The Guia Hotel is in many ways an embodiment of the many personalities of Macau. It's a modern hotel with plenty of style and it's location next to Guia Fort is comparatively tranquil, and yet guests looking for a wilder time won't have to walk far either. The relatively small scale of the hotel is a refreshing change of pace from the many mega-hotels and resorts that are packed into the city, and the interiors have a polished look. The lobby is decked in marble patterns with a few archaeological treasures tucked into the wall, and the hotel is arranged as an atrium. The restaurant is on the lobby level and features large windows in the dining room offering outside views for guests while they dine. On the roof there is a garden with potted plants and trees, and a terra cotta terrace for guests wanting to sip a drink and take in the views (which include the iconic Grand Lisboa). If this all sounds too tame, there’s a gentlemen’s club in the basement. This property is a popular pick with business travelers, and attracts couples and friends as well. 

Macau is a city of contrasts and this hotel is fairly well located for experiencing them all. It sits immediately next to the Guia Fort, a 17th century complex with a fortress, chapel, and lighthouse, and the immediate area is comparatively green and leafy. The hotel is located on the Macau Guia Circuit -- a Grand Prix track -- and guests can see some of the racing events from their rooms. The Grand Lisboa and its neighboring casinos are a 15-minute walk from the hotel, as are the restaurants and bars making up the nightlife on Senado Square. The Ruins of St. Paul’s, a 17th century landmark, are within a 15-minute walk. Alternatively, it's only a five- to 10-minute taxi ride to any of these destinations, though they aren't always the easiest to come by near the hotel. The Hong Kong-Macau ferry terminal is less than a 10-minute drive away, and from there, a ferry ride to Hong Kong takes about an hour. Both the Macau International Airport and the Cotai Strip, full of casinos and hotels, can be reached within a 10-minute drive.

Rooms at Guia Hotel are more modern than many in the area, though higher category rooms are more attractive than Standard Rooms. It may sound silly, but the look in Standard Rooms is, well, standard. There are dark blue carpets, deep red accents in soft furnishings, and mid-tone wood veneer furniture that includes partially upholstered headboards. These rooms are also fairly compact, with little space between the wall holding the television and the beds, though there is a small seating area near the windows. 

Deluxe Rooms have more style, even if they are a little busy. Expect to see plum accent walls, bold floral-patterned carpeting, and large black-and-white photos depicting scenes from Macau’s past. These rooms have similar mid-tone wood furniture, some of which shows a bit of wear. All rooms include minibars, electric kettles for coffee or tea, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos, but most offer limited counter space around sinks. Mosaic-tile floors are a nice touch and toiletries are included. Rooms with small balconies overlooking the fort are available. 

This hotel's small stature has a definite influence on what's available in terms of features, and there's no pool or fitness center here. A Chinese restaurant serves a mix of Chinese and western dishes that earns mixed reviews, and breakfast is not included with room rates. There’s a rooftop garden with city views where guests can order a drink, and the hotel has a strip club in the basement for those who need a more lively form of entertainment. Free cookies upon arrival are a nice touch as well. The hotel provides a free shuttle to Macau Maritime Ferry Terminal and casino district. Wi-Fi is free throughout.