More about Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16
>>Singapore's Preferred Budget...
by tan_li_lian
>>Singapore's Preferred Budget Hotel (New 7th Storey Hotel) is a nice resting place after a long day
of touring around in Singapore. It offers reasonable price----->Deluxe (Private Bath): Singapore Dollar $72 nett; >Superior (Private Bath): Singapore Dollar $68 nett; >Standard (Common Bath): Singapore Dollar $48 nett; > Backpacker Special/person (4-sharing to a room, for 2/3/4 persons): Singapore
Dollar $16 nett.
>>Address: 229, Rochor Road, Singapore 188452.
>>Tel: (65) 3370251
>>Fax: (65) 3343550
>>E-Mail: nsshmail@mbox2.singnet.com.sg
RED MARKET
by RoyJava
When visiting the RED MARKET I was surprised to find truly Indonesian products, like coffee (kopi tubruk), sweet delicacies and flowers (sedep malam). The RED MARKET area is located between the Avenida do Almirante Lacerda and Avenida de Horta e Costa. It is told the area got its name because of the red bricks houses ...
Very nice to see at the RED MARKET are the handicrafts where the products are still hand-made. Like the incense of this man on picture. I bought the famous Quan Yin incense and you could smell the strong fragrance all around when the artisan burnt one for me.
When visiting the RED MARKET, take bus 1 - 1A - 3 - 4 - 5 - 8 - 16 - 17 - 23 - 25 - 26 - 26A - 32 - 33 - 34
Statue Of Kun Iam
by RoyJava
When you visit a particular spot, famous for its history, beauty or just speciality, you could learn a lot, like about the Macau history. Watch Macau in her real way. Surrounded by the past, it really helps to bring the past alive again. It's likely to be a far more enjoyable educational experience, too than reading a historical book - especially for children.
See the striking 20 m-high statue of bronze (weights 50 tonnes) which rises from an artificial island. It is the Goddess of Mercy, KUN IAM (also known as "Pou Chai Sim Yun"), and upmost popular of the Buddhist deities. She is the "Protectress of Children", and Lady of Prosperity.
The figure stands in a dome-shaped lotus flower with 16 petals, 7 metres high and 19 metres across. The educative culture centre is named KUN IAM Ecumenical Centre, with info for Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism (Chinas 3 predominant philosopies).
The Centre is divided in 2 levels. Once entered (free!) there is the reception counter, the second level is a basement where a room for about 50 persons and a small library are located. Mini activities can be done here, such as conferences, exhibitions, films, etc.
On the 19th day of the 2nd, 6th, 9th and 11th month a festival is celebrated, special dedicated to KUN IAM.
Opening hours : 10:30am to 18:00pm (closed on every Fridays)
Macau Canidrome Dog Club
by vincentf
A local greyhound racing track in the middle of a residential district of Toi San. These races are held on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays starting from 7:30 p.m. and there are around 16 games on every racing evening. Admission is MOP10 (usable for betting) for the public stand.
Superb Sofitel
by TripAdvisor Member chris036
The Sofitel Macau is located at the far end of the City as opposed to the main Casino themed hotels, but this end is where you'll find the majority of the Portugese collonial architecture. It is still central however, as Macau is fairly compact and easy to navigate.
At the time of writing, certain parts of this hotel were still uncompleted, but rooms, restaurants, casino and reception areas were. And it's a class act, the decor and attention is excellent - you'll spot nice touches all around; the huge chandellier outside, the funky lights outside the lift that indicate its direction (up/down), plush electronic room drapes, remote TVs in the bathrooms...
My room was City facing, tastefully decorated, ultra-modern and beautifully appointed. L'Occitane amenities, separate toilet & shower cubicles in the bathroom, huge luxurious bed & bedding, 37" LCD TV, robes & slippers...the works.
Restaurant food was good, breakfast choice excellent. Fitness centre very good too, but the pool wasn't heated - a big fly in the ointment Sofitel - it does get chilly out there at night!
One final gripe was with the business centre - just one computer and hours 9am-5pm only. For such a large hotel this is very poor.
