Macau has a reputation for its larger-than-life architecture, mesmerizing shows and round-the-clock gaming — and there’s certainly no shortage of luxury experiences around town. But one new hotel stands out from the crowd with its ambitious design and glitterati vibes.
Enter The Karl Lagerfeld hotel: the 271-room tower, which opened within the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau in December 2021, made zero compromises when it came to aesthetics. And while the late German fashion icon has previously collaborated on concepts with the likes of Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel in Paris or Sofitel So Singapore, this is the only hotel tower totally designed by the legend himself.
And his statement-making recipe calls for a few key ingredients: imperial Chinese motifs, rich art deco glamor, high-contrast hues, plus a dash of intrigue, whimsy and eccentricity for good measure.
Lagerfeld, best known for reinvigorating Chanel and Fendi, has left his touch in every corner of the eponymous hotel, from the striking art-filled lobby to the kaleidoscopic Book Lounge. As soon as you step in the door, an installation featuring 1,000 keys (inspired by 2014 comedy-drama The Grand Budapest Hotel) greets you at reception, while towering Chinese-style porcelain vases, ranging from 6 to 11 feet tall, celebrate the imperial arts of China.
Since gutsy glamour is a given, here are five other reasons you’ll love the one and only Karl Lagerfeld Hotel.
The Rooms
Sure, you will find decadent, spacious rooms all over Macau. But this hotel is the only place in the world where Lagerfeld has designed every room — and the late fashion icon ensured each opulent oasis feels like an extension of his style and personality.
In these sleek, bold spaces expect several references to Chinese culture, including circular room dividers that bring to mind the traditional moon gates in parks or courtyard residences. Then there’s the gold-and-black custom vases, chunky mirror and custom wallpaper — an explosion of radiant cherry blossoms above a red-and-black embroidered headboard that recalls the hats worn by Ming dynasty-era officials.
While some design references date back centuries, the in-room amenities showcase the best of the here and now. We’re talking 500-thread-count cotton sheets, eight pillow choices, Cochine toiletries and gorgeous black-and-gold bathrooms with deep tubs and marble floors.
The suites, including the four Createur suites, dial the creativity up a note, immersing you in Lagerfeld’s mind and passions with dramatic, high-contrast color palettes and fanciful design choices, from the subdued grisaille wall coverings to oversized Chinese vases made in Jingdezhen, a historic hub of porcelain production in mainland China.
The grandest room of all, however, is the Autograph Suite. With just one in the whole tower, the 3,767-square-foot spot is as exclusive as they come. Inside, a bold combination of circular doorways and gold mosaics, Chinese artwork and cherry-red accents come together in a way that only Lagerfeld could pull off.
The Art
Art is at the center of Lagerfeld’s vision, so it’s only natural that bespoke pieces are peppered all over this ultra-luxurious address. Look for a crocheted, lace-like sculpture by influentialDutch artist Marcel Wanders and a set of suspended stainless-steel orbs by renowned sculptor Jean-Michel Othoniel, to name a few.
Then there’s Lagerfeld’s curation. For example, in the Book Lounge, Lagerfeld took inspiration from his home library to create an inspiring space filled with more than 4,000 books — many of which are rare, antiques or collectable works with a particular emphasis, naturally, on fashion, photography and design. Sky-high shelves of books and a crystal chandelier evoke a French atmosphere, while golden moon gates add unmistakable Chinese character.
The Food
As you’d imagine, the dining experiences at this luxury Macau hotel are just as photogenic as the interiors. Designed by Lagerfeld, the hotel’s contemporary Portuguese restaurant, Mesa, feels like The Great Gatsby film set with its striking black and gold interiors, shimmering mosaics and smooth marble.
Take a seat to enjoy a bespoke tipple and petiscos (small dishes) at the circular cocktail bar, then dine on elevated Portuguese cuisine in the art deco dining room. Hanging bird cages and geometric patterns straddle East and West, while a state-of-the-art LED ceiling re-creates the feeling of dining under a starry night sky.
Another sophisticated dining experience can be found at the Book Lounge, where high-backed chairs, scalloped sofas and Chinese lacquered tables feel like a refined take on Alice in Wonderland.
Enjoy a Book Lounge burger (complete with foie gras and egg) or a truffle croque-monsieur for lunch. Or, if you’re visiting during the afternoon, spend a few hours luxuriating over “Tea Time” — a set of five artistic French desserts served with steamy or sparkling tea. Even Lagerfeld’s favorite soft drink — Diet Coke — receives VIP treatment, served in an opulent crystal goblet.
The Spa
If it’s relaxation you’re after, head to the third floor to unwind at The Spa by The Karl Lagerfeld. In this chinoiserie-inspired hideaway, feel stress slip away with a massage or facial in one of the six treatment rooms or head to one of the two temperature-controlled pools to put your feet up in a stylish cabana while contemporary mosaics add to the allure. The gym runs with Lagerfeld’s famous flair, offering a sleek black fitness area with views over a French-style garden where you can try new workouts, join a yoga class or train one-on-one with a personal coach.
The Extras
Thanks to the hotel’s location within the vast Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau, you’ll have easy access to this vast wonderland of shopping and dining. The resort’s 807,293-square-foot Bazar retail hub alone is home to more than 100 international fashion and lifestyle boutiques (think Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga and, of course, Karl Lagerfeld’s eponymous fashion brand).
Meanwhile Macanese, Portuguese and various types of Chinese cuisines are all at your doorstep. The dining options range from top-notch Chinese at Palace Garden to a traditional Cantonese tea house experience at Chalou, Taiwanese hotpot at Wulao, Japanese at Kulu Kulu and many more.
And if you want some fresh air, pop over to Jardim Secreto, a European-style garden with immaculately manicured grounds and a grass maze.
