Best Macau Hotels for Luxury

Just like the casino itself, the Venetian's rooms are modelled on the city of canal's and Renaissance architecture, and while the marble floors and painted frescos wouldn't fool Michelangelo they are suitably luxurious. Rooms are massive, with their own living rooms and Queen-sized beds draped in a Princess style canopy. Set out on the Cotai strip, downtown Macau is a bus drive away, although the spas, swimming pools and restaurants, as well as endless gambling opportunities are all designed to keep you and your cash on site. The Venetian does run free buses to both the Sands Casino and Macau Ferry Terminal.

• Address: Cotai Strip, Cotai
• Rooms: 2905
• Prices: Check rates now

This resort hotel set at the very end of Coloane, along the sands of Hac Sa Beach, is where mainlanders and Hong Kongers come to rest and relax. The complex is designed to provide everything you'll need during your stay, including a spa, recreation centre with swimming pool and its very own 18-hole golf course. This is lucky, because the hotel is a 30 minute bus ride from Macau downtown, although the excellent Fernando's restuarant is just around the corner. Rooms are generous and feature signature balconies with generous views over the South China Sea. Booking ahead for weekends is a must.

• Address: Estrada de Hac Sa, Coloane
• Rooms: 208
• Prices: Check rates now

Once the cream-of-the-crop, the Lisboa now struggles to compete with the seemingly endless luxury offered by the city's newer, casino sponsored hotels. But don't overlook the Lisboa. Eschewing the pastel palour of chain hotels, the rooms are a blinding mix of gold splashes, streaks of red Portuguese flair and period furniture; it's packed with character. There is a swimming pool and modest gym, while just downstairs is Macau's original casino and a fine roll call of restaurants. The downtown location is also excellent for those who want to explore the city on foot and the prices are more modest than competitors.

• Address: 2-4 Avenida de Lisboa
• Rooms: 927
• Prices: Check rates now

Climb inside Macau's Portuguese history with a room inside this converted 17th Century Portuguese fortress. While the out of town location isn't ideal for those who want to be in the buzz of the city centre, the palm trees and sea views make it the perfect place to soak up Macau's more Mediterranean pace. In keeping with the historical setting, rooms feature brooding wood furniture and expensive looking curtains, while the terrace bar, looking out over the South China Sea, is a romantic location to sip a cocktail. Pousada is both pricey and popular so book ahead.

• Address: Avenida da Republica
• Rooms: 12
• Prices: Check rates now

Aside from the dedicated high-roller suites at certain casinos, the Mandarin Oriental is Macau's most luxurious five-star. Spacious rooms are well appointed with dashing Portuguese touches, such as a hand-carved teak staircase and Lisboa tapestries, and make for an ideal romantic escape. The hotel has its own, small, casino, an outdoor swimming pool and some excellent restaurants.

• Address: 956-1110 Avenida da Amizade
• Rooms: 1435
• Prices: Check rates now