Maven Meter: Parisian Macao Casino & Hotel
(Last updated: May 20, 2020)
PARISIAN MACAO INTRODUCTION
Paris in Asia? In Macau anything is possible and with the Eiffel Tower now casting its long shadow over the Cotai Strip, consider it done! Debuting in September 2016 to massive fanfare, Las Vegas Sands has executed another stunner in the spirit of the Venetian, this time bringing all of the pomp and circumstance of the City of Light to Asia.
A grand production worthy of one of Europe’s great capitals, the Parisian Macao boasts 3000 rooms, 170 shops, and world class entertainment in the fully integrated 1200 seat Parisian Theater.
And despite all of the marble balconies, crystal chandeliers and elegant fountains, it’s surprisingly accessible and a lot of fun too, thanks to its motley crew of mimes, models, and street performers holding court in the lobby and shopping quarter.
With lively carnival cabaret vibes inside and Macau’s newest landmark signalling its bad intentions out front, the Parisian Macao has lived up to its massive promise and potential, raising the bar yet again for the next generation of Cotai properties.
Parisian Macao Photo Gallery
CASINO GAMES
A typical Sands casino with typical Sands games, it’s all the same, ad nauseum, forever, until the end of time.
Baccarat – Minimum bet is $5000, only available in the Signature Club.
Commission Free Baccarat – Players win only 50% on a won Banker bet that totals 6. Minimum bet is $500.
Blackjack – Minimum bet is $500. Also has an Over Under 13 side bet that pays based on the sum of your first two cards. Aces always count as one.
As is the case with most side bets, it’s a sucker bet so don’t play it. If you simply can’t resist, bet the over if you do.
Caribbean Stud Poker – Sands casinos in Macau call the game “Sands Stud Poker” even though it’s basically the same as Caribbean Stud Poker. The only difference is that the Progressive Jackpot side bet starts from $50 and you can bet as much as $250 on it.
Minimums are $200.
Craps – Las Vegas Sands is the premier company offering Craps in Macau and all of their casinos with the exception of the Sands offers it. Odds at the Parisian are 3-4-5 and the minimum bet is $200.
Roulette – Standard minimums here with Inside bets $50 and Outside bets $200.
Sic Bo – Big/Small minimums are $300.
Slot Machines – I didn’t count the slot machines but there are probably around 800 with minimums that range from $0.10 and $2.
Live Gaming tables only offer Commission Free Baccarat with lows between $50 and $300.
Electronic Gaming is notable for its Blackjack machine with $50 minimums, because not many casinos in town still offer that game. There’s also Electronic Baccarat ($10), Big Wheel ($10), Craps ($50), Roulette ($10), and Sic Bo ($10).
Three Card Poker – Minimum bet is $200.
War – Dumbest casino game (in my opinion) has $300 minimums.
PROMOTIONS
The rolling program at the Parisian is no different than what’s offered at other Sands casinos in Macau.
Buy ins start from only $30,000 while the rate of return maxes out at 1.2% on amounts rolled in excess of 15 million Hong Kong Dollars.
It’s difficult to find a lower buy in program in Macau than $30,000 HKD.
PARISIAN MACAO HOTEL
Seeing how the Venetian was put together a decade earlier, you already knew what to expect of the Parisian and Las Vegas Sands didn’t disappoint. Starting with the obvious, there’s the stunning half size replica of the Eiffel Tower out front that spans 37 stories, and is a pretty stellar imitation of the real thing, especially when it’s lit up at night.
The lobby is another show stopper, home to a spectacular fountain modelled on the Fontaine des Mers at Place de la Concorde, and two check in counters straight out of the Palais de Versailles.
A further look around the hotel proves that they were only getting started. There are enough chandeliers, paintings, statues, arches, columns and runways to make any fat cat aristocrat feel right at home.
It’s all completely over the top and totally necessary, and I’d like to applaud Las Vegas Sands for the fine work they’ve done yet again, plundering another part of Europe to the benefit of everyone in Asia and Macau.
As for room prices, they’re a touch high, starting from $1230 for ones that don’t face the Eiffel Tower, while those that do are $1400 plus. If you shop around Trip.com and Agoda first, it’s very possible you might be able to save $200 Mops at least.
