners that mix sophistication with a touch of playfulness.
The Chelsea Garden, for example, is a food hall inspired by one of London’s oldest botanic gardens. Here, you can sit down in a leafy alfresco setting and taste dishes from across six Chinese regions.
For something more lighthearted, the G Bear Cafe is a favourite photo stop. Inspired by the hotel’s mascot, it’s decked out with checkered marble floors, quirky merchandise, and a dessert menu that includes a Portuguese egg tart affogato in the bear’s likeness.
When it comes to shopping, The Shoppes at Londoner offers a good mix, over 150 boutiques ranging from high street staples to haute couture. It’s easy to lose track of time wandering through.
- Estrada do Istmo. s/n, Cotai, Macau
- Make your bookings via londonermacao.com | @the_londoner_macao
So, where to stay in Macau?
Where you stay in Macau sets the tone for the kind of trip you’ll have. In Cotai, the hotel complexes are worlds unto themselves. You can dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, shop, catch a show, and spend whole days by the pool without needing to step outside. It’s made for convenience and spectacle.
On the Macau Peninsula, hotels near Se give you something different. Here you’re closer to the city’s old streets and heritage sites. You can walk from a morning coffee by the harbour to the Ruins of St Paul’s in no time, passing markets, temples, and colonial façades along the way.
Then there’s Taipa Village, just across from the Cotai Strip, where things feel more lived-in. Narrow lanes wind past street art, small museums, and family-run eateries serving Macanese and Portuguese dishes.
Staying nearby gives you easy access to both the big resorts and this more local side of Macau. There isn’t one “best” place, it depends on what you’re after. Cotai for spectacle, Se for history, Taipa for food and culture.
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This article was first published in City Nomads.
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