Sofitel Ponte 16 Luxury Mansion
It has a huge globe monitor that looks funky at night when changing colors hanging just right below the main entrance facade arc of this huge chrome and crimson colored building. It has statues of cows dressed in different patterns on the entrance grounds. Located just beside the old town of Macau and an inner harbor with Mainland China just across. Ponte 16 five-star resort is where we stayed in Macau for three nights. So how was it?
View of Macau Tower, inner harbor and China from my room
Location
I find it very strategic and convenient. I like the Old Town of Macau a lot and it’s just on the neighborhood. A convenient five to ten minutes walk I’m already at the Historic Center of Macau. Pushing further if I traverse the main road, it will lead me to the bridge on the way to Taipa.
My Room at Sofitel
Rooms
I got to stay at one of the 408 luxury rooms and suites of the hotel. Aside from the picturesque view of the inner harbor between China and Macau with the Macau tower clearly seen on the horizon, the room is spacious, warm lighting, elegant furniture, very comfortable pillows and bed and neat bathroom. Never mind the long walks on the hallway just to get to my room. As once inside, it’s the comfort that matters. Definitely Classy
Poolside Gym
Facilities
As required on being a five-star hotel are the several facilities for their guest. They have a very nice pool. I wasn’t able to swim on it but I was able to try their Gym and sauna. It has limited exercise machines but it makes up for its technology. Men’s locker room is neat and orderly.
Food
They have the Mistral Restaurant on the 6th floor where we usually have our breakfast. Breakfast Buffet is generally good but selection is limited. I think if I stayed here for a week I’d be too I’d easily tire of the breakfast buffet menu.
At the MJ Gallery
MJ Gallery
It’s one of the premiere attractions of the hotel with numerous memorabilia from Michael Jackson. There’s also an exhibit of other items actually used on the sets of movies like Superman and Star Wars. Clothes and accessories from musical artist they actually wore and used during concerts. It’s an interesting gallery for fan boys and collectors.
One of the beds at the Mansion
The Mansion
Just when we thought it couldn’t get more upscale than it already is. We got a tour of the mansion wing where every room is an example of what luxury living is. That is if one can shell out more than HK$ 3000 a night, one can experience luxury living at its finest here.
The Price
Average pricing for the rooms is about US$200 a night. Definitely worth it if you got enough money for a leisure stay or a business trip.
Impression
I had a convenient stay here at Ponte 16. I think its key strength is the location and facilities it offers. Breakfast Buffet could have more variety. Still, I enjoy sitting by the window just to enjoy the view.
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
