Macau has seen several new hotels and resorts open recently, from high-rolling invitation-only escapes, to fashion house properties, to designer digs. We see how they measure up – and because everyone wants to know the actual price they’ll be paying, all of the rates below include tax and service charges.

The trendy one: W Macau

Wonderful (that’s an accommodation type, not an adjective) rooms start at 1,472 patacas (US$183). During the current soft opening, just eight patacas gets breakfast for two; go to the Deals and Packages tab on Marriott’s booking page.

The vibe: The W Macau draws a more international crowd than most, with well-dressed guests from Thailand, Taiwan, South Korea and Hong Kong chit-chatting in the twinkly champagne-hued lobby.

Rooms: This is the first W to sport the brand’s subdued look – think sophisticated palettes, local motifs and touchy-feely textiles. Some rooms look across the watery Cotai Ecological Reserve, others face the sparkly Macau strip.

Food and drinks: The W has three restaurants but Cantonese eatery Diva (right) is the one you won’t want to miss. Set on the 40th floor, it has views of Studio City’s jaw-dropping Golden Reel.

The best thing: What the spa lacks in size it more than makes up for with the skills of its tip-top Thai therapists. One-hour massages from 1,280 patacas.

The worst thing: The adjoining Studio City mall is a dead zone.

Best for the high rolling: Raffles at Galaxy Macau

You’re going to need a trust fund or a big win for a night at the all-suite Raffles, where rates are expected to start from 15,000 patacas – at the moment, guests are invited by invitation only but that’s expected to change in the new year.

Where it is: A gigantic gold ingot attached to the expansive Galaxy Casino and shopping complex in Cotai. A discreet crystal lift leads from the casino entrance to the gasp-inducing white marble lobby and the largest all-suite Raffles in the world.

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The vibe: Money is no object. The lobby sports a 15-metre-high chandelier created from half a million crystals strung on 23,000 crystal rods, weighing 4.8 tonnes (10,500 pounds). No expense has been spared on the support rigging, we’re sure.

Rooms: The suites – 450 in total – range from palatial one-bedrooms with faux fireplaces to corner panoramic suites, terrace suites and suites with private swimming pools, all the way up to the 228 square metre (2,500 square foot) Presidential Suite.

Food and drinks: The flagship bar and restaurant have yet to be announced. For now, there’s the Lounge & Terrace for afternoon tea, and leafy poolside restaurant Belvedere, serving a range of snacks.

The best thing: The elegant terrace, with its mature trees, stylish sun loungers and 40-metre-long outdoor swimming pool, which is heated in winter.

The worst thing: The spa won’t open until sometime next year.

Best for posers: The Karl Lagerfeld

Families should look elsewhere, this is a hotel for label-loving grown-ups. Klassik rooms start from 2,875 patacas.

Where it is: In the eastern tower of the Grand Lisboa Palace complex in Cotai. It feels a little isolated from the action but a dozen complimentary shuttle bus routes cover all the main attractions, including the Taipa Ferry Terminal.

The vibe: Pretentious? Moi?

Rooms: Eye-popping excess; black velvet snakeskin sofas, zigzagging grey and red carpets, pixelated cherry blossom wall murals and gold-tiled bathrooms so shiny you need shades.

Food and drinks: Its stylish art deco design and modern Portuguese menu – tuna tartare cones, beef croquettes with truffle mustard, suckling pig with fries and orange salad – have made Mesa by José Avillez a magnet for Macau’s smart set.

The best thing: Wednesday night is Ladies’ Night at Mesa, with two cocktails and finger food for 168 patacas, from 6pm to 8pm. Spend 800 patacas and you’ll get a free bottle of house wine.

The worst thing: The swimming pools don’t open until 10am, so no dips before breakfast.

Best for a getaway with friends: Andaz Macau

The hotel’s opening offer has doubles from 1,608 patacas, including breakfast and two open-top bus tickets. An abundance of twin rooms makes the Andaz ideal for a getaway with your BFF.

Where it is: An addition to the Galaxy complex in Cotai, which includes the 16,000-capacity Galaxy Arena, where Blackpink played in May. Galaxy Casino and its mall are directly opposite for all your shopping, eating and gambling needs.

The vibe: A stylish sixth-floor reception area is found beyond the faceless conference centre entrance. Playful displays of local artworks – embroidered dresses, lacquer vases, digital screens showing images of old Macau – are scattered around the lobby.

Rooms: Cream and caramel-tone rooms feel bright thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows and glass-enclosed bathrooms (with a misting setting, thankfully). Everyone gets a free minibar with soft drinks, a couple of beers, a cup noodle and local snacks.

Food and drinks: There’s only one restaurant, Andaz Kitchen, but the food is excellent.

The best thing: The swimming pool is indoors but Andaz guests get free access to the lazy rivers, wave pools, beaches and lagoons at the Grand Resort Deck across the road.

The worst thing: While the rooms are soundproof, there’s a massive construction project happening directly opposite the Andaz’s West Tower, which doesn’t make for the most enticing view.

The romantic one: Palazzo Versace

Spacious 55 square metre doubles start from 2,000 patacas. If you add breakfast, you can have it sent to your room at no extra cost.

Where it is: The first Versace hotel in Asia is located in the western tower of the Grand Lisboa Palace. Take the lift to the second floor and walk straight into the mall.

The vibe: Creamy marbles, Medusa floor mosaics, glimmers of gold – la dolce vita.

Rooms: Bright and calming, with terrazzo tiled floors that were hand-laid by artisans flown in from Italy, and sherbet-coloured cushions from House of Versace (which are available for sale – 1,770 patacas each – along with the tea cups, glassware and bathrobes).

Food and drinks: Splendid hyper-seasonal southern Italian fare at Don Alfonso. Cheese, sweets, coffees and liqueurs delivered on trolleys with aplomb – and more than 1,000 wine labels to accompany them.

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The best thing: The metallic blue dragon-tiled swimming pools – one indoors and one outdoors – and the spa, particularly the turn-back-time Frame Cosmetics facials.

The worst thing: The bedside control panels are finicky and so brightly lit that the hotel has had to supply guests with eye masks.

Top tips

Guests of The Karl Lagerfeld and Palazzo Versace are able to visit all of the facilities at the Grand Lisboa Palace, including the swimming pools, spas and gyms.