Editor's Choice: Casino Resorts

Macau currently has more than 16,000 hotel rooms, a figure that increased by 24% in 2007, and is set to increase considerably by 2010. The extraordinary growth is largely due to the plethora of new mega casino resorts, which are springing up in developments like the Cotai Strip and are transforming Macau into the Las Vegas of the East. The casino resort scene, once monopolised by local entrepreneur Stanley Ho, is now seeing the arrival of lavish complexes by Vegas operators, like Wynn and Sands, and other familiar international names, like PBL and MGM, and new projects by locals including Ho. Besides gaming, they feature plenty of razzmatazz, fine dining and entertainment to tempt guests to stay longer. The Venetian also has a 15,000-seat indoor sports and performance arena that hosts major pop concerts, musicals and exhibition sports matches.

Macau's hotel stock ranges from older colonial properties, inns and economy-class accommodation up to luxury havens from global chains. Most hotels are air conditioned. Weekend rates are generally 20% higher than weekdays. Rates are subject to a 10% service charge, plus a 5% government tax. At weekends, visitor accommodation is usually full, so an advance reservation is advised.

Another option is a stay in villa-apartments, many of them housed in new buildings.

Macau Hotels Association
Rua Luis Gonzaga Gomes S/N, BL IV, R/C Centro Actividades Turisticas, Room B, Macau (SAR)
Tel: 2870 3416.
Website: www.macauhotel.org