Best of rivals: Wynn Palace and The Parisian Macao raise the level of competition in the city’s hospitality sector

Macau’s hotels are taking another giant step upmarket this autumn with the addition of two larger-than-life properties in the entertainment centre of Cotai.

Wynn Palace, sister resort to Wynn Macau – one of the first among the new breed of integrated resorts – threw open its doors last week. And The Parisian Macao is due to bring more than a hint of French flair to the enclave when it launches on September 13.

Wynn Palace has 1,706 rooms, suites and villas. The property embraces a floral theme, practically doubles as a museum with multimillion-dollar works of art, and guests are greeted by the sight of a three-hectare performance lake – far bigger than the body of water outside Wynn Macau – traversed by air conditioned gondolas.

The resort’s accommodation is divided into four categories, starting with Palace Rooms, which are furnished with Egyptian cotton sheets, Bang & Olufsen audio systems and Molton Brown bathroom accessories. Both Parlor and Fountain Suites are larger, but the best of Wynn Palace’s rooms are the Fountain Salon Suites, with views over the Performance Lake and butlers standing by at all hours of the day to gratify guests’ every whim.

The aura of sophistication at Wynn Palace is emphasised by some of its more pricey attributes. The art collection – which includes four rare 18th century Qing dynasty vases and Jeff Koons’ celebrated Tulips sculpture – has been valued at more than US$200 million.

Wynn Palace’s gaming opportunities will include 400 tables once fully opened, of which 60 are expected to be reserved for high rollers.

The Parisian – at the southern end of the Cotai Strip and fronted by a half-size replica of the Eiffel Tower – brackets the massive development overseen by Las Vegas tycoon, Sheldon Adelson, which includes both the Four Seasons Macao and The Venetian which takes its architectural cue from the northern Italian city.

The Parisian is an integrated resort in all senses, with the sprawling gaming facilities backed up by 3,000 luxurious guestrooms and suites, extensive convention and meeting space, and international restaurants. Youngsters will be taken care of at the club, and there’s also a spa, health club, a pool deck with themed water park, and a 1,200-seat theatre.

The Parisian’s retail mall, Shoppes at Parisian, will tempt with the latest in fashion and couture in a setting reminiscent of the French capital’s streets.

The Parisian’s architects were at pains to make the design as Gallic as possible. The proportions and dimensions mirror the Louis XVI period and the Baroque revival of the 19th century, while the rotunda – which forms the main entrance to the hotel – is based on an ornate fountain inspired by the fountains in the Place de la Concorde in Paris.

Hard on the heels of The Parisian and Wynn Palace, four equally star-studded hotels are due to welcome their first guests by the end of next year.

Quite the most arresting is The 13, the brainchild of Hong Kong tycoon Stephen Hung. With a construction cost of US$1 billion, the 200-suite property aims to be the last word in luxury, chauffeuring its guests aboard a 30-strong fleet of Rolls-Royce Phantoms. MGM will be extending its reach in Macau with the 1,600-room MGM Cotai. Adding to the City of Dreams’ extensive offerings, the Fifth Hotel Tower will showcase fine dining and 780 rooms and suites. And the Lisboa is due to get a sister hotel the Lisboa Palace, superior even to the Grand Lisboa and with as many as 600 gaming tables.