The colour of money

The high ceiling lobby with its glittering walls

Were it not for the big sign spelling out the name of the hotel, I might not have known that I was standing in the lobby of the newly opened Hard Rock hotel in Macau.

Not that the design is weak, mind you. The facade instantly gives off a bold and luxurious air, much like a rock star. But unlike other Hard Rock Hotels that stand relatively low and wide, this one is super high and slim. It's sleeker and more upscale too, probably because it's officially categorised as the "new Hard Rock generation".

This latest member of the Hard Rock Hotel chain is part of City of Dreams, an integrated entertainment resort that's expected to become Macau's "must experience" destination. It opened its doors to the public on June 1 and Hard Rock Hotel joins other two more upscale inns  Crown Towers and Grand Hyatt Macau - on a stretch that's home to theatres, an entertainment and shopping complex and, of course, casinos.

The high ceiling lobby, with its glittering walls and minimal decoration, is strangely devoid is rock star memorabilia. Instead, these donated collectibles are kept neatly on shelves.

Hard Rock has 300 guestrooms, including 200 Standard King, Double Queen and Accessible King rooms, 64 Corner Suites and two Rock Star Suites, all designed with practicality and comfort in mind.

Each room boasts flat screen HDTV with cable channels, king size beds, shower and bathtub, coffee and tea maker, high speed Internet access and video games on demand. The only feature that's very typical Hard Rock is the "MIXME" personal bartending station, which provides basic alcohol and ice with shaker, strainer and cocktail glasses. Beware, the mini bar charges are not giveaways though the latest issue of Rolling Stone magazine and the daily newspaper are free.

For a more luxurious stay, opt for a Corner Suite with Hard Rock's signature 350 thread count Rock Egyptian cotton linen, goosedown duvet and pillows, spacious bath tub and retro style furniture. Real rock stars might make the Rock Star Suites their first choice. Blessed with the 180degree view that you can enjoy even while soaking in the massive tub, the room comes with the signature cotton linen, DVD system with surround sound and 65 inches HDTV plus luxurious bar ware and floral arrangement.

But all rooms are spacious and cleverly designed, with many offering views of Cotai though some look out over the airport and the stadium. Make a special request upon booking if you want the view. As smoking is allowed in all rooms and none have balconies, nonsmokers might be offended by the faint smell of stale smoke left by a previous guest.

Hard Rock Hotel has a few entertainment joints, including the R Bar at lobby level that temporarily becomes a restaurant during breakfast hours. Rock Spa offers a range of treatments and when the sun goes down you can enjoy the barbecue at the outdoor swimming pool and lounge area.

From the hotel, it's an easy walk to the many restaurants, bars and shopping outlets in City of Dreams, as well as to the hotel casinos that are open round the clock.

Unfortunately, Hard Rock Hotel is on Cotai strip right opposite the famous Venetian complex, so you don't get much in the way of local vibes. For the historical destinations, hop in a taxi. Macau's city centre island is just a few minutes away.

AT A GLANCE

High point: Centrally located, close to airport, modern and spacious with wide selection of a food and super convenient access to the casinos.

Low point: Not family friendly, lacks diversity in nightlife, a bit far from tourist and historical attractions

Find it: City of Dreams, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, Macau

Pay for it: Contact the hotel for better price.

Phone it: (853) 8868 3338

Browse it: www.HardRockHotelMacau.com