Given a facelift in 2013, the gleaming white 19-story facade of the Royal Macau Hotel certainly stands in contrast to the cluster of shabby-looking apartment blocks that sit opposite. Liveried bellhops open tall glass doors to the bright, polished reception area, where plenty of black and white marble, dome chandeliers, and elegant furniture create a classic, upscale vibe. Modern artworks and comfy seating stop it from all feeling overly formal. A swish lobby lounge hosts regular live music and provides a relaxed space next to a patisserie. Wide colorfully carpeted hallways also have an updated traditional look, with touches of Art Deco and Asian accents. Compared to many Macau hotels, a more relaxed mood prevails, appealing to clientele less keen on the razzamatazz typical to much of the city. Visitors tends toward older couples, groups, and particularly solo travelers. 

The hotel is located in a largely residential neighborhood on the outskirts of downtown Macau, surrounded by mid-rise apartment buildings, office blocks, and local businesses -- a far cry from the Vegas-style glitz synonymous with parts of the city. The iconic Grand Lisboa, however, and its neighboring casinos are still within a 15-minute walk from the hotel, as are the restaurants and bars making up the nightlife on Senado Square. It is also positioned at the foot of the Colina da Guia, a rare swathe of green topped with the historic Guia Fort and Lighthouse. The Macau Guia Circuit -- a Grand Prix track -- is also just a block from the hotel, while the Ruins of St. Paul’s, a 17th-century landmark, are within walking distance. 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.

The hotel has 365 rooms and 15 suites, all of which benefitted from 2015 to 2016 renovations updating the curtains and carpets, and replacing the furniture. The result echoes the feel of the lobby, with splashes of colorful modern touches on a largely traditional background of dark wood and patterned fabrics. All rooms measure a fairly average 290 square feet (27 square meters). Premier Rooms and suites offer free breakfast, plus snacks and drinks in the lobby lounge. Better views from higher levels include the Colina da Guia and lighthouse, while others overlook the road and neighboring square. Street noise doesn't seem to be a problem, but some past guests have complained of poor soundproofing between rooms.

Standard amenities include 32-inch flat-screen TVs (with a good range of English-speaking channels), minibars (with a few soft drinks), electronic safes, and coffee- and tea-making facilities; suites add separate living areas with larger TVs. In-room Wi-Fi is free of charge and generally zippy. Fully marble bathrooms tend towards shower/tub combos, with suites providing separate showers. Slippers, hairdryers, and toiletries come standard, but Superior Rooms don't provide bathrobes. Family Suites add child-friendly toiletries and mini-robes.

The hotel offers two distinctive dining experiences: FADO is a Portuguese-themed eatery with terra-cotta tiling and playful modern decor (updated in 2015) serving Iberian cooking. Catalpa Garden offers a extensive (120 dishes) menu of Shanghainese food in an atmospheric, low-lit dining room. Quality in both is excellent, and unsurprisingly toward the pricier end. Snacks and drinks are also available in the lobby lounge.

Modernized in 2013, the hotel's year-round heated indoor pool is long enough for a decent swim with a bright, outdoorsy feel and lined with loungers. Sauna and steam rooms are available, together with a good collection of exercise equipment -- but the hotel lacks spa treatment options. Being Macau, just off the lobby is the Mocha Club, a room filled with a wide selection of electronic gaming machines, as well as a cafe serving food and drinks. Valet parking is available, plus there's a free shuttle bus that connects to the ferry terminal and various landmarks around Macau and Taipa.