Hotel Okura Macau

With its grand, neoclassical flourishes and shimmering gold facade, Hotel Okura Macau looks similar to several other nearby properties -- but inside, it's quite different. The atmosphere and decor is distinctly Japanese, starting with the immaculate, uncluttered reception area, where polished stone and natural wood dominate a space accented with clusters of bamboo and abstract sculpture. Polite and efficient staff, some wearing traditional Kimonos, set the understated but upscale tone, and subtle, low-level lighting adds to the overriding serene vibe. The hotel attracts vacationing couples and families with children, mostly from Hong Kong, mainland China, and the surrounding region.

The hotel is located in the glitzy neighborhood of Cotai, a gambling and tourism strip situated between the Coloane and Taipa districts south of central Macau. Guests have direct access to more than 100 dining options and 200 retail outlets in the Galaxy Macau complex all within a short walk, although navigating it can be a challenge. It's roughly a 10- to 15-minute walk across the road to Taipa Village, a touristy local and Portuguese historic quarter, where the Taipa Homes Museum is located. Most of Macau's more interesting sights and lively neighborhoods are across the harbor, which is about a 10- to 15-minute drive. Macau International Airport and the ferry port are both a zippy 10 minute-drive from the hotel.

Guest rooms are comfortable, with elegant Japanese decor that isn't as minimalist as the hotel's common spaces. There's smart, contemporary furniture, natural wood floors, and bamboo motif accents. Shoji-paper lighting cast a pleasant, mellow glow, and floor-to-ceiling windows provide lots of natural light, and overlook the central resort deck or the highway and river beyond. All units have sizable desks, small seating areas, and come equipped with 42-inch flat-screen TVs (with DVD players, though English-speaking channels are limited), coffee- and tea-making facilities, well-stocked minibars, electronic safes with charging access, and free local calls and Wi-Fi; upgraded rooms add Bluetooth speakers. Bathrooms are sleek, with separate walk-in rainfall showers and soaking tubs with integrated 17-inch flat-screen TVs. Toilets are high-tech Japanese-style, and there are waffle bathrobes and a generous amount of toiletries. Suites feature saunas and whirlpool tubs. Units are spacious, starting at 500 square feet. 

The property's standout feature is undeniably the Grand Resort Deck -- an 18-acre space shared with the complex's other hotels. This family-friendly spot has a wave pool, waterslides, splash parks, and the longest elevated lazy river in the world. There's even an artificial beach (made from 350 tons of sand) and a quieter, mosaic-lined heated swimming pool, with three poolside whirlpool tubs and sunbeds. In addition to the scores of eateries that can be found in the complex, the hotel's on-site restaurant offers fine traditional Japanese cuisine with a contemporary spin, and boasts stunning views from the 28th floor. A 6th floor eatery is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The buffet breakfast has Japanese, Chinese, and western dishes, but it isn't included in room rates, and it's pricey. Guests with access to the Executive Lounge do get free breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails, as well as coffee throughout the day. They also have free access to the business center, but there's a fee attached for other guests. Other on-site amenities include an indoor heated infinity pool with a whirlpool tub, plus a sauna and steam rooms, and a large fitness center and salon on the 29th floor with views, but the hotel lacks a spa. There's also free self-parking Wi-Fi throughout, and frequent shuttle service from the airport and ferry terminals. Some past guests have noted that there can be long lines at check-in during peak hours.