Macau is a bit of a hotchpotch of culture - the Portugese history is somewhat overwhelmed by modern Chinese culture, and I found the Casinos very different from their Vegas counterparts.
Great hotel, attentive staff, 10min walk from main casinos
by TripAdvisor Member mcmug2002
Booked 2 nights at the Sofitel Macau on the hotel website at a rate of $150 CAD a night, including tax/service fees. Room was spacious and newly furnished. Very attentive service and nice amenities (Nice bathroom with shower + tub + L'occitane products), also included turn down service in the evening.
Free shuttle from Macau Ferry Terminal (as expected - all major hotel runs free shuttle). It's about a 12 to 15 mins ride, depending on traffic. Frequent shuttle service to the terminal and also to the Chinese border gate (North).
Brand new finishing. Also, the ventilation is quite good so you don't get the smokiness of other casino hotels in the lobby/common area. Very nice pool and pool-side restaurant, overlooking the river / Delta region..
I don't think this hotel is as busy as the others (Grand Lisboa, Wynn) because it's a bit further out. However, it is a really short walk from the main attractions (within 15mins to St. Paul Ruins, Grand Lisboa, etc) and I definitely prefer the "quietness" it offered.
Minor issues during our stay (light switch/fuse stopped working briefly, room key timed out) but they're both resolved very quickly. Hotel staff also apologized profusely and immediately offered late check out. Overall the service was really great.
Throughly enjoyed our stay!
Good hotel, but nothing special
by TripAdvisor Member HKGTravelLover
This is the second time I live with Sofitel. First time was the Sofitel in Amsterdam. Sofitel at Ponte 16 is a very typical Sofitel. Clean room, big bed, very nice bathroom with full set of amentities (comb, shower cap, L'occitane shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, etc), LCD TV, hair dryer, iron, etc.
Free shuttle from Hong Kong - Macau Ferry Terminal is available to Ponte 16 & it takes about 10 minutes. You can use the ferry terminal as a hub as there're free transportation from there to hotels such as Venetian / MGM / Wynns. Big hotels I've mentioned also got free transportation to many other places. You can save quite a lot of taxi money if you use the free transportation smartly.
Sofitel at Ponte 16 is in walkable distance with Ruins of St. Paul's & Macau Museum. It's very convenience for those who wanna buy souvenirs such as BBQ sliced pork or giner candy as all branded shops are near to St Paul's.
If you wanna have an easy & relaxing trip, Sofitel can be your option. If you wanna feel the glamouring side of this "Sin City" (well, I just mean Casino, Casino, Casino), you should spend more to live in the famous hotel with big casino & shopping arcade.
Appalling Hospitality
by TripAdvisor Member PollyBob
Basically one can't deny Sofitel Ponte 16 has an attractive location and appearance that entice lots of guests. But its front desk service is hilarious! I wasn't noticed, neither by the agent nor the hotel, that no twin bed room was available until my arrival. In the end, no upgrade, no extra bed, and the staff was just trying to convince me it's a sober fact that I had to sleep with my companion (fortunately that's my sibling whom I was travelling with). I complained, and what the GM gave me was nothing more than apologies. Basically their explanation is that a twin bed room is a special request that may be not possible to offer in the end. If you really fancy Sofitel, make sure the room type that you order is available and be ready to no compensation in the end in case of anything bad.
But be neutral, the decor is really attractive. English speaking staff are really nice and hospitable. But some of the Chinese staff seem a bit unprofessional. It's winter so I didn't try out the pool, but the gym provides comprehensive facilities and nice pool view to make your workout very delightful.
My room is a luxury riverview one, what you can see outside the window is a dirty river and stains on the glass.
But the collection of LOCCITANE shampoo etc. is really good. Can't believe a hotel can offer such a nice hair conditioner! :P
Never Fails Me
by TripAdvisor Member redcayenne
I come to Macau on business about every month. I've tried a ton of hotels in this area. Although I am on an expense account, it has limits. For my money this is a great hotel. (Even though you pay for the internet, it is blazing fast and never cuts out just as you have finished your email but not yet sent it into the ethersphere...)
