Macau’s Grand Emperor Hotel has made headlines by literally ripping up its famous golden lobby floor, selling off the gold bricks embedded within for a staggering $13 million (£9.6 million).
What was once a signature symbol of opulence is now cash in the bank, thanks to a surge in gold prices.
The hotel, which opened in 2006, had long been known for its ultra-luxurious design, including the so-called “golden pathway” at its entrance, crafted from dozens of solid gold bars.
For years, it was a showpiece of extravagance that left guests marveling at its lavishness.
Strategic Move Amid Market Shifts
According to a recent stock exchange filing by the hotel’s parent company, Emperor Entertainment Hotel Ltd, the decision was financially motivated.
Changing market conditions, particularly the rise in gold value, presented a “good opportunity” to cash in.
The sale involved 79 kilograms of gold, sold to a Hong Kong refiner for $12.8 million (£9.4 million).
The company said the move would strengthen its finances and provide flexibility to invest in new projects, signaling a shift in priorities from flashy decor to broader business strategy.
Macau’s Changing Casino Landscape
Macau, a former Portuguese colony returned to China in 1999, is famous as one of China’s two special administrative regions and the only place where casino gambling is legal.
The 13-square-mile territory once dominated the global gambling scene, earning the nickname “Las Vegas of Asia” after topping world gambling revenue charts in 2025.
However, Beijing’s push to diversify the economy has prompted casinos to scale back operations.
In October, the Grand Emperor closed its casino entirely, and the company announced plans to repurpose the property for entertainment and leisure.
The gold-lined lobby, once the hotel’s crown jewel, will be replaced as part of the redevelopment.
Gold Sale Benefits from Global Trends
The timing of the gold sale couldn’t have been better.
Prices have climbed sharply over the past year as investors seek safe havens amid geopolitical tensions, unpredictable trade policies, and shifting tariffs introduced under U.S. leadership.
What was once a decorative flourish has now become a financial windfall.
Macau’s Hotel Scene Shines
Despite the changes, Macau’s reputation for luxury remains intact.
Forbes Travel Guide has named the city the five-star hotel capital of the world for three consecutive years, boasting 24 five-star properties, including Epic Tower at Studio City Macau and Raffles at Galaxy Macau.
Other Asian cities like Hong Kong, Hanoi, Singapore, and Guangzhou also earned five-star distinctions, while globally, Rosewood properties in London, Madrid, and across the world joined the elite ranks.
Europe, the U.S., and the Middle East also added new five-star hotels, reflecting a competitive international luxury market.
A Look Ahead
With its golden past now sold off, the Grand Emperor is ready to embrace a new chapter, turning its attention from gilded floors to broader leisure and entertainment offerings.
The decision marks a major shift for Macau’s hospitality scene, balancing historic extravagance with modern business strategy.
