The Venetian Macao

The canal was dry when we visited, which is meant to be one of the main attractions. Without water, it lost much of that Venetian feel. The place looks grand, but it was so crowded that enjoying anything was difficult. I left disappointed because the experience didn't live up to the hype.

The gym was a pleasant surprise, with plenty of free weights and machines for all the major muscle groups, better than many hotel gyms I've seen. Our suites were spacious and comfortable, with separate living and sleeping areas, two TVs, and a huge bathroom with both a tub and shower. The beds were very comfortable, and adjoining suites worked well for our family trip. The downside was a lingering tobacco smell in one suite and, occasionally, in the corridor, even though we were on a non-smoking floor. Despite that, we had a luxurious and comfortable stay, and I'd still recommend The Venetian Macao.

This feels like a three-star hotel pretending to be five-star. I stayed for free and still came away disappointed, and my standards aren't high since I usually stay in Airbnbs. The room WiFi isn't secure, just free public WIFI that anyone can use, even people who aren't staying there, so I worry hackers on the same network could access your data. And don't get me started on the kind of people who stay here. At this point, you'd have to pay me to come back.

We were impressed by the hospitality and the range of services at The Venetian. Our suite was about 750 square feet, with two TVs and a lovely view of The Londoner Macau. The shopping area makes it easy to walk between nearby hotels and attractions, including the Eiffel Tower. There are free shuttles from the ferry pier to the hotel, as well as rides to major locations. It really did feel like a five-star stay, and I'd highly recommend it.