Macau's Grand Emperor Hotel Cashes In on Gold Floor Amid Price Surge
The Grand Emperor hotel in Macau has made a striking financial move by ripping up its famous gold-lined lobby floor to sell the embedded gold bricks, pocketing nearly $13 million (£9.6 million) as the metal's value surges. This decision comes as the hotel shifts away from its gambling roots under pressure from Beijing to diversify Macau's economy.
A Golden Opportunity Seized
Opened in 2006, the Grand Emperor built a reputation for ultra-luxurious design, notably featuring a 'golden pathway' at its entrance made from dozens of gold bars. However, Emperor Entertainment Hotel Ltd, the Hong Kong-based owner, stated in a recent stock exchange filing that changing market conditions presented an ideal time to sell. While the gold once created a 'sumptuous and resplendent atmosphere,' the company recognised a 'good opportunity' to remove and dispose of the bullion.
In total, the hotel sold 79kg of gold bricks to a Hong Kong refiner for $12.8 million (£9.4 million). This sale is expected to bolster the hotel's finances and provide more flexibility for investments elsewhere. The timing appears fortuitous, as gold prices have climbed sharply over the past year, driven by investors seeking safe havens amid geopolitical tensions, unpredictable trade policies, and shifting tariffs introduced by former US President Donald Trump.
Macau's Transformation and Hotel's Redesign
Macau, a former Portuguese colony returned to China in 1999, is one of China's two special administrative regions and the only place where casino gambling is legal. Stretching 13 square miles, it was the world's biggest gambling market by revenue in 2025, earning the nickname 'Las Vegas of Asia.' However, casinos have recently been pulling back from gambling due to pressure from Beijing to diversify the economy.
In October, the Grand Emperor closed its casino, and the group is now planning new entertainment and leisure uses for the site. The once gold-lined lobby is already scheduled for redevelopment. With renovations underway, the company stated that the precious metals, once a standout feature of the hotel's opulent design, are 'no longer relevant to the future theme' of the property.
Macau's Standing in Global Luxury Hospitality
Macau has been declared the five-star hotel capital of the world for three consecutive years in the Forbes Travel Guide's Star Rating Awards. In the most recent ranking, the Chinese city was recognised as having 24 five-star hotels overall, including Epic Tower at Studio City Macau and Raffles at Galaxy Macau. Along with Macau, Asia saw hotels in Hong Kong, Hanoi, Vietnam, and Singapore awarded five stars by Forbes, plus the Rosewood Guangzhou in China.
Europe also had a strong showing, with five-star hotels in Baku, Azerbaijan; Costa Navarino, Greece; Cannes, Florence, and Madrid. The U.S. gained four new five-star hotels, including The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, Arizona, and The Maybourne Beverly Hills in Los Angeles. Dubai and Abu Dhabi each received a new five-star hotel, while top marks were awarded to the Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island.
Forbes' list included more than 2,100 properties across 90 countries, featuring 336 five-star hotels, 645 four-star hotels, and 567 recommended ones. This global context highlights Macau's continued prominence in luxury hospitality, even as its iconic Grand Emperor hotel undergoes significant changes, trading its golden floor for financial gain and a new direction.
