.png)
Andaz Macau: A Landmark Hotel Showcasing the City’s Best – Hotel Review
- Jianne Soriano
- 11 minutes ago
- 6 min read
MACAU
Andaz Macau is a colossal force as the largest hotel under the Andaz portfolio, with over 700 rooms and suites. The vibrant, lifestyle hotel is part of Galaxy Macau, a world-class integrated resort in the city.
My earliest memory of Macau is a visit to Galaxy Macau while on a high school field trip. I remember being wide-eyed at the resort’s massive scale and its glittering lights. That image of Macau has been embedded in my mind for the years to come. So, by the time I set foot inside the equally gigantic Galaxy International Convention Center – where I’ve attended concerts before – I expect to be the same wide-eyed teenager I was.
Instead, I’m welcomed by a warm-lit and art-centred lobby. It feels like a maze in the beginning, but there are plenty of staff who are ready to point me in the right direction. The reception announces itself as a residential living room, with carpeted floors and dark-toned counters, and displays of stunning artworks.
Macau has no shortage of luxury hotels. While others try to adopt or even replicate European opulence, Andaz Macau stays true to its roots, anchoring itself in the city's rich culture, storied past, and dynamic heritage.
All images are courtesy of Jianne Soriano and Andaz Macau
The Location and The Arrival
Andaz Macau sits inside the Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) and the 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena. This strategic location makes it convenient for both business and leisure travellers. I’ve been in this area multiple times before my long-awaited stay. Moreover, it’s accessible via the LRT, shuttle bus, and taxi, and within walking distance of other hotels under the Galaxy Macau portfolio.
The hotel features two towers: West and North. I’m immediately impressed with the spacious barrier-free environment. Check-in is always busy, and it can be a struggle to find a place to wait. But Andaz Macau solves this with its Andaz Lounge, an open yet intimately warm social space. It’s reminiscent of a residential living room with subtle reminders of Macau. Plus, there are refreshments available. That’s personalisation and people-first service at its best. If you love to mingle, don’t miss the happy hour at 5 pm.
The Design
Forget the glitz and the glamour. Andaz Macau’s design feels like a museum of the city. The narrative that interior architects EDG Design have crafted is that of “Real Macau,” with the hotel serving as a display of collections of antiques and arts. The interiors boast elements of old Macau that have been reinterpreted in new ways.
The colour palette is heavily orange with hints of blue and green, adding a soothing layer to it, that’s easy on the eyes. As homage to Macau’s past, Portuguese architecture dominates the design, with hints of maritime harbour ships and traditional artefacts. Macau may be a gambling hub, but it also has a rich, layered history that definitely needs to be highlighted more.
This can’t be more on display than the Macau Steps, a staircase that narrates stories of Macau’s past and present through art collections and videos that show colourful scenes of the city. I also couldn’t help but notice the “JUXTAPOSE” art piece collection by Malaysian artist Tang Mun Kian. It features a series of steel sculptures that tell witty stories in steel about the city.
Upon arrival, I encounter the “Landscape Interlaced,” a large installation showcasing layered day-and-night photographs of the Macau skyline, featuring natural elements distinctive to China and Macau. Adding to the displays are eye-catching, intricately embroidered couture gowns featuring cheongsam collars. A prime example of Macau’s East-West cultures and a powerful first impression of the hotel.
The Accommodation
Andaz Macau has 715 rooms and suites across its two towers. My room is the Andaz Suite, which comes with a vast living and dining area and a king bedroom. The view isn’t the most jaw-dropping, but it’s enough of a treat.
The expansive bathroom is the most defining feature, with dual sinks, a soaking bathtub, a glass-enclosed shower, and a smart glass window for instant privacy. The layout is fluid — not horizontal or vertical — but in and out. The closet can be opened to access the bathroom from the living or dining areas. Or walk in through the left side to see a fuller view outside. The result? Spacious but everything is within reach — no unnecessary space just for the sake of it, be it the bathroom, living room, or dining room.
Plus, the room has a thoughtful selection of local amenities and locally sourced foods in the mini-bar. Don’t have time to shop for a souvenir? They’ve picked one for you to take out. Again, this is personalisation at its best. Oh, there are Andaz Macau-branded slippers to take home too.