For those on the road with little ones, you might want to consider the Famille Room, which come equipped with bunk beds and a colour scheme that only preschoolers would love. Awash in soft pinks and light blues it’s the only room I know if of in town that caters exclusively to families traveling with small children.
Rooms booked on the Parisian website are slashed by 25% if booked 14 days in advance, which are the figures I’ve used below.
With 2951 rooms, the Parisian is an absolute monster and the fourth largest property on the Cotai Strip, behind only Sands Cotai (6120), Galaxy (3505) and the Venetian (3000).
Parisian Macao Hotel Room
Due to the sheer number of guests, check in and check out can sometimes be a hassle, so I did their Express Check in instead. You can request it by giving them an email at keyexpress_parisian@sands.com.mo, after which you’ll need to fill in a form stating your confirmation number, arrival date, requested check in time, passport number, nationality, date of birth and credit card information.
You can also make some special requests, so I asked for late checkout at 3 pm and two free tickets for the Eiffel Tower Experience. The free tickets were denied outright, but they did agree to a late check out time of 2 pm. I was then sent an Express Check in pass which I took to the hotel and presented to the concierge who then passed it along to the front desk. Within two minutes I had my room key, and I didn’t even have to give a deposit, which would end up causing problems later on.
I stayed for one night on December 13th, 2016 in the Eiffel Tower King Room, which cost $1120 Mops then. Fairly small and pretty basic, the windows were half the size they be and nothing was free, except for water.
It actually reminded me a lot of the rooms at the Holiday Inn next door at the Sands Cotai, which are $200 to $300 cheaper per night.
I had a couple of minor problems during my stay there, one with the mini bar and the other with the Wifi. Since I didn’t pay a deposit, the fridge was automatically locked and I needed staff to come and clear it out before I could use it to store some of the food I had brought myself. I just looked at the whole thing as a big headache and a rather unnecessary one at that.
Everything in that fridge might have amounted to $15 US, which isn’t even a minimum bet in the casino, so why not just give it free of charge to in house guests? They can make that money back in a nanosecond on the gaming floor, and do so, every minute of everyday.
The other issue was with the Wifi, as staff wasn’t sure if it was free for me or not. After a few phone calls we got it straightened out, with the rule being that it is free for all guests who booked a room through the Parisian website, as I had done.
If you got your room through other means, then Wifi costs money, with the magic number $160 for 24 hours.
All in all, the Parisian hotel room is nothing to write home about, but at least it’s new and everything should be in top condition for the next two or three years. Even so, I probably won’t be staying again, and would advise you to find cheaper alternatives in Cotai to base your stay from.
As you’ll see below, the rest of the property is fairly lackluster as a living option, especially in terms of guest amenities and other in-house services.
PARISIAN MACAO POOL
I was originally going to give the Parisian pool some serious praise due to its Aqua World component, a children’s play area full of water guns, water slides, and one big badass pirate ship. While it isn’t as good as the Grand Resort Deck at Galaxy, it’s a lot better than what you usually get and certainly a nice perk for Parisian guests.
And then I found later that Aqua World is Pay for Play…. even if you’re staying at the hotel! Completely unacceptable, all I have to say is shame on you Parisian for being so cheap.
Prices are $160 per person on weekdays while a Family Package (2 adults and 2 kids) is $480 per day.
Hotel guests are eligible to get 10% off, when it should be 100%, GD it Parisian!
Hours at Aqua World are from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm during the summer season.
As for the Parisian’s free pool facilities, they’re no better than okay, with one main pool, one wading pool and a few jacuzzis.
When the hotel is rocking peak capacity, there’s no way those pools are going to hold up to the ferocious demand.
Hours are from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm in the summer and from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm in the winter.
There’s also one place to enjoy food and drinks outside, the Parisian Pool Bar. Their menu is as follows:
Drinks
Champagne and Sparkling Wine: $80 or $218 (glass) | $390 to $980 (bottle)
Wine: $60 to $90 (glass) | $240 to $360 (bottle)
Sangria: $78/$88 | $350 to $400 (bottle)
Cocktails: $78
Beer: $52 to $88
Juice, Coffee, Tea: $37 to $52
Food
Snack items: $78 to $116 Mains: $78 to $128
Salads: $88 to $128 Pizza: $108 to $130
Sandwiches: $108 to $138 Desserts: $68 to $88
Hours are from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily.
