It was a quick 10 minute cab ride from the ferry terminal over to the Westin Resort in Coloane. The hotel does offer a complimentary shuttle to the Venetian and ferry dock, but a cab was inexpensive so we didn’t wait for it. The Westin is a grand older hotel on the beach, far away from the action of Macau but not really more than 10 minutes away. The property reminds me a bit of the Westin Puerto Vallarta, each floor set back slightly from the one below it and all rooms offering balconies. It’s a beautiful, old, quiet property and seemed fairly unoccupied throughout our three day stay. We were assigned a suite looking out on the beach on the top guest floor, I didn’t ask how many suites they had but there didn’t seem much competition for upgrades. They extended complimentary internet and various discounts at the hotel, though I didn’t take advantage of the discounts.
The hotel doesn’t have a lounge, but they offer complimentary buffet breakfast to Platinms. Only this caused a bit of confusion because we went down to the hotel restaurant and found that they didn’t have a buffet! English wasn’t well-spoken in the restaurant while we were there but we managed to sort out that the buffet wasn’t being offered due to the hotel’s occupancy, but that we could order anything we wished and as much as we wished off the restaurant menu. Service was very good, language challenges aside, and the food was all high quality. But I was surprised to find relatively little Asian fare on offer, mostly just a varity of Western options. I did have some pork buns with my eggs, et al but those were somewhat disappointing. The gym was downstairs and perfectly nice, large, and new. Weather was overcast for most of our stay, wasn’t really lay out weather, but it was a retreat from the hustle and bustle that Macau has become. My overall impression of the ‘strip’ area of the city is that it’s Vegas if Vegas were brand new and with a more Japanese obsession for technology. The Westin on the other hand was away from the action, much more old school. Since the property was mostly empty, it wasn’t overly staffed. If I wanted something from the gift shop, I had to ask the front desk to open it. But I like my hotels quiet. I was absolutely thrilled with the hotel on a value proposition basis, a large suite overlooking the beach with free breakfast and internet can’t be beat. But then I did head into Macao proper, the next installment of this trip report, and was rather blown away by the brand new Grand Hyatt which made me reconsider whether I’d made the right choice in staying at the Westin. Ultimately I was more than happy (and also very much so because it was right next to Fernando’s for pork (also coming in a subsequent installment) but staying in Macau I’d probably opt to be more central next time.
I had a one-night stay here about 3 years ago. The pictures you have of your room resembled the one I had. Only difference was that I had a fruit plate about 3 times the size. There was a small wedding party at the hotel while I was there, so things weren’t so deserted around the hotel, but this is in a quiet, more rural area of Macao. Certainly, if you’re looking for the action of the casinos and the nightlife, you’re better off staying elsewhere. But as a retreat from all that glitz, you don’t have to travel far to have that escape. BTW, had a very nice dinner in the hotel’s restaurant.
It's been nearly 20 hyrs since I was here.. so can't say much.. Nice pic's ... thanks for posting.. brings back memories I wonder if the Hyatt casino is still a place to go?
I'm strongly considering burning points+cash to stay here in June, if I can make my RTW extravaganza work. As a Cat 3 it looks acceptable, and I'll be coming in from BKK on EK, so I will enjoy the respite a bit. Doubt I'll get the suit as a Gold on an award, but you never know, I guess. Thanks very much for the report.
Currently staying at Westin Macau. Occupancy is at 98% for this weekend, so as a Platinum (tonight is #95 for me in 2012) I was not upgraded to a suite. I was "upgraded" to an ocean view room, however, it's so smoggy that you can't see anything past the balcony at times. Last night I was able to see the pool. The spa is closed and under going renovations - though when I booked the website did not note this (it does as of this afternoon). One of the restaurants is closed as well, so choices are limited for onsite food. With the hotel at capacity, getting onto the free shuttle is a bit challenging. They recommended making reservations for the shuttle 24 hours in advance. I took a cab from the Westin to the Venetian and that cost about 50 HKD on the way there and 45 HKD on the way back. It was a bit challenging to find a cab willing to go back to the Westin - even though it's only 10 -15 min ride. Full trip report coming tomorrow w/pictures. But in summary, I would suggest waiting until the Sheraton Macau opens in late September 2012 to book an SPG property in Macau. The Sheraton looks lovely and is in the center of all the action.
Here's my full hotel review. Not such a great stay, but not horrible either. Good points and not so good points http://boardingarea.com/blogs/verygoodpoints/2012/07/22/the-westin-macau-hotel-review/
Looking for anyone staying at the Westin Macau in the next few weeks to provide me some info. If you're going to be there, let me know! Thanks Stacey
