The Mandarin Oriental, Macau, one of the
few non-casino property from an international chain hotel is quietly situated
in a corner away from the glitz and glamour, but within arm’s reach of
everything you may want to explore. mylifestylenews
was intrigued to see what this outpost in Macau offers……
The pick-up and transfer was efficient once we stepped out from the passport control at the Macau ferry terminal with the Mandarin Oriental Hotel , Macau sign well spotted. We were being escorted to the car which arrived two minutes later at the pick-up and drop-off area. Our driver did not seems speaking much nor offer any pleasantries, so silence reigned supreme.
A few minutes drive later on a very pleasant blue sky sunny day, we were greeted by Crystal Liu, the Assistant Director of Communications of the hotel in her casual spotty gym gear with a big smile, that must be the power of finishing her Qi-Gong exercise guided by the Gung Fu Master Hu from The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Sanya as part of the week long Mandarin Spa program offered.
We were swiftly taken up to our room for the in-room check-in process. A 700sqf corner Mandarin Premier view was allocated to us. This spacious room offers a beguiling mix of luxury, comfort and style overlooking Macau’s bay, the bridges to Taipa island and the serenely Nam Van Lake.
It is a building that comes to a point at the front, like the prow of a ship with vast floor-to-ceiling glass windows stretch the entire length of the accommodation enabling toy to lie in bed or soak in the bath to enjoy views of sunrise and sunset over the water. The “ship” hotel is on the sailing.
With a walk-in closet off to one side at the entrance and then you are in the room proper. As it is a ‘corner’ room, you have to walk around the bed to get into the very capacious bathroom that has the best views looking to the Macau Tower and beyond.
The interior design is surprising minimal in decoration although we did not feel that MO DNA after being in the room for a few hours, yet the comfort and the level of luxury fits the brand mixing contemporary style with a modern Oriental touch.
We toured the property to see what else there was for guests to enjoy themselves. The pool deck is pleasant, but the pool feels underwhelming in size and shape. The gym is more than adequate for such a small property and the change room facilities provide some nice amenities, such as a few choices of sauna and steam room to sweat out the body. The lobby lounge is cozy and offers the signature café menu, afternoon teas and a cake shop that is quintessential for all MO hotels.
There is a bar and restaurant, Vida Rica which is your go to place for food at all times of the day and drinks in the evening. The bar is impressive in design and gives a sense of occasion with the mood changing in day and night.
The all-day-dining restaurant serves breakfast where lunch serves Chinese cuisine and in the evening it will turn into a French fine dining, it is a rather unusual combination of styles for just one restaurant (especially for Mandarin Oriental Group of hotels). Perhaps, with just the one outlet, they need to be all things to all people.
Breakfast delivers on the food front with a very extensive buffet selection in high quality. The Chinese component, including noodles and various dim sum from the work station, was delicious prepared.
The spacious corner Mandarin Premier view room
The western selection also impressed with multiple choices of everything that was presented in a very artisanal way and certainly tasted out of the ordinary. The multiple ‘home-made’ jams and selection of breakfast pastries (more than five of each) are one of the highlights from the buffet spread plus the ‘make-your-own’ yoghurts and breakfast cereals. This balance is one of the hardest things to get right and make the guest feel that everything is special with an attention to detail.
The Outdoor swimming pool
Spacious bathroom that has the best views overlooking at the Macau Tower and beyond
Signature cocktails are served at the Vida Rica Bar - one of the best bars to watch sunset in Macau.
The stay was all too brief, but then again, short trips to Macau are best, as you can do so many things in a short space of time in this location. We enjoyed our stay, but felt there was something missing that truly told us this was a Mandarin Oriental property. The staff were prompt, polite, efficient and more than willing to assist with all of our requests and enquiries, but Macau is saturated with hotel brands and having being open for more than five years and now well established, we feel there should be more to say in the brands DNA, part of which is in the physical product itself. While it is not on a grand scale as other hotels in the vicinity (even within their very own Mandarin Oriental group of hotel), it still has a certain charm and it is the sum of all parts that makes an outstanding impression in this subtle urban luxury hotel experience.
Tried & Tested:
Location: 4.5/5
Design & Decor: 3.5/5
Room Amenities: 4/5
Housekeeping: 3.5/5
Food & Beverage: 3.5/5
Service: 3.5/5
Value For Money: 3.5/5
Experience: 4/5
Highlights:
Buffet Breakfast at Vida Rica
Cocktails at Vida Rica Bar
Avenida Dr. Sun Yat Sen Nape,
Macau
Tel: +853 8805 8888
Reviews are based on actual day of visit and experience. mylifestylenews reserves the right of final decision in case of any disputes. All images are photographed by mylifestylenews team without any photoshop enhancement and are the property owned by mylifestylenews unless otherwise stated.
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