Because the right stay can make or break your trip
Hong Kong and Macau may sit next to each other on the map, but the way you choose a hotel in each city is completely different.
Hong Kong is all about transportation & efficiency, while Macau shines with resorts & amenities.
Here are 10 practical tips to help you pick the perfect hotel in Hong Kong and Macau before your next trip.
1️⃣ Location comes first — always
For Hong Kong, staying close to an MTR station is the single most important rule.
For Macau, the free shuttle bus network between major resorts matters more than anything.
Best areas
- Hong Kong: Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, Causeway Bay
- Macau: Cotai Strip, Macau Peninsula
2️⃣ Check the surroundings, not just the hotel
Convenience stores, cafes, and restaurants nearby dramatically change your experience.
And remember — Hong Kong has a lot of steep uphill streets.
A 5-minute walk on the map may feel like a workout in real life.
3️⃣ Breakfast included? Not always worth it
Hong Kong’s cafe scene is world-class.
Shops like The Cupping Room and NOC Coffee often offer better (and cheaper) breakfast options than many hotel buffets.
4️⃣ Room size matters — check the square meters
Hong Kong hotels are famous for tiny rooms.
Finding a room under 10 m² is very common.
Try to book at least 14 m² and choose a “With Window” room if possible.
Macau resorts generally offer much larger rooms, so size is less of a concern there.
5️⃣ Read only the most recent reviews
Hotel quality can change fast due to renovations or management updates.
Sort by “Most Recent Reviews” and ignore anything older than 6 months.
6️⃣ In Macau, shuttle buses = transportation
Major resorts like the Venetian, Parisian, Galaxy, Wynn, and MGM offer extensive free shuttle routes.
If your hotel is on these lines, you can reach most attractions without taxis or public transport.
7️⃣ Compare prices across multiple platforms
Instead of local card discounts(irrelevant for international guests), focus on things that matter globally:
✔ Price comparison across Agoda, Booking.com, Trip.com, and official websites
✔ Flexible cancellation policies
✔ Final price after taxes & service fees
✔ Currency setting in USD or HKD to avoid unnecessary conversion charges
8️⃣ Use a “split stay” strategy
If you’re visiting both cities:
For a 3–4 day trip:
- Spend 1–2 nights in Hong Kong (Central / Tsim Sha Tsui)
- Then 1 night in Macau at a resort in Cotai
This gives you the perfect balance between sightseeing and relaxation.
9️⃣ Message the hotel after booking
Send a quick message via the booking platform:
- High floor request
- Non-smoking room
- Early/late check-in
- Preferred bed type
Even a simple “High floor, please :)” genuinely increases your chances.
🔟 Look for seasonal deals, not country-specific promotions
Instead of focusing on Korea-only card discounts, international travelers should watch for:
- Seasonal coupons (Agoda / Booking / Trip.com)
- Members-only rates
- Early bird offers
- Hotel website promo codes
You can easily save 10–20% with the right timing.
Quick Summary
| Type | Hong Kong | Macau |
|---|---|---|
| Key theme | Transportation, efficiency, city access | Resort experience, relaxation, views |
| Best areas | Tsim Sha Tsui / Central / Causeway Bay | Cotai Strip / Macau Peninsula |
| What to check | MTR access, room size, nearby cafes | Shuttle routes, resort facilities, shows |
| Ideal stay | 2–3 nights | 1–2 nights |