Grand Lisboa Macau — Hotel in Sé

The Grand Lisboa in Macau stands as an icon of exuberance and architectural boldness, capturing the essence of the city’s dynamic blend of traditional Chinese culture and modern, high-energy luxury. Rising prominently over Macau’s skyline, the structure’s unique form is immediately recognizable. Designed to resemble a giant lotus flower atop a golden pedestal, the Grand Lisboa is a symbolic nod to Macau’s history as a Chinese territory and a testament to its rapid modernization.

The building’s lower portion is structured like a giant, faceted diamond, giving the appearance of a reflective jewel at the heart of the city. This base, home to the hotel’s casino and entertainment areas, is clad in glass panels that shimmer under the sun by day and glow with a multi-hued LED spectacle by night, echoing the vibrant energy of Macau’s nightlife.

Ascending from the dazzling base, the tower blossoms into a fan of golden petals. Each petal sweeps upward, shaped with curves reminiscent of traditional Chinese pagoda roofs but elongated and exaggerated for a dramatic effect. The textured gold facade gleams in the light, drawing visitors’ eyes upward to the sharp spire at the tower’s peak, adding a sense of movement and aspiration to the design. These curves are more than aesthetic choices; they provide structural resilience and allow the building to taper upward without losing its visual impact.

Inside, the Grand Lisboa exudes the same luxury as its exterior promises, with interiors that combine rich textures, bold colors, and intricate details reflecting both contemporary elegance and traditional Chinese motifs. Custom chandeliers, intricate mosaics, and lush materials imbue the space with an opulence that balances the building’s flamboyant form.

Ultimately, the Grand Lisboa is not only a testament to Macau’s transformation into a global entertainment and gambling hub but also a bold architectural statement that captures the city’s fusion of cultural heritage and cutting-edge luxury. It’s a destination in itself, a beacon of Macau’s skyline that celebrates the meeting of East and West through the lens of...

There is basically no place to sit down in the lobby. (Spoiler alert, we had to pay 90 MOP just for my elderly grandmother to sit.) There were hoards of us this afternoon just standing/sitting on the ground at the front of the lobby since we had checked out and were waiting for different things. Then an employee came and told us all that we couldn't sit/idle there, and that there was seating in the back. The "seating" ended up being for a bar, where there was a big sign saying "people under 18 can't enter here" at the enterance. I was very obviously with my 10 year old sister (and even I just turned 18 a few months ago), and with my elderly grandmother, so I have no idea why the employee would point us there. We spotted an elevator leading to their round the clock coffee, and assumed we could just buy a cup and sit there. Well, they required everyone sitting down to buy at least one drink, and the cheapest thing there was 1 can of soda for 30 MOP. Even water was more expensive, at 40 MOP. My grandmother couldn't stand much longer so we just had to take the L and spend 90 MOP just to sit. On top of that, we had a takeout box and weren't allowed to open it because it was outside food. I'm not saying "fancy" coffee places aren't allowed to make their own rules and I know Macau is an expensive place to vacation, but can you put more than 1 tiny couch in the lobby that's always occupied so my grandmother doesn't need to go to your damn coffee shop? So PSA - if you're not staying here (why would you when you can stay in the new cotai strip?), there's nothing to see at this hotel, it's...

The hotel is falsely advertising amenities and features. The only restaurant that’s open is the 24-hour coffee shop. All other Michelin Star-rated and “renowned” dining establishments are “closed due to Covid.” The food was terrible and there were only two choices for breakfast—both disgusting. The hotel is cutting corners and saving money wherever possible, including poorly-heated rooms. The Grand Lisboa also requires that customers pay a 250 USD deposit with a credit card on arrival. This made me uncomfortable. I purchased my stay via PayPal because I prefer using my credit card as little as possible for security reasons. We left three nights early because the stay was such a disappointment. The staff were constantly apologizing to everyone and they were very kind. However, Grand Lisboa’s owners and upper level management are to blame for its cost-cutting and customer-unfriendly policies. After observing different areas and hotels in Macao, it seemed like certain foreign-owned hotels, such as the Sofitel are maintaining higher standards and prioritizing customer satisfaction. The Venetian also seemed to still have a lot of business, as well. This trip taught me that there are only a few establishments that are doing well. The Grand Lisboa is a hotel that’s experiencing a serious financial crisis and this is being projected onto customers. I had a great experience at the Sofitel during a previous trip. I recommend staying...