The Ritz-Carlton, Macau

The Ritz-Carlton has priced itself at the upper end of Macau’s burgeoning hotel roster. While most new properties in the former Portuguese enclave plump for the amalgamated flash/cash/dash option, the Ritz-Carlton is style pure and simple. An enlightened Gallic tone pervades its palatial public spaces.

Telegraph Review

Save review Ed Peters, Destination expert

Location

The Ritz is lodged within the Galaxy complex, which is a mini retail theme park (gambling, shops, hotels, restaurants et al) that’s part of Macau’s ever-growing new entertainment zone on Cotai. That said, the Ritz-Carlton is distinct from the general brouhaha. Both ferry terminals and airport are no more than a 10-minute drive away.

Style and Character

That I saw few other guests, despite the hotel being almost full when I stayed, speaks volumes about the general air of hush and seclusion. Long marble corridors, glittering chandeliers, gymnastic flower arrangements, and mirrors that must polish themselves – the comparisons with a rather upscale French chateau are obvious. The merry delights of the rest of Galaxy are all within (mostly air-conditioned) walking distance, but there can be no justifiable comparison with the Ritz.

Service and Facilities

I’m always slightly spooked when complete strangers know who I am, but it does show that Ritz-Carlton staff are on the ball. Leisure-wise, take your pick of the ESPA spa (delicious TCM reflex meridian massage) or the hurly-burly of the Galaxy Resort Deck (wave pool, rapids, white sand beach), though the hotel does have two pools of its own.

• Bar
• Fitness centre
• Kids' club
• Laundry
• Pool
• Restaurant
• Room service
• Sauna
• Spa

Rooms

There are no 'rooms', rather 230 suites of varying sizes, each divided into bedroom, bathroom, living room, walk-in cupboard and powder room. The design looks to European tradition while incorporating a heavy slice of modern technology. Expect a roll call of the world’s luxury brands – Rivolta (linen), Tivoli (sound system) Asprey (toiletries) and Nespresso. I found both the whirlpool bath and the lion’s head door-knocker almost as entertaining as the umpteen-channel television.

Food and Drink

Chinese on the top floor, a French brasserie at ground level, a club lounge, and a gobmackingly good bar – where to start? Obviously with the gin and tonic trolley in the Ritz-Carlton Bar & Lounge, which trumpets 17 different brands of G, half a dozen Ts, skilfully topped with juniper berries, mixed citrus peel or similar exotics. Get thee gone, “ice and a slice”. Lai Heen serves authentic Cantonese cuisine amid a Portuguese-inspired décor augmented by 51st-floor views, while the Café looks onto the Galaxy’s indoor promenade, giving it a boulevard feel. Guests check in (and chill) at the Club, and there’s also a very fun pool bar.

Value for Money

Double rooms from MOP 4,620 (£449), year-round. Breakfast from MOP 420 (£41). Free Wi-Fi.

Access for guests with disabilities?

There are a number of adapted rooms.

Family-Friendly?

With the Ritz Kids Night Safari package, a tent is pitched inside the room and youngsters are provided with safari pyjamas, torch, compass and various other treats.

Galaxy Macau, Nossa Senhora da Esperança, Estrada da Baia de Nossa Senhora da Esperanca, Macau, China. 00 853 8886 6868 ritzcarlton.com

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