PARISIAN MACAO RESTAURANTS
The Parisian has a nice mix of restaurants offering both Eastern and Western fare, at prices that should suit all comers. Here are the main venues.
Lotus Palace – Serving contemporary Cantonese, Lotus Place is the Parisian’s most upscale and expensive eatery.
Lunch Dim Sum: $48 to $98
Appetizers: $78 to $288 Meat: $138 to $988
Soup: $88 to $1888 Barbecue: $98 to $500
Abalone: $388 to $3680 Vegetables: $88 to $188
Bird’s Nest: $500 Rice and Noodles: $98 to $268
Seafood: $128 to $1888 Dessert: $58 to $98
A 8 course Tasting Menu at night looks like great value, only going for $688 a head.
Another good set is available at lunch too, 4 courses for only $188.
Hours daily are from 11:30 am to 3 pm in the afternoon, and 6 pm to 11 pm at night.
Brasserie – Serving contemporary French, Brassiere looks pretty hip going for a trendy bar/bistro combination.
Prices aren’t way out of line either, and I quite enjoyed my dinner there. For more information on how it went, please check the review here: Brasserie.
Hot Appetizers: $98 to $398 Seafood Platter: $588 to $1288
Cold Appetizers: $98 to $268 Mains: $228 to $398
Soup: $88 Grilled: $208 to $1560
Sandwiches: $98 to $158 Cold Cuts: $88 to $228
They also have a set lunch menu which runs $168 for 2 courses and $198 for 3 courses. At night there’s a special Burgundy and Perigold Truffle Menu composed of 4 courses that costs $598 a head. Afternoon tea finally is $268 or $348 for 2 people.
Hours daily are from 11 am pm to 11 pm daily.
La Chine – Located on the 6th floor of the Eiffel Tower, I think La Chine has a bright future, possibly one that includes Michelin stars. For a review of my splendid lunch there, please follow the link here: La Chine.
Dim Sum: $48 to $98 Meat: $128 to $278
Appetizers: $72 to $178 Eiffel Tower Specialties: $98 to $488
Barbecue: $108 to $588 Vegetables: $75 to $118
Soup: $88 to $428 Abalone & Bird’s Nest: $428 to $1388
Seafood: $52 to $1088 Rice & Noodles: $88 to $148
At lunch, an appealing 7 course set runs only $268, which could very well be worth trying.
In the evening, the choice is between the Black Pearl Degustation Menu for $1288, composed of 9 courses, and a standard 10 course set that runs $988.
Hours daily are from 11:00 pm and 3:00 pm in the afternoon, and from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm at night.
Le Buffet – The Parisian’s only buffet restaurant, they probably should have come up with a better name.
Buffet is on three times daily, at the following prices.
Open from 6:30 am to 10 pm daily, Le Buffet also has an a la carte menu that’s available all day. However you never go to a buffet restaurant and order a la carte – you just don’t do it.
Market Bistro – Market Bistro serves regional Asian cuisine with a focus on Hong Kong and Macau.
Breakfasts: $90 Set Meals: $136 to $198
Appetizers: $48 to $108 Signature Dishes: $98 to $108
Soup: $62 to $158 Mains: $68 to $300
Dumplings: $68 to $70 Barbecue: $77 to $122
Dim Sum: $43 to $55 Rice & Noodles: $68 to $98
Located on Level 1, Market Bistro is open 24 hours.
Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao – Sometimes this casual Beijing, Sichuan and Shanghai restaurant turns up #1 on Trip Advisor for Best Macau Restaurants. Hint, hint: every other single one in the top 10 also happens to come from a Las Vegas Sands property. They’ve gamed the system big time and I don’t like it one bit. It’s a farce and insulting to travelers everywhere.
If Crystal Jade is the best restaurant in Macau – or even top 100 – then I’m the second coming myself.
