A grand façade modelled after the Palace of Westminster and Houses of Parliament. Chimes on the hour from a replica of London’s iconic Elizabeth Tower (as Big Ben is formally referred to these days). A 10-storey-high atrium inspired by Victorian London’s iconic Crystal Palace.
After a nearly US$2 billion rebranding project, Sands Cotai Central has been transformed into The Londoner Macao – an integrated resort that blends British aesthetics with nonstop entertainment and seriously luxe accommodation.
There are roughly 6,000 rooms and suites in total – not to mention more than 20 restaurants and three spas – spread across five hotel brands. You may already know Conrad Macao, The St. Regis Macao and Sheraton Grand Macao. But what about The Londoner Hotel, featuring Suites by David Beckham? Or Londoner Court?
From Victorian bathtubs to butlers on call to pop art by Sir Peter Blake (of Beatles album cover fame), here’s our guide to Cotai’s new trio of British accommodations.
The Londoner Hotel
In a nutshell: Home to all the playful, exciting and fashionable energy of modern London.
The design: If you’re looking for a hotel that balances contemporary and timeless English style, you’ve come to the right place. Across the 600 suites, which range from the 75-square-metre Louis and Victoria Suites to the 113-square-metre Windsor Suite, you’ll find luxurious decor with bags of British personality.
For starters, there’s a gallery-like foyer with colourful artwork, tartan-inspired mirror, houndstooth-patterned carpets and black pillows adorned with The Londoner’s golden crest in the bedroom. Adding to the British charm, each guestroom has a spacious living room with a high-backed leather chair and Chesterfield sofa, while serene marble bathrooms feature a deep Victorian-style bathtub.
The perks: Reserved for The Londoner Hotel guests, The Residence (which, despite its name, is an executive lounge and not a place to spend the night) is an exclusive club that exudes English sensibilities with its wood-panelled walls and tributes to influential British figures like Winston Churchill.
In the morning, sit down for a leisurely breakfast (and possibly the best crab congee you’ll ever have) or visit later for a buffet-style afternoon tea. Each evening, enjoy cocktails, canapes, an excellent selection of jazz and blues – plus a round of snooker, should you fancy!
[See more: This new Huaiyang restaurant in Macao just won a Michelin star]
What else: Be sure to explore the many landmarks and interactive activities during your stay. Walk with The Beatles down Abbey Road, hop on an original 1966 double-decker bus and then catch the Londoner Light and Sound Spectacular in the evening. Created with over 10,000 lights, this dazzling show brings the façade to life with special visual effects set to a quintessentially British soundtrack.
Londoner Court
In a nutshell: All the chic aesthetics of a London townhouse combined with round-the-clock butler service for a totally carefree stay.
The design: With 368 residences, this all-suite hotel channels capital city style with neutral tones, textured fabrics and a splash of art deco. Spread out across the living area or dig into cold-pressed juices, single-origin Illy coffees and Portuguese egg tarts in the kitchen.
Whether in a one- or four-bedroom suite, you’ll appreciate the palatial bathroom, kitted out with a Jacuzzi tub and bath products by Penhaligon, an iconic British perfume house. Even the hairdryer (a Dyson, no less) is British.
The perks: You’ll also be spoiled with 24-hour dedicated butler service fit for modern-day royalty. Every member of the butler team undergoes an extensive training programme, so in addition to shoe shines and pressings, they can brew specialty coffee just how you like it, help you choose wines like a sommelier, and even take photos of your family at the hotel’s Instagram hot spots.
Plus, the butler team also offers in-room wellness experiences, like a signature bath ritual or the ‘Perfect Sleep’ programme, including a personal consultation and bespoke amenities to help you rest, such as a foot spa massager and aromatic essential oils.
When it comes to dining, Londoner Court guests have exclusive access to The Kensington, which offers a breakfast-slash-brunch feast from 7 am to 1 pm. Indulge in caviar, Parma ham, Alaskan crab legs, Peking duck, eggs with freshly shaved truffle or check out the a la carte menu for daily specialities.
Later on, unwind at The Club over an ultra-luxurious afternoon tea or peruse the cocktail menu for a pre-dinner tipple.
What else: To relax and unwind, soak up the sun at the Londoner Court swimming pool or explore the hotel’s eclectic collection of specially commissioned artwork. Among the many creations by English artists, look for a vibrant painting of the Thames by landscape artist Barbara Macfarlane, large-scale geometric paintings by Ann Thornycroft, and an arresting abstract steel sculpture by Nick Moran. There’s a discovery around every corner!
Suites by David Beckham
In a nutshell: A lavish experience designed by David Beckham as a personal vacation home, complete with all his creature comforts and 24-hour butler services.
The Design: Set on the top two floors of The Londoner Hotel, each of the 14 invitation-only suites has been designed by Sands Resorts Macao Global Ambassador David Beckham in collaboration with renowned London interior design firm David Collins Studio.
You can feel the soccer star’s personal touch in every corner, from his favourite shades of navy blue and British racing green to black-and-white family photos, broguing details on the leather couch (reflecting his love for handmade leather shoes), and more.
Full of character and thoughtful details, the suites range from one to three bedrooms – each with an open-plan living and dining area; a kitchen and pantry; a spacious marble primary bathroom with a steam room; a separate powder room; a walk-in dressing room; and a relaxation room with a massage chair, big-screen TV and video game equipment.
While you’re there, take time to appreciate the diverse artwork, including British pop art by industry veterans David Spiller and Sir Peter Thomas Blake, a specially commissioned 24-carat gold map of London by British artist Justine Smith, and personal family photos shot and signed by Brooklyn Beckham.
The perks: Guests also enjoy dedicated butler service day and night, as well as access to The Londoner Hotel’s pool deck and exclusive club lounge, The Residence. Better yet, embark on the football star’s ‘Be My Guest’ programme to try exclusive lifestyle experiences hand-picked by Beckham himself. From his favourite meals to cigars, whisky and more, you can effectively step into the celebrity’s shoes during your stay.
What else: Each suite has a few playful surprises. For example, one suite has a secret bar behind a door in the living room (the bar is even modelled after the celebrity’s favourite London watering hole, The Connaught Bar), and another has a hidden karaoke system in the dining room.
