On Macau's historic waterfront, and plans are in the works for the development of a casino, retail, restaurant and entertainment complex. 

French Hotel giant Accor Group recently opened a 5-star Sofitel brand hotel.

Sofitel Macau General Manager Robert Rippon said the Sofitel Macau At Ponte16 was unique among the former Portuguese enclave's luxury hotels, because it combines modern style and design with a stunning location.

"Many travelers coming to Macau want to be part of the heritage and character of old Macau, while still seeking the luxury of a contemporary 5-star hotel – and that's exactly what Sofitel Macau offers," said Rippon.

The Sofitel Macau was developed by Pier 16 - Resort Hotel Management Limited as part of an estimated HK$3.2 billion ( US$400 million ) total investment that involves the development of a combined hotel, casino, retail, restaurant and entertainment complex.

The Ponte 16 is located in the Inner Harbour of Macau's Pier 16, one of the oldest financial hubs in Macau. The development echoes the Inner Harbour's heritage, and protects landmarks such as the Old Clock Tower, the focal point of the project.

Cobblestone streets connect the different sectors of the project site. A promenade will be built along the Ponte 16 waterfront to provide a venue for outdoor performances and other recreational activities.

Sofitel Macau is within walking distance to the "Historic Centre of Macau," a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a living representation of the city's original settlement.

"When the development is fully completed, the precinct will be one of Macau's most vibrant areas, with an excellent range of restaurants, bars, entertainment venues and retail outlets to complement the peninsula's historic attractions," said Rippon.

The opening of Sofitel Macau is expected to continue Macau's tourism momentum, he said.

The 20-story hotel has 408 rooms each with the Sofitel "MyBed," plus high-speed Internet connections and flat-screen TVs in living rooms and bathrooms.

Sofitel Macau At Ponte 16 is the 22nd Sofitel to open in China, and follows the successful launch of Sofitel Wanda Beijing last year. Sofitel hotels and resorts will be found in China's most important commercial and resort destinations, including Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Xi'an, Xiamen and Hangzhou.

The network will grow to 25 hotels by the end of 2008, making it one of China's largest and fastest growing luxury hotels.