Breakfast: $68 to $108 Meat: $88 to $118
Dim Sum: $32 to $128 Seafood: $92 to $328
Appetizers: $55 to $88 Vegetables: $68 to $92
Rice & Noodles: $68 to $108
Located on Level 1, it’s opened daily from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Food Court – The food court on the 5th floor serves Japanese, BBQ, steak, Taiwanese, seafood, Nanyang dishes and Vietnamese fare for about $50 to $120 a plate.
PARISIAN MACAO GYM
The Parisian’s gym is everything you’d expect from new hotel. Rocking a full assortment of cardio equipment, resistance trainers and free weights, everything is state of the art and in immaculate condition.
When it’s time step it up a notch, personal trainers are also on hand from daily 6 am to 10 pm to give guidance and assistance.
Located on the 6th floor, the Parisian’s gym is open 24 hours. Just bring your room key if you want to get in after 10 pm.
PARISIAN MACAO SPA
The only way for Parisian guests to enjoy spa amenities is to buy the $250 door pass at Le SPA’tique which allows access to the vitality pool, sauna and steam room. Why these things aren’t free in signature five star hotels is beyond me, but such is the market in Macau.
Treatments at Le SPA’tique are all standard choices and include 2 to 3 hour Signature Journeys ($1750 to $2880), 60 to 90 minute Massage ($790 to $1890), 60 to 90 minute Facials ($1340 to $1640), and Body Scrubs and Wraps ($490 to $1300).
After your treatment is over, guests can stay and use the facilities for free for as long as they want.
Located on the 6th floor, Le SPA’tique is open daily from 11:30 am to 12:30 am.
PARISIAN MACAO ENTERTAINMENT
Parisian entertainment ranks among the best on the Strip, mostly due to the Eiffel Tower and 1,200 seat Parisian Theater, which played the outstanding Thriller Live for much of 2017.
Eiffel Tower Experience – I thought the whole idea of having an Eiffel Tower in Macau was cheap and ludicrous, but it actually looks pretty good, especially at night. At 525 feet high, it’s half the size of the original, and has two observation decks on the 7th and 37th floors. Tickets cost $110 for adults and $90 for children under 12, while a family pack of 4 (two adults and two children) runs $318.
If you book a Parisian room through their website, you can sometimes get one ticket for only $5 HKD, depending on the time of year and which promotions are on.
The Eiffel Tower Experience is open from 11 am to 11 pm daily.
Qube Kingdom – Standard play area for children aged 3 to 15, featuring slides, climbing nets, gaming consoles and even a horse carousel outside.
The price is $160 for two hours (1 child and 1 adult) on the weekend, and $140 on weekdays. Although I’m not 100% sure, I believe each additional hour after that is $70.
If another adult wants to join the fun, it costs $70 for the first two hours, and $30 for every hour after that.
Located at Level 6, Qube Kingdom is open daily from 9:30 am to 9:30 pm.
The Parisian Theater – Make sure to keep tabs on the Parisian website to see who’s in town and what’s playing in their state of the art 1200 seat Parisian Theater, the second largest one of its kind in Cotai.
PARISIAN MACAO SHOPPING
The Parisian’s shopping arcade is a fun take on Paris, full of mimes, jugglers, living statues, opera singers, can can dancers and people carrying copious amounts of bread and garlic. Principal highlights include reconstructions of Place Vendôme, Napoleon’s Vendôme Column, and Champs-Elysees, the most beautiful avenue in the world.
Of course, if you go there to shop you can do that too, with clothes, cosmetics, jewellery, bags and watches all on sale and in plentiful supply in their 170 up market stores and boutiques.
THE LAST WORD
Love it! The Parisian is precisely what the Cotai Strip needs these days, a massive photogenic property with the capability to be an attraction in itself. With awe inspiring architecture, world class entertainment and a bevy of shops, restaurants and tourist worthy activities, the Parisian is on the fast track to the promised land – must see status for visitors of all pedigree and persuasions.
The only unfortunate thing is that the hotel itself is slightly underwhelming. Rooms don’t drop jaws or whisk you off to the comforts of the Old World or anywhere else that nice. Las Vegas Sands clearly favoured brute force functionality over luxury, largesse and living the Eurotrash dream, so by all means visit Paris, just don’t stay there.
LOCATION
Across the road from Sands Cotai, and in between Studio City and the Four Seasons, the Parisian rocks a pretty sweet spot on the Strip.