Crystal clear

This article first appeared in the Jul/Aug 2013 issue of World Gaming magazine.

The Stallion was recently seen at a cocktail evening high in the sky at Galaxy’s number one “chill out and relax” bar. He even heard some of his favorite tunes wafting across the bar from a crystal piano.

I thought I knew my way around Macau pretty well. After all, there aren’t too many other Stallions trotting around who have partied it up harder than me. But it came as a shock when I was invited to a cocktail party at the Crystal Piano Bar at Galaxy. Not that I was surprised at the invite but I was shocked to find myself having to ask directions to the Crystal Piano Bar.

I had partaken of a pre-party drink or three and my mistake was going to the wrong hotel, but the friendly Galaxy staff actually walked me to the Hotel Okura side of the property and directely to the appropriate lift. How is that for service!

I was straight up the lift to the 28th floor and found myself in the Crystal Piano Bar. I have to say I was immediately taken by this exquisite bar which is big enough to host a nice function yet small enough to still be intimate.

Any bar located so high up should enjoy breathtaking views and the Crystal Piano Bar does just that. It’s a little hard to capture a view in words so I will just leave it at “spectacular and well worth a look”.

Of course, the central decorative focus of the room is the see-through grand piano, which fits in with the name and décor of the bar. There is a lot of silver and crystal shaped glass that creates an ambience unlike anything I have ever experienced before. The lush leather couches and contemporary layout exude well planned intention.

I sipped on a glass of excellent red wine as well as an icy cold Carlsberg on tap. I must say it was slightly on the pricey side but I suppose you pay for your surroundings. If you wanted to accommodate a small gathering or just to impress that special “mare” for a pre-dinner drink then this is the perfect setting with Japanese whiskies and cocktails served into the early hours.

The Macallan Whisky Bar and Lounge has historically been my preferred venue for a drink at Galaxy but I am a little biased as I really can’t go past a good cigar and a glass of Macallan 18 on the rocks. Nevertheless, I can see myself popping in to the Crystal Piano Bar from time to time to take in the chic surrounds and enjoy the live jazz that plays regularly. I think it will suit the younger, well-healed brigade and is a welcome addition to the numerous drinking and dining venues that Galaxy Macau has to offer.