Arrival/Check-In: The Sheraton Macao Hotel is massive, the largest in Macau. Part of a three-hotel complex on the Cotai Strip, the hotel connects to The Conrad and Holiday Inn. With nearly 4,000 guestrooms, a plethora of shops and a casino, the hotel was constantly abuzz. I was checked in on the hotel’s club level, located on the same floor as the meeting and event spaces. The attentive staff greeted me with warm towels and a welcome drink. After a few minutes of rest, I was escorted to my room.

Guest Quarters: Given the newness of the hotel, my room was up to date, clean, modern and fresh. Beiges, greens, whites and blacks adorned the bedding, upholstery, curtains and carpet in my Sheraton Club Room. The king-sized bed enveloped me each night after long days spent sightseeing. Other room highlights included two nightstands, an armchair and small table, a desk and a dresser with a flat-screen TV. The marble bathroom had a separate tub and shower and featured Shine for Sheraton amenities.

The only thing missing from my guestroom was a view. High above the Cotai Strip, my room happened to overlook a construction site full of equipment and muddy patches. Someday soon I imagine the view will be brighter as the area continues to build up.

Club-level guests enjoy a welcome beverage, rooms on preferred floors of the hotel, priority luggage, early check-in and late check-out, complimentary three-piece pressing service, complimentary use of poolside cabanas, complimentary breakfast, afternoon hors d’oeuvres and use of the private lounge.

Services/Amenities: There is no end to the things to see and do in and around this property. Shopping, gambling, dining … it has it all. I enjoyed a scrumptious Italian dinner at Bene, where the menu includes a little bit of everything, from wood-fired pizzas to homemade pastas. I ate breakfast at both the club-level buffet and Feast, the ground-floor buffet open to all guests, and both were plentiful. I couldn’t decide where to start — dim sum, cheese, breads and pastries, fruits and yogurts or the traditional hot breakfast items.

By far my favorite amenity was the gym, which could easily be mistaken for any city gym charging for membership. In addition to a spacious fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment, the gym had ample locker facilities and a fitness studio with a full slate of classes. I partook of an early morning yoga class.

I was sad to miss a chance to experience the on-site Shine Spa for Sheraton. I was intrigued by the zodiac-inspired treatments. Based on a spa-goer’s zodiac sign and answers to five basic questions, they are designated an element — wood, fire, water or air — and a treatment is suggested from there. A spa visit is a must on a return to the property.

The Experience: Given the sheer size of the hotel, a stay can feel overwhelming. The public spaces are crowded and noisy, but the guest floors are quiet and feel removed from the hoopla. Familiarizing yourself with the property may also take some time. However, the Sheraton Macao Hotel is right in the middle of the happening Cotai Strip, and the rhythm of the hotel is aligned with that of glitzy Macau.

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