Macau's Grand Emperor Hotel sells lobby gold bricks amid soaring prices

By Hoang Phong February 6, 2026 | 09:20 pm PT

Grand Emperor Hotel in Macau is known for its golden walkway paved with dozens of real gold bars in the lobby. Photo courtesy of the hotel

The Grand Emperor Hotel in Macau, known for its opulent decor, has dismantled and sold the gold bricks lining its lobby floor, capitalizing on a sharp rise in global gold prices.

A hotel representative confirmed that the gold used as decorative flooring in the main lobby has been fully removed and sold