THE PLACE
Opened less than a week before my visit The Parisian Macao is the latest landmark on Macau's Vegas-like "Cotai Strip", the rapidly developing area of reclaimed land connecting the "islands" of Taipa and Coloane. Fashioned on a French chateau the hotel boasts a half-scale replica Eiffel Tower, Montmartre-style red windmill and towering Arc de Triomphe. And that's just for starters.
THE LOCATION
Next door to The Venetian (soon to be connected by a covered walkway) guests can saunter between the streets of Paris and the canals of Venice, with further walkways linking the Shoppes at Fours Seasons and Shoppes at Cotai Central. Forming an integrated network, owned by Sands Resorts Cotai Strip Macao, the labyrinth brings together more than 800 stores. I kid you not.
The Parisian Macao is a 20-minute drive from the Macau ferry terminal.
THE SPACE
From the front entry, built to resemble Paris' Gare du Nord train station, gilded doors open to a domed rotunda styled on the L'Hotel National des Invalides. A few mimes and marauding musketeers complete the picture.
The hotel has approximately 3000 guestrooms and suites, 170 shops, 11 cafes and restaurants, kids' club, pool deck with themed water park and a 1200-seat theatre (Thriller Live runs until mid-November). And while there's a casino somewhere, I don't see more than a few screened entrances to it.
THE ROOM
After the opulence of the public areas my Eiffel Tower room is simple and subdued (and a little underwhelming) but eventually I appreciate it as a quiet retreat from all the faux-Frenchiness. The wow factor is supplied by my view of the Eiffel Tower, particular during the evening illumination light show (Note: not all room categories have views). Sure, it's a knock-off of Gustave's masterpiece, but there's still a certain joie de vivre to the whole thing. As well as fast (and free) Wi-Fi, the room comes with a super-sized (140cm) HDTV, well-lit work desk, comfortable armchair, good sized bath and separate shower, mini-bar, and tea and coffee making facilities. While it is rated as a four-star hotel, it's certainly at the upper end of the scale (though sadly, no nightly turndown service or chocolate on the pillow).
THE FOOD
Located on the sixth floor of the Eiffel Tower, The Parisian's signature restaurant, Le Chine, serves up regional Cantonese dishes with a nod to France. After a glass of Veuve Clicquot our group orders a variety of dishes, mixing old-school favourites such as honey glazed barbecued pork with modern interpretations like crispy duck a l'orange marinated in black pepper and mandarin peel. Desserts range from berry creme brulee to crepes with red bean filling. Surrounded by steel girders and light fittings resembling Jules Verne air balloons, it's easy to fall for the fantasy. The hotel also offers Japanese, French-Vietnamese and Nanyang restaurants as well as sidewalk cafes and patisseries. The breakfast buffet is a contact sport and best avoided during peak hour.
STEPPING OUT
With its own Avenue des Champs-Elysees you won't need to step far for some retail therapy. For shopping of a more local nature the cobbled streets of old Macau are an easy 20-minute drive away, while the historic hub of Taipa is within walking distance.
THE VERDICT
Ideal for those seeking a themed holiday experience with everything under one roof.
ESSENTIALS
Lote 3 Cotai Strip, Taipa. Rates start from $HK1273 ($215) a night for an Eiffel Tower room (14-day advance, mid-week). See parisianmacao.com
HIGHLIGHT – Shooting to the top of the Eiffel Tower, with its observation deck and views over the Coati Strip and mainland China (additional cost).
LOWLIGHT – Getting lost constantly and needing a map to find my way around.
Kerry van der Jagt was a guest of The Parisian Macao
Our rating: 4 out of 5
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating: 3.5 out of 5
