Rua do Visconde Paco de Arcos, Macau, China | (888) 604-6432
Riverfront
setting in Macau's bustling historic quarter
Within walking distance
of the historic center attractions
Spacious and
stylish rooms, many with river views
Luxury bed linen,
designer towels, and high-end toiletries
Individually styled "Mansion" suites have whirlpool tubs
Sixth-floor
freeform pool with river-view terrace
Three restaurants, including an alfresco terrace
L'Occitane spa
with signature treatments and hammam
Fitness room with
modern equipment, sauna, and stream room
Free Wi-Fi
throughout
Some guests find the surroundings sketchy
Located at a busy
intersection
Breakfast not
included in room rate
Shuttle service
can get crowded
Set in the historic quarter of Macau, the luxury Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16 provides a bit of glitz in an authentic setting. The riverfront location means superb views from the hotel's
poolside terrace, a couple of its restaurants, and most of its 408 rooms, plus the property has easy access to the city's tourist attractions. While the
pool is a good size and the health and the spa facilities are
above average, there's not much here for kids. Those who prefer more sanitized surroundings should check out Cotai
Strip hotels -- such as Hard Rock or Crown Towers.
Scene
Eclectic architecture meets casual luxury and a Vegas-style casino
There are few
hotels in the world that can claim a such an eclectic patchwork of
architectural styles as the Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16. Its cobbled
forecourt, majestic neoclassical columns, and natural stone facade combine to create a grand result. The lobby is no less extravagant, with a melange of spiral pillars, twinkling crystal, and decor inspiration drawn from Art
Deco glamour -- including paintings with scenes from the Roaring Twenties.
The hotel maintains a polished,
high-style vibe, with stunning flowers, music playlists, and calming aromas
adding to the ambience. Clientele includes well-heeled leisure travelers, both couples and families
with kids, while an on-site casino draws those after a Vegas-style stay.
Location
Waterfront setting in Macau's bustling historic quarter
This waterfront
hotel is sandwiched between Macau's Pearl River and a busy junction in the
city's historic quarter. While the intersection can get
noisy and often congested during rush hour, little of the sound makes its way into
the hotel. The hotel's surroundings are certainly less glamorous (some might even say sketchy)
than many in Macau, especially when compared to those around glitzy Cotai Strip; but they're far more authentic, composed of local businesses, antique
curio stores, and neighborhood temples. There are also several tourist
attractions within walking distance of the hotel, including Senado Square and St. Paul
ruins, both part of the UNESCO Historic Center of Macau World Heritage Site and
less than a 10-minute walk away. A free (though small and often packed) shuttle takes guests to the Taipa ferry terminal, which is located next to Macau International Airport, and the trip takes 20 to 25 minutes.
Rooms
Spacious, scented and stylish rooms with luxury fabrics
The Sofitel Macau at Pointe 16 has 408 rooms, most of which are decorated in a high-end
contemporary style that blends chic luxury elements with Macanese touches. Rooms are spacious and have floor-to-ceiling windows, many with river views. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, minibars, and flat-screen TVs with pay-per-view movies; while there are no fancy high-tech features like at the Wynn Macau, rooms include signature Sofitel fabrics of French-made linens and designer towels. Bathrooms are large with separate tubs
and walk-in showers, plus L'Occitane products (Hermes in upgraded rooms). The
property also has individually decorated, apartment-style Mansion suites with whirlpool tubs and state-of-the-art sound
systems; some have full kitchens.
Features
Outdoor pool and terrace, Michael Jackson museum, and three restaurants
The hotel's main restaurant, Mistral, serves an excellent buffet breakfast (not included in room rates) and offers a la carte menus
for lunch and dinner. It also has an alfresco terrace overlooking the harbor. More intimate dining can be found at the 24-seat French
restaurant, Prive, while Le Chinois serves Cantonese fare and has river views. Aside from the elegant Rendezvous Lounge, there's little in the way of bars --
though a casino provides the usual slots and games, if slightly retooled toward the Asian market.A small freeform pool is on the sixth floor, surrounded by tropical
plants and with a furnished terrace overlooking the harbor. There's also another
secluded pool for Mansion room guests. A chic spa provides
signature massage and beauty treatments, as well as a hammam,
while a fitness center offers modern workout equipment, a sauna, and steam
room. A Michael Jackson museum, complete with cheesy souvenirs, makes for
an unusual feature. Wi-Fi is free throughout.