With a philosophy that strives to provide a resort-style escape in the heart of Macau, the Grand Lapa Macau has a bit of that Grande Dame quality shared by many of the city's large, gently aging hotels. Outside, stone paths lead through trees and tropical landscaping, while inside, the lobby's marble floors, beautiful imperial staircase, and potted plants create an elegant vibe. First impressions are, indeed, impressive, as wooden ceilings tower over the colonial furniture and the lobby is lined by stores selling luxury goods. True to its resort ethos, there's a beautiful outdoor pool, excellent fitness center, and a good number of choices for dining here. Options include Cafe Bela Vista, a Portuguese restaurant with breezy colonial charm created by wooden floors and chandeliers -- it also has a terrace for alfresco dining. There’s also a classy Cantonese restaurant and a bright Thai spot with indoor and outdoor dining. This is a traditionally elegant property that appeals to families with its large rooms and features, though travelers of all stripes pass through, drawn by the hotel's comparably reasonable rates.

This hotel is located within a six-minute walk of both Sands Casino and Fisherman’s Wharf, an amusement park and shopping center that's a fine destination for those traveling with children. That being said, not much else is within an easy walk, especially in Macau's heat and humidity, and guests should expect to rely on taxis to get around (as of yet, there's no metro in Macau). The bars and nightlife of Senado Square are a five-minute drive from the hotel, while the Ruins of St. Paul’s -- a 17th century landmark -- is within a 10-minute drive. Both the Macau International Airport and the Cotai Strip, which is full of casinos and hotels, can be reached within a 10-minute drive. It’s less than a 15-minute ride on the hotel’s free shuttle to the Hong Kong-Macau ferry terminal, and from there, a ferry ride to Hong Kong takes about an hour. 

While the hotel's common spaces are largely impressive and polished, rooms are a bit of a let down, with their dated style and details. They are large --- entry level Superior City View Rooms come in at 33 square meters of floor space, or 344 square feet -- and plenty of windows keeps them bright. Decorative bed runners and throw pillows in rich colors and patterns do perk up the spaces a bit, but overall decor doesn't feel fresh, or particularly classic in a good way. Light wood furniture is worn, and gold-pattern carpets and antique-style club chairs seem leftover from an earlier decade. Tube-style TVs and two-poster headboards in many rooms don't help the effect. All rooms have minibars and electric kettles for coffee or tea, but no free Wi-Fi; some rooms include small balconies furnished with tables and chairs. Suites are available with kitchenettes that include refrigerators and microwaves, large living rooms, and marble bathrooms with whirlpool tubs. The style in suites is dated as well. Some rooms do have nice city views. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos and spacious vanities plus thoughtful touches like terrycloth robes and generous amenity kits with toothbrushes. 

Like any resort-hotel worth its salt, the hotel has five dining options including a bright cafe, a Cantonese restaurant, Thai restaurant, lounge, and cake shop. All get solid reviews, but guests should know that breakfast is not included in room rates. There’s a large outdoor pool and whirlpool with lounge chairs that is surrounded by palm trees, and a spa on-site with a sauna, indoor pool, and couples’ suites with private whirlpools and outdoor gardens. The property has three outdoor tennis courts, a large fitness center with plenty of modern cardio and weight machines, and a variety of fitness classes. There’s a children’s center with video games, toys, and a ball pit as well as an outdoor playground. Seven meeting rooms are available for private events, and the hotel has a free shuttle to the Macau Maritime Ferry Terminal. Wi-Fi access requires a fee.