SAT Test Hotel Review Volume.2

Harbourview Hotel, 

My One Last Place of Residence in Macau...

From Tripadvisor.com

note: This hotel review is solely in favor of SAT test takers and the author's judgment can be partial due to the duration of his stay. If you're looking for a comprehensive review of every aspect of this hotel, please check other authoritative websites for reference. However, if you're looking for a convenient hotel in the purpose of test-taking residence, the author is confident that this is what you need.

Address: Macau Fishermen's Wharf

Nearby Test Centers: City University of Macau, Kao Yip Middle School (5-10 minute walk)

Ratings:

Convenience 9/10

Guest Room 7/10

Dining 8/10

Environment 8/10

Service 9/10

Overall: 8/10

This November marks my last visit to Macau, specifically for standardized tests. My feelings toward the SAT are ambivalent. On one hand, I’m grateful it’s what brought me to this charming harbor city; on the other, I resent being confined to a mere two-hour test. My internal struggle with this so-called "stepping stone to my future" persists. My footsteps often falter for no reason—because, with my camera in hand and my pupils wide, I see more, I hear more.

But I digress—let’s return to the subject at hand: the Harbourview Hotel.

Having spent most of my previous visits in the towering luxury of the Mandarin Oriental, I expected the same lavish setting and sweeping views that made me feel small in the best way possible. But Harbourview, as it turns out, resides on the other side of town.

In stark contrast to the glitzy skyscrapers bathed in the natural brilliance of Macau's sunlight, the Harbourview’s architecture is decidedly un-oriental. The European influence is immediately apparent. Upon first glance, the hotel’s interior evokes a sense of antiquity, but there’s a subtle harmony between the building's age and its contemporary amenities—flat-screen displays mounted on pillars showcasing the day’s specials, electronic billboards promoting nearby cosplay events, and high-relief depictions of Greek gods and goddesses adorning its exterior.

For this blend of old-world charm and modern technology, I’d give its ambiance a solid 8.

Oyster Hunt Dinner Buffet

Frankly speaking, the hotel's architecture might enhance the experience for leisure travelers, but when it comes to SAT test-takers gearing up for their pre-test sprint, expectations about the building’s design tend to take a backseat. What really matters is a comfortable room to rest in. Having spent my last two trips at the Mandarin Oriental, I wasn't exactly optimistic about the room conditions here. The space was a bit tight for two students, with barely enough room for a desk to accommodate our computers and scratch papers. A room intended for two doesn’t necessarily guarantee a good night’s sleep, especially given the bed's limited dimensions. That said, the overall quality of the room is still above average. If you’re financially fortunate enough to spring for a room of your own, the comfort factor would certainly double.

During my two and a half days in Macau (with the exception of the continental breakfast), every meal was savored at a local gem called The Poseidon Cafe—or, more literally, The King of the Ocean Ice House. Why start this paragraph by introducing a restaurant that’s not even affiliated with the Harbourview? Because I believe the “Ice House Culture,” a lesser-known culinary tradition in Mainland China, encapsulates much of what makes Macau’s food scene unique.

As I stepped through the doors of the cafe, a plaque emblazoned with "The Poseidon Ice House" greeted me in the most prominent spot.

I was taken aback by the local chefs’ skillful handling of animal organs and by the genuine passion for these dishes I encountered in Macau. People in Beijing have long had a penchant for offal, which eventually evolved into an entire culinary tradition that “Beijingers”—a term affectionately used for locals—have become quite obsessed with.

As the name "Ice House" might suggest, you'd expect these establishments to focus on chilled drinks or desserts. Historically, that assumption would be spot on. But stepping into "Poseidon Ice House" in Macau—rather than its birthplace in Hong Kong or Guangzhou—I was immediately drawn in by their standout dishes: Beef Tendon Noodles and their uniquely tender beef tripe and pork liver. These delicacies offer a refreshing departure from Beijing’s heavier, stew-based fare, which usually combines pig intestines and tofu.

Leaving aside all the food options outside the hotel, let’s dive into the dining experience at the Harbourview Hotel. I must admit, after my first night there, I was out cold—what began as a late-night jaunt turned into a marathon, and I ended up with a solid six hours of sleep, waking up around ten. That left me only half an hour for brunch—a tragic loss, really, considering it meant I’d only have one meal inside the hotel. And let’s just say, that meal was more of a speed-eating contest than a leisurely brunch, as I had an exam that morning. 

Still, I showed up a good half-hour early, waiting eagerly for the dining service to open. One thing about Macau hotels: they all seem to have a DIY noodle station, and Harbourview was no exception. The experience? Decent enough, though it lacked those ice-cold “Ice House” style drinks. But I’m still fondly remembering the grape juice they served that day—it’s the little things, right?

Right across the street in front of Harbourview is the City University of Macau and Kao Yip Middle School.

Let me emphasize this loud and clear: Harbourview is an SAT test-taker's best friend. With just a 2-5 minute stroll, you can reach not one but two of Macau's test centers—plus, Macau Polytechnic University is only a few blocks away. Reflecting on my experience, I had a bit of a revelation. The nausea I suffered the last two times? Probably caused by that shuttle bus dash to make it to the test on time. This time, with Harbourview’s perfect location, I felt noticeably less stressed, and, to my stomach’s great relief, no discomfort at all. It was like a casual post-brunch walk, perfect for a little digestion.

Harbourview was a standout chapter in my trips to Macau. I first arrived in the winter of 2023, just as the Christmas season was kicking off, and wrapped up that stay in the blazing heat of summer. Honestly, though, every day in Macau feels like midsummer, while Beijing stays wrapped in its somber, misty autumn.

All in all, I highly recommend Harbourview as an ideal spot to stay in Macau. For anyone craving a relaxing few days in this seaside city, it’s hard to imagine a better choice.

Justin Zhang, 02/11/2024