Macau is a hospitable tourist destination with an impressive number of more than 130 hotels with approximately 42,000 rooms. 25,000 rooms belong to five-star hotels and resorts. However, not every traveler is ready to spend all their savings on a few nights in a luxurious suite. Those searching for reasonably-priced accommodation will discover plenty of options. Each of these properties has something unique to offer for every kind of traveler. Read on to see which affordable hotels in Macau you should check out and why we like them.
Rocks Hotel: Relaxed & charming
If you don’t mind being away from the city center or even prefer to stay somewhere more peaceful, consider Rocks Hotel at Macau Fisherman’s Wharf. Designed as a Victorian-style hotel, it moves you to the South of France without having to take a plane. The first thing that attracts guests’ attention is the dazzling white spiral staircase. Don’t pass this perfect photo location without snapping a picture or two. Behind the stairs is Vic’s Portuguese Restaurant that offers southern Europe’s relaxed vibes, alfresco tables with serene views, and excellent Portuguese cuisine.
With only 72 rooms, Rocks promises that cozy feeling of small European hotels. Elegant furniture and cute botanical paintings on the wall harmoniously coexist with modern in-room facilities. So old school doesn’t always mean a lack of comfort! Each room features a bathtub and a balcony with a peaceful wharf view–imagine starting your day there with a cup of steaming coffee?
Although Rocks Hotel doesn’t have any fitness facilities, guests can walk to Harbourview Hotel to use them (included in the room rate).
How much: From HKD $387*
Rocks Hotel Macau Fisherman’s Wharf, Avenida Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, +853 2878 2782, www.rockshotel.com.mo
Harbourview Hotel: Grandiose & picturesque
For travelers who miss the charm and pomp of European grand hotels but can’t take off to Prague and Paris, there is Harbourview Hotel at Macau Fisherman’s Wharf. Inspired by 18th-century Czech architecture, design, and art, the hotel offers guests comfort at a reasonable price, several dining options, and wellness amenities.
It’s hard not to notice a tall building with murals influenced by the renowned Art Nouveau artist from the Czech Republic, Alphonse Mucha. The lush decoration of the hotel lobby will make you feel no less than royalty on vacation. The comfort and luxury spread to the rooms with classic design. Just like at Rocks, each room here includes a bathtub to relax in after a long day.
Guests who prefer swimming in a pool to soaking in a bathtub will love Harbourview’s opulent pool surrounded by an array of white columns. To enjoy a Western or Chinese dinner, guests can visit Praha Restaurant and Jade Orchid and conclude the night with a drink at Praha Bar.
How much: From HKD $235*
Harbourview Hotel Macau Fisherman’s Wharf, Avenida Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, Macau, +853 8799 6688, www.harbourviewhotelmacau.com
Also read: Macau Hotels: One for Every Kind of Traveler
Caravel Hotel: Close to landmarks
If you are a traveler that prefers to be in the middle of everything with easy access to the main attractions, Caravel Hotel would be a perfect match for you. Among the affordable hotels in Macau, this one stands out for its convenient location. Located in a vibrant neighborhood, minutes away from Macau’s historic center, this small, clean, and charming hotel will help you experience Macau’s city life.
There are 46 rooms, and each of them has its own personality thanks to the unique wallpaper with Macau streets. The design and decoration refer to the theme that gave the hotel its name (caravel is a traditional Portuguese ship). Families with kids will appreciate their family rooms with a double bed, two twin beds, and a bathtub. Standard rooms are small and equipped with only the basics, no bathrobes or other extras. They do have a hairdryer, a scale, and free water for the guests. Moreover, they offer amenities by L’Occitane, a renowned French brand from Provence.
For fitness addicts, there is a spacious Anytime Fitness gym, free to use for hotel guests. Group classes and yoga are available for an additional fee. There, you can keep on with your exercise routine and then head to a Singaporean cafe in the same building for a morning kaya toast with kopi. Are you looking for local food? There are plenty of eateries around, such as Macau-famous Nam Ping. Rua do Felicidade is a few minutes away, and so is Senado Square plus other well-known landmarks of Macau’s historic center.
How much: From HKD $192
Caravel Hotel 96-126 Rua do Guimarães, Macau, +853 2825 0108, www.caravelhotelmacau.com
Also read: Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Macau
Hotel Royal: Urban comfort
Located next to Tap Seac Square and Guia Hill, Hotel Royal is perfect for business guests and travelers who appreciate central locations and urban comfort. You might not feel resort vibes or a serene atmosphere in the area, but everything else is there.
Built in 1983 and renovated a few years ago, Hotel Royal is a hospitality veteran with more than 380 rooms. There are three types of standard rooms and three types of suites with different amenities and furniture arrangements. All of them combine functionality and contemporary design with comfort. Hunt for the Guia Hill views if you can, the best option at the hotel. Should you wish to go for a run in the area–Guia Hill would be a perfect route–Hotel Royal can lend you fitness attire for a fee. If you exercise indoors, there is a well-equipped gym and a pool as well.
Even though there is a myriad of restaurants and cute coffee shops in the area, Hotel Royal offers a couple of their own when you don’t feel like leaving the premises. One of them is Fado, a Portuguese restaurant with chef’s special suckling pig and occasional wine and whisky pairing events. For Chinese cuisine, guests can dine at Catalpa Garden, a restaurant with Shanghainese and Cantonese cuisine, and several private dining rooms. Notably, the hotel grows herbs and greens for the restaurants on the terrace. We are always up for sustainable ideas!
How much: From HKD $199
Hotel Royal 2-4 Estrada da Vitória, Macau, +853 2855 2222, www.hotelroyal.com.mo
Hotel S. Art: An all-rounder
Affordable hotels in Macau and worldwide sometimes save some budget on decoration and art to direct it to comfort and amenities. That is not the case with Hotel S that is all about contemporary art. Once you reach Praça Ponte e Horta, you won’t miss the hotel’s facade with colorful graffiti by Rainbo Aws. From the lobby to the lift and corridors, there are many posters, prints, and art objects by renowned artists such as Takashi Murakami, Andy Warhol, Yayoi Kusama, and others.
In 2019, the hotel went through a rebranding and changed its name from Hotel Sun Sun to Hotel S. The rooms might need some renovation and upgrades, but they are still clean and comfortable. If innovation and top-notch technologies stand below design and character in your priorities when choosing accommodations, Hotel S will fit the criteria. Since Outloud Street Art Festival chose the square as one of the locations, the area, including the hotel itself, became integral parts of Macau’s street and contemporary art scene. There is hardly anything like it in the city!
There are 178 rooms with a basic set of amenities–everything a humble traveler might need. With contemporary art on the walls and a kicker in the middle, the Square restaurant serves international food with a focus on Macanese and Portuguese. And Obi-Wan Bar would be just the place to have a drink or two after exploring Macau’s culture and heritage. Both of them exude laid-back vibes of a cool space where everybody is welcome.
How much: From HKD $188
Hotel S 14–16 Praça de Ponte e Horta, Macau, +853 2893 9393, www.facebook.com/hotelsmacao
Also read: Budget Friendly Hotels in Macau
*Hotel rates subject to change due to seasonability, availability, and other factors