The Dining
One of the biggest perks about Andaz Macau’s location is that you get the best of both worlds: Andaz Macau’s very own Andaz Kitch and access to Galaxy Macau’s 120 dining options, including Michelin-starred restaurants to local delicacies as well as eateries of other hotels in the resort.
My first dining experience is an afternoon tea set at Raffles Lounge and Terrace Dining at Raffles Macau. The atmosphere here is very different from Andaz Macau, more opulent and European-inspired, with marble-pillared dining spaces. The afternoon tea set features a dessert trolley on top of savoury bites and sweet delights. The view from the Crystal Lobby is a sight to behold. The chandelier feels so out of this world — in a good way.
Then, there’s Andaz Kitchen, the hotel’s all-day dining destination. Expect live-action cooking of Portuguese, Macanese, and “neighbourhood” dishes. True to its branding as an art and heritage-focused hotel, the design of Andaz Kitchen comes from a series of old Macau shophouses. Moreover, it gives a nod to the city’s maritime history with its wooden archways and Portuguese mosaic tiles (azulejos) on the floor. You’ll also see a wall feature titled “Layers of Tradition” that showcases a collection of ceramic blue-and-white plates with hand-painted motifs.
At the helm of Andaz Kitchen is André Lai, who is well-versed in both Portuguese and Chinese cuisines. In making the Charcoal Grilled Octopus, chef Lai drew to the sun-soaked landscapes of Portugal. While the smoky taste of the octopus (no doubt from the charcoal grill) is great, I couldn’t get enough of the accompanying mashed potato, which had a tinge of sweetness to it. Breakfast is enjoyable, with a mix of Western and Eastern dishes. I enjoy the range of pastries available.
The splashes of teal and orange extend to Andaz Bar. Unsure what to order? Chat with the in-house mixologist to try creative cocktails or craft beers produced by a local Macau brewery.
The Facilities
I love that everything you need is on the sixth floor: restaurant, lounge, bar, reception, swimming pool and fitness centre. To me, this is personalisation at its best.
The 19-metre lap pool is heated year-round for comfort. There are also cabanas for those who simply wish to relax by the pool. Next to it is the 24-hour Fitness Centre. It features TechnoGym cardiovascular and weight-training equipment for a truly energizing workout. There are also certified personal trainers available on request, on top of wellness classes.
Guests of Andaz Macau can also enjoy complimentary access to the Grand Resort Deck, Galaxy Macau’s skytop oasis. It spans 75,000 square metres of attractions including the world’s longest skytop adventure rapids at 575 metres, the largest skytop wave pool with waves up to 1.5 metres high, and a 150-metre white sand beach. If that’s not enough, it’s also home to a nine-metre waterslide mountain and a kids’ aquatic play zone.
Not a fan? Unwind at the Asian-themed tropical skytop garden or enjoy al fresco dining at the poolside restaurants and lounges. There’s something for everyone here.
Andaz Macau: Final Verdict
Whether you’re in Macau for leisure or business, Andaz Macau is a solid choice. Its strategic location is unbeatable — next to the GICC and Galaxy Arena — and within walking distance to other hotels as well as restaurants and retail stores.
The hotel, which means “personal style” in Hindi, embodies this philosophy with its service-focused, guest-forward, and personalised approach. From the art decor to the meaningful inclusion of Macau’s heritage in the design to even complimentary snacks at the lounge while waiting — these are all little additions that anyone will appreciate. Andaz, as a brand, takes pride in its distinct properties, and you’ll never find two identical Andaz hotels in the world. That in itself is already a draw. The best way to summarise Andaz Macau: global in scale, personalised and local in perspective.
Location: Cotai, Nascente da Avenida Marginal Flor de Lótus e a Sul da Estrada da Baía de Nossa Senhora da Esperança, Macau | Phone: +853 8886 1234 | Email: reservations@andazmacau.com | Website: galaxymacau.com/hotels/andaz-macau/
Instagram: @andazmacau | Facebook: @andazhotelmacau
Disclaimer: The writer was invited by Andaz Macau, to experience the property. All observations, assessments, and opinions expressed are based on the writer’s independent experience and professional judgement.
Comments