Macau Hotels See Surge in Luxury Gold Displays & Sales

The Grand Emperor Hotel in Macau has been known for its luxurious decoration, including the rows of gold bars that decorate the hotel lobby. However, due to economic turmoil, they sold all the gold that had been displayed on the floor so far.

Reporting from the Guardian, Sunday (8/2/2026) the proceeds from the sale of gold obtained by this hotel reached USD 13 million (Rp. 219 billion) amidst conditions where the price of gold is also rising globally.

The hotel realized that they had been known as a luxury hotel because of this ‘golden floor’. However, the resort’s Hong Kong-based parent company, Emperor Entertainment Hotel Ltd, recognized this great opportunity and decided to dismantle and sell it.

The total gold they sold weighed 79 kg to a refining company based in Hong Kong. It added that the sale would strengthen the group’s financial position and enable it to invest should suitable investment opportunities arise.

Grand Emperor Hotel has positioned itself as the benchmark for European-style luxury in central Macau, offering more than 300 upscale guest rooms, a restaurant and bar, and concierge services. The hotel has received many industry awards.

Macau is the only place in China where casino gambling is legal, and the roughly 13 square mile (33 square km) territory is a global leader in gambling revenue by 2025.

However, under pressure from Beijing to diversify its economy, many casinos in Macau have shifted away from gambling operations amid tightening local regulations, including Grand Emperor, which closed its casino in October.

In a filing this week, the group said that with the cessation of gambling activities at the venue, it is actively planning other entertainment and recreation facilities. They plan to rebuild the hotel lobby which is studded with gold.

“Given that the relevant areas are planned for renovation and redevelopment, the precious metals that were originally part of the hotel’s interior design and fittings are no longer relevant to the hotel’s future theme,” the company said in a statement.

(sym/wsw)