Overnight in Macau

QUESTION: I am attending a conference in Hong Kong in December and would like to spend a night or two at one of the casino resorts in Macau. Any helpful advice would be appreciated. - Robert Harris

ANSWER: You don't have to stay on Macau, as there is a regular and very efficient 24-hour hydrofoil ferry service from Hong Kong 24 hours a day. A one-way ticket for the 70km trip costs around R140-R170. However, if you do want to stay over, try to get a room at the two new casino resorts that are causing waves internationally; the glitzy Wynn Macau or the sparkling new 3000-suite Venetian. Their massive casinos have helped propel Macau past Las Vegas as the world's top gambling destination, based on gambling spend. If you cannot get into the two new resort hotels, try the old faithfuls such as the Mandarin Oriental or the Lisboa. If you want to get away from the very busy casino area, opt for Taipa island, which is much quieter and more suited to families.