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Winners of the 2025 Tatler Best-in-Class Hotel awards in Macau
This curated selection of exceptional properties in Macau have been handpicked by Tatler's expert jury and discerning travellers
Macau has long captivated visitors with its dazzling entertainment. Yet, to categorise it solely as a gaming hub would be to miss the richer, more nuanced tapestry that makes this city a truly coveted destination. Here, East meets West in a vibrant cultural fusion, where ancient temples stand in harmony with colonial architecture and bustling markets offer a kaleidoscope of sensory delights.
Beyond the thrill of the tables, Macau has meticulously cultivated a hotel scene unlike any other. It's a realm where architectural marvels redefine the skyline, each property a self-contained world of luxury, art, and immersive experiences. These aren't just places to sleep; they are destinations in themselves, offering an unparalleled blend of world-class dining, cutting-edge entertainment, indulgent spas, and bespoke services.
From opulent interiors that evoke European grandeur to avant-garde designs that push the boundaries of modern aesthetics, Macau's accommodations promise a stay that is as extraordinary as the city itself. This unique integration of leisure and refined hospitality transforms a trip into an unforgettable journey, making Macau a magnet for discerning travelers seeking the pinnacle of luxury and excitement.
Morpheus, named after the God of Dreams in Greek mythology, represents the evolution of City of Dreams Macau. With a focus on luxury experiences that go beyond gaming, Lawrence Ho, chairman and CEO of Melco Resorts & Entertainment, calls it a 'thank you to China and a love letter to Macau.'
Designed by the late Dame Zaha Hadid, Morpheus is the world's first free-form exoskeleton high-rise architectural sculpture. Marking numerous architectural and technological breakthroughs, its surreal appearance has made it an icon in Macau, Asia and the world.
One of its most striking features is the soaring 35 metre atrium-lobby space, where light bounces off its geometric glass and steel framework, creating a dreamy kaleidoscope effect.
Morpheus boasts 772 neo-futuristic guest rooms, including three villas with private indoor pools, and six duplex suites. These were designed by Macau-born-and-raised, now California-based interior designer Peter Remedios, whose guiding theme was 'hedonism'.
Best New Hotel: Raffles Macau
With 450 luxurious suites and over a million square feet of epicurean enjoyment, Raffles at Galaxy Macau is the largest all-suite Raffles property in the world. Taking inspiration from Macau's unique east-meets-west culture, the hotel blends the renowned splendour of the Raffles brand with Galaxy Macau's avant-garde energy.
The hotel's opulent design tells the whimsical story of a 14th-century Italian merchant who collected an impressive array of artefacts—think hand-crafted crystal chandeliers and white Statuario marble. A nod to Galaxy Macau can be seen in the peacock motifs carved into the ceilings, symbolising good luck, while a world-class collection of artwork fills the lobby, featuring works by the likes of Joris Kuipers and Sun Yu-li. With a history that spans over 100 years, Raffles has become a benchmark within the industry for its personal service and exceptional attention to detail. Guests have access to the famed Raffles butlers, who are renowned for their thoughtful and discrete service to meet every need. Best Innovation: The Londoner
Bringing the best of London to the Cotai Strip, the hotel's facade is modelled after the iconic Palace of Westminster, complete with a life-size replica of Big Ben—bell chimes and all. Guests arrive at a grand, glass-canopied Porte Cochere with cobblestone paving that recalls the capital's famous Victoria Station, before entering the lobby, or Crystal Palace. The grand, light-filled atrium is home to a striking full-scale Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain with Anteros, the Greek god of selfless love, at its hotel grounds boast sprawling gardens inspired by the great London parks, specifically those at Kensington Palace.
Another English icon—David Beckham—is an ambassador for the hotel. There's a collection of David Beckham Suites, which the football star curated in collaboration with award-winning design house, David Collins Studio. Ranging from one to three bedrooms, they feature personal touches and homages to Beckham's career and personal life: including snaps of Victoria Beckham taken by their son, Brooklyn. Best Service: Grand Lisboa Palace
They certainly don't make hotels like this anymore. Grand Lisboa Palace is a dizzying display of unapologetic opulence: from its stately baroque-meets-chinoiserie interiors to its spectacular art collection - one of the largest in any Macau resort - to Jardim Secreto, 11,280-square-foot meticulously manicured garden with landscaped patios, romantic gazebos and mazes. The Versailles-style garden is centred around an ornate dome, which illuminates the area with an ethereal glow come sunset.
But it isn't all just for show. Not only does Grand Lisboa Palace resemble the monumental castles and museums of Europe - despite its epic scale, the hotel has mastered a level of service that's intimate and intuitive, while discrete and unintrusive. Whether you're a VIP guest or someone who's just passing through, the warm and genuine service will leave anyone feeling like royalty.
