Arrival/Check-In: The Sheraton Macao Hotel is enormous — the largest hotel in Macau — and forms part of a three-hotel complex on the Cotai Strip, connected to The Conrad and Holiday Inn. With nearly 4,000 guestrooms, an extensive retail area and a busy casino, the property constantly hums with activity. I checked in on the club level, which is conveniently located on the same floor as many meeting and event spaces. The staff welcomed me warmly with chilled towels and a welcome drink, and after a brief rest I was escorted to my room.
Guest Quarters: As a relatively new property, my room felt modern, clean and fresh. Neutral tones of beige, green, white and black complemented the bedding, upholstery, curtains and carpet in my Sheraton Club Room. The comfortable king bed was a perfect retreat after long days of exploring. The room also included two nightstands, an armchair with a small table, a work desk, a dresser with a large flat-screen TV and ample storage. The marble bathroom featured both a separate tub and a walk-in shower and came stocked with Shine for Sheraton amenities.
The main downside was the view: my room faced an active construction site with equipment and patches of mud. Given the rapid development along the Cotai Strip, that view will likely improve over time.
Club-level privileges add convenience and comfort: a welcome beverage, rooms on preferred floors, priority luggage handling, early check-in and late check-out (when available), a complimentary three-piece pressing service, access to poolside cabanas, complimentary breakfast and afternoon hors d’oeuvres, and use of the private club lounge.
Services and Amenities: There is an abundance of offerings both inside the hotel and across the complex. Dining options cover a wide range of cuisines; I enjoyed a delicious Italian dinner at Bene, where the menu ranges from wood-fired pizzas to handmade pastas. For breakfast I sampled both the club-level buffet and Feast, the ground-floor buffet open to all guests — both provided generous selections, including dim sum, cheeses, breads and pastries, fresh fruit and yogurts, plus traditional hot breakfast items.
My favorite amenity was the fitness center, which rivals many standalone city gyms. The spacious gym features modern cardio and strength equipment, extensive locker facilities and a fitness studio with a full schedule of classes — I attended an early morning yoga session during my stay.
I regretted not finding time for the on-site Shine Spa for Sheraton. The spa’s zodiac-inspired treatments are intriguing: guests answer five brief questions and are assigned an element — wood, fire, water or air — which helps guide the recommended treatment. A spa visit is high on my list for a return stay.
The Experience: Because of the hotel’s sheer scale, the property can feel overwhelming at first. Public areas are lively and occasionally noisy, while guest floors remain quiet and removed from the bustle. It can take some time to learn the layout, but the hotel’s central location on the Cotai Strip places it at the heart of Macau’s energetic atmosphere. For travelers who enjoy being where the action is, Sheraton Macao aligns well with the glitz and pace of the area.
GT Checklist
- Doorman/valet
- Less than 10 minutes for check-in
- Separate tub and shower
- Large vanity
- High-quality towels
- Powerful, unattached hair dryer
- High-quality bed linens
- Large, flat-screen television
- Large desk with convenient outlets
- Large, complimentary laptop safe
- Complimentary in-room WiFi
- Complimentary bottled water
- Stocked minibar
- Ample lighting
- In-room coffeemaker
- Iron and ironing board
- On-site restaurant and bar
- 24-hour room service
- State-of-the-art fitness center
Sheraton Macao Hotel, Cotai Central
Cotai Strip
Taipa, Macau SAR
People’s Republic of China
tel 853 2880 2000
sheraton.com