I am still trying to put together my complete travel plans for next month (I love doing things last minute, does it show?).  Traveling alone this time, much simpler, and without any obligations past a short mainland visit on business to handle.

I am considering a few options.  A trip to Bangkok is still on the potential list, as is a few days stay in Macau.  But I am looking at the hotels in Macau and it is pretty hard to get an idea of what is what.

So a couple of questions:  Is it worth it to stay in Macau, or does the turbojet ride back and forth to HK end up paying off anyway?   If I monger on Shun Tak packages, the TJ is pretty much free.  Is there any benefit staying in Macau?

I am also looking for some hotel suggestions in HK.  I have stayed the last couple of times in the Panorama by Rhombus, nice hotel with a great location, but no longer on the airport express shuttle bus route, and my last stay wasn't quite as nice as the previous couple of stays.   I am also considering staying on HKI side this time, only because if I take a late ferry back from Macau, it's easier to get a taxi to the hotel.    On the Kowloon side, I have looked at the Luxe Manor, anyone have experience here?  I have a one night stay in HK before I leave for the mainland, and I am thinking to stay closer to Kowloon station for the night, because I have to bus it to Shenzen International the next morning.

Any ideas or suggestions appreciated!

Hey there fellow Canadian!

If you had to choose between Macau and Bangkok, I'd go for Bangkok DEFINITELY! But why settle for just one right? Go to both!

As for staying in hotels in Macau, I wouldn't bother with it. Get the Shun Tak packages to get over to Macau. Walk around during the day and if by the end of the day, you decide to stay the night to do some more mongering the next day, just sleep at the sauna. A decent hotel doesn't come cheap anymore in Macau so I'd much rather save the money I'd have to spend on a hotel room for more mongering at another location.

good advice on saving by sleeping in the sauna but if money's not a big issue you might want to grab a hotel room for one or two nights for quality sleep. emperor or golden dragon have good weekday rates although their beds are a tad hard.

The obvious advantage of having a hotel room rather than staying overnight at saunas is the potential for pick-ups or outside-of-work meet ups...

Can't really vote on the Macau vs BKK.   My only thought on that is the transit time to Macau vs BKK ... I don't recall the flight from HK to BKK but I'd expect the transit time to eat into your pleasure time.  

HK hotels...I've stayed at the Luxe Manor (fall 2008) and it's a pretty chic boutique hotel.  Rooms are small but very funky.  Not really MCOT but stylish.  I stayed for 4 nights but I wouldn't repeat for anything except a short time stay (one or two nights).  

Name: The Luxe Manor
Link: http://theluxemanor.com/
Face: 4.5/5 (cool lobby and check-in)
Body: 3.5/5 (small rooms and tight corridors but I had big luggage so tough fit and no lube!)
Estimated age of the girl: 2-3 years (didn't ask for ID)
Skill: 4.5/5 (reception and such were very professional)
Service: 4/5 (very friendly and helpful staff)
Detailed account of the experience:  See above.  IIRC it is across from the Kimberly Hotel.
Conclusion: Not bad but you can do better for the money but not as stylish/au courant.
Overall score: 6.5/10 (For reference...7.5/10 is a harbour view room at the Conrad ...9.5/10 is the Presidential Suite at the InterCon in TST)

In terms of choosing HKI vs. Kowloon I am a HK junky so I'd stay in Central or Admiralty.  In either case I'd recommend thinking about Priceline to bid for a room (5*) in either HK Island West or TST.  You can get some pricing history and an idea of the probably winning hotel... www.betterbidding.com.  I did score a deal on some nights on HK Island and it ended up being at the Conrad for about US$120 a night for 3 nights.  My guess is about $160 for a winning night as I was doing some research for a possible visit next week.  In TST it looks like the current property is The Mira (never been).  

Have fun...oh and the Mira is key card controlled elevators all day so you will need to escort any visitors...and a very intimate lobby.