When I was in Macau in December I made enough points with Sands rewards to get a free night stay with their group again, and this time I decided I would try the Venetian, but I was advised it was not available, but they would offer me the Conrad hotel in Cotai, Macau instead.
Again, the booking process on the phone was easy, but still a bit confusing as I never get any confirmation for the booking, no email or text, and no booking confirmation number, but it seems to work fine anyways :d
Date of stay: January 7-8, 2020
Price: free.
I arrived at the hotel a bit later than I normally do, just before 4 pm, and at this time the reception was empty of other customers, so the check-in process went smoothly. I was informed that the check-out time was 11 am, but I could ask for a late check-out if I was interested? I affirmed this, and was then told that unfortunately the hotel was fully booked for the next day, but they could offer me to keep the room until 12:30. The receptionist asked me in I needed any help with my bag, but I assured her that I would be able to manage it myself. She anyways insisted that she would show me the way to the elevator. I found this a little strange, as normally there is a bellboy or similar showing the way, but now the one checking me in is the one walking me to the lift – and arriving at the lift she again insisted she would show me the room as well – located at the top floor for ‘normal’ hotel guests, floor number 37 (38 and 39 is for executive members only.)
Arriving at the room she showed me inside, and asked if I needed help with anything. I kindly declined, and she advised me to leave the ‘do not disturb sign’ on the door if I did not want the turn-down service between 18 and 20. I found the receptionist to be extremely friendly, but maybe a bit over and beyond what I normally experience, I am not sure if this is just the level of service at the Conrad, or if she was hoping for a big tip or what?
Entering the room there was a hall with a very soft, light carpet leading into the room itself.
Then to the immediate left there was a counter where you can put shopping bags or whatever as soon as you enter the room.
On the right there was large, double doors leading into the bathroom.
The room itself was large, and consisted of a large (but short) double bed, a very comfortable sofa with a small table, large TV and a work desk.
The views from the room was amazing, overlooking Studio City, and the Parisian Hotel and Casino, and the Eiffel tower.
Next to the sofa there was a small table with a glass jar with complimentary candy.
The candy was really tasty, and I quickly finished it all (I wish there was somewhere I could buy more, but I didn’t see it in any stores.
Opposite the entrance to the bathroom there was complimentary water, tea and a Nespresso Coffee maker which really made my day.
Then there was a small minibar with drinks for sale, and a free pack of milk if I wanted that with my tea or coffee.
Then there was a drawer with glassware.
And in the next drawer there were snacks for sale, bottle opener, and a pack of condoms? Haven’t seen those for sale ever since last time I stayed in a semi-decent hotel in Bangkok….
The bathroom was very large, and consisted of double sinks, a large bathtub (finally one that I could fit properly in) with TV, a walk-in shower and a toilet. There was also a large, soft rug on the tiles in front of the sinks, with I really appreciated, as the tiles can get a bit cold when the air-condition is on.
I did find the layout of the bathroom a bit strange though, as there was a large mirror on top of the bath tub, and you were facing this whenever you took a seat on the toilet, so you would be looking straight at yourself while sitting there….
In the shower there were single use Shanghai Tang Mandarin Tea bath gel, shampoo and conditioner, which all smelled very nice.
They also offered the normal collection of disposable toiletries, as well as mouth wash and Shanghai Tang body lotion.
In the small hall by the bathroom there was a wardrobe with a standard safe, iron, ironing board, laundry basket, hair dryer, shoe horn, bath robes and slippers, and spare blankets for the bed.
As the hotel offered a turn-down service I had to (of course) mess up the bed a bit before I headed out for a couple of hours, and when I came back the room was nice and tidy again. They also left a couple of Conrad teddy-bears, which I took home with me, and even prepared the slippers and bottles of water next to the bed.
By the bed there was also a pillow meny, which I have seen in other hotels in Macau, but I have never tried it before. This time I did decide to see what it was all about, and called the concierge service and requested the ”Snoozer full body pillow”.
I must say that the pillow didn’t meet my expectations, and I found it to be more annoying than anything else, so it spent the night on the floor, but I will try another type next time I have the option, the whole idea of a pillow meny fasinating.
While the room was being prepared by the turn-down service I also had a quick look around the pool area.
The pool area was quite small, and consists of about 5 different sized pools, and some beds and charlets. They also have a small bar service, and floating devices for kids that are available to borrow free of charge.
Overall I must say that I was very impressed by the hotel, the staff and the room. Of my 4 stays in Macau so far it was by far the best, and the first time I just wanted to stay in the room instead of being out exploring or gambling. Absolute a good experience, and this will probably become one of my regular hotel for my stays in Macau, if the keep offering me free rooms at the Sands group.
Read all my hotel reviews here.