The rooms are modernly elegant. Very well equipped. The beds are soft, which for those of us who often stay in China, Hong Kong, Macau, know is a rare thing. The staff always goes the extra mile to accomodate your wishes. They have been trained in that kind of "french formality" style, that I believe some reviewers find off-putting. It can come off as sort of snobby. But I find if I scratch below that veneer the staff are really sweet chinese people who are trying extremely hard to get it right according to the standards of their management. There is some of that following the "letter of the law" but not really understanding why a westerner might want that. But if you try to get them talking, they are just people trying to do their job correctly. And truly, "sweet" is the word that always comes to my mind when I deal with the staff here. They always seem to be willing to laugh at their own little mistakes, and try it again, or do whatever you instruct.
Food is excellent in the restaurant, and room service is dependable and served fresh & hot.
I don't frequent the casino, but find it pretty much out of the way and doesn't interfere with my business stay whatsoever. Most locals enter the casino from the street and are not walking through the hotel, which is nice. Typically, I don't like to go to casino hotels, even those I find in Las Vagas as well as Macau. Too much smoke, too much noise, etc. (so you should know that about me and what I tend to like, or not like...)
Here's a little tip.. If you join the Sofitel (Acor) loyalty program before you make your reservation you'll usually receive an upgrade at the desk.
I can't tell you how many times I have tried another hotel in Macau, only to check out in a day or two, and come back to the Sofitel Pointe 16. They never fail me.
Worse Hotel I Ever Stay....
by TripAdvisor Member kloon76
I don't even know where to start to describe how horrible this hotel is or maybe i don't even bother to go in detail on how bad mine experience with this hotel. My only advise is you just do not want to take chances with this hotel!! I know there are rave reviews about this hotel but you just don't want to take chances with this particular hotel that can be a snobbish experience and holiday spoiler. Just try to take a safer bet go to other hotels in Macau and definitely not this one.
Photos
Senado Square
Very fresh seafood.
Shopping at the Senado Square
Venetian Hotel Facade- a must see at night
Forum Posts
Getting around Senado Square
by earthboundfaerie
ello,
Can anyone tell me where I might be able to find a comprehensive tourist map of Senado Square anywhere on the Net? I made this list of these spots we want to visit when we go to Macau next month and I want to make sure we know where to go when we get there:
- Caffe Chocola in Travessa de Sao Dmonigos
- Wong Chi Kei
- Koi Kei Bakery
- Yee Shun Milk Company
not to mention all the attractions near Seando Square like the Churches, ruins, Na Tcha Temple, etc. I was wondering if it would be difficult to find these places or get around Senado Square at all. i'd also like to know where we can buy local crafts and products, too.
And how many hours should we allot to eat and shop around this area so a map or details on where everything is and how long it would take to walk from one point to another would be very, very helpful. :)
Oh and what time do the shops and restaurants usually close on weekends?
Thanks in advance for the help! ;)
P.S. Will be staying at Sofitel at Ponte 16 and they mentioned that Senado Square would be a few minutes walk. Is this true?
Huangshan
by elizasavitri
Hi!
I am going to Huangshan on May, 16 2009. I will reach Hangzhou-Xiaoshan airport at 22.20pm. Can someone advise me what is the best way to go to Hangzhou city (shuttle bus, taxi, etc), how long it will take and how much it will cost.
Thanks in advance! eliza
Bus from Kunming to Hanoi?
by stedeb
Anyone know if this is possible? is it correct that the train only runs twice a week on this route? Any suggestion of cheap airline tickets for this route??
Thanks
Re: Bus from Kunming to Hanoi?
by klavier
Don't think the train exist anymore.
Not too sure if there is a direct bus from Kunming to Hanoi. however you can catch a local sleeper bus from Kunming to Hukou (not sure exact spelling). From Hukou, you can walk across the bridge over to the VN town of Lao Cai.
Journey takes about 12 hours... but be prepared for a tough ride... It might be possible you end up with no seat/bed as they seem to issue more tickets than seating spaces. I ended up seating on the floor of the bus for 16 hours.....
From Lao Cai take a train down to Hanoi...
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