High Gold Price: Macau Hotel Pulls Real Gold Bars from Lobby Floor - Macau's Grand Emperor Hotel cashes in on soaring gold prices with £10M sale
The Grand Emperor Hotel in Macau has sold 79 kilograms of gold bars once embedded in its lobby floor. The decision came as gold prices soared to record highs, making the sale highly profitable. The hotel, known for its lavish 'golden pathway,' had previously stopped its gaming operations in 2021 due to stricter casino regulations.
The hotel's iconic entrance once featured one-kilogram gold bars set into the floor, creating a striking display for visitors. But with gold prices climbing sharply—rising 65% over five years to £2,487.97 per ounce by early 2026—the decision to sell became financially appealing. By January 2026, prices even surpassed $5,000 per ounce, driven by US inflation, surging commodity costs, and declining trust in traditional currencies.
The 79-kilogram sale generated over €10 million, a significant return on the original investment. The removal also aligned with planned renovations, as the gold pathway no longer matched the hotel's updated design vision.
Macau, where gambling remains legal, has seen tighter casino regulations in recent years. The Grand Emperor Hotel had already halted its gaming operations in October 2021, shifting its focus away from traditional casino offerings.
The sale of the gold bars marks the end of an era for the hotel's extravagant lobby feature. With the funds secured and renovations underway, the property is now adapting to a changing market. Macau's status as China's sole legal gambling hub continues, though under stricter oversight than before.
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