Macau's Grand Emperor Hotel Cashes In: Iconic Gold Brick Floor Sold for $12.8 Million Amid Revamp
MACAU — In a move that marks the end of an era for one of the city's most flamboyant landmarks, the Grand Emperor Hotel has stripped the literal gold from its floors. The hotel confirmed it has removed and sold the dozens of authentic one-kilogram gold bars that were embedded in its lobby's "golden pathway," fetching approximately $12.8 million (US$13 million).
Opened in 2006 at the height of Macau's casino boom, the hotel's gilded entrance hall was designed to project unparalleled opulence for high-rolling guests. "The feature aimed to create a sumptuous and resplendent atmosphere," the hotel's parent company, Emperor Entertainment Hotel Limited, stated in a recent filing.
However, with gold prices soaring as investors seek safe-haven assets amid global uncertainty, the company saw a lucrative opportunity. The decision coincides with a major overhaul of the property's facilities. The Grand Emperor ceased its casino operations in October 2025 following tighter local regulations, and is now actively planning new entertainment offerings.
"Given that the relevant area is planned to undergo renovation and redevelopment, the precious metal that was originally part of the hotel's interior design is no longer relevant to the future theme," the company said. The proceeds from the 79 kg sale will "strengthen the Group's financial position" for future investments.
The sale underscores a broader shift in Macau, the only place in China where casino gambling is legal. After leading the world in gaming revenue again in 2025, the territory is under sustained pressure from Beijing to diversify its economy beyond gambling. The removal of the gold bricks—a potent symbol of the casino era's excess—physically embodies this transition.
Other extravagant features, like an antique 18th-century European gold carriage displayed in the hotel, remain for now. But the lobby's new look will likely reflect a more subdued, family-friendly aesthetic as Macau's hospitality sector adapts.
What People Are Saying
Michael Chen, Macau-based Hospitality Analyst: "This is a pragmatic financial decision. Gold is at a historic high, and liquidating a non-income generating asset to fund a necessary pivot is smart business. It signals the Grand Emperor is seriously investing in its post-casino future."
Eleanor Vance, Cultural Historian: "It feels like the end of a gilded age. That floor wasn't just decor; it was a statement about a specific period in Macau's history. While economically sensible, something tangible from the city's rapid transformation is now gone, melted down."
David Miller, Frequent Visitor from Hong Kong: "Ridiculous. They're stripping the soul out of the place for cash. That golden pathway was the Grand Emperor. What's next, selling the chandeliers? It's a short-sighted move that trades iconic character for bland renovation. Pure corporate greed, hiding behind 'redevelopment.'"
Maria Santos, Tourism Board Member: "This aligns perfectly with our broader strategy. Macau must offer more than just gaming. Repurposing capital from symbols of the old era to create new, diverse attractions is exactly the kind of evolution we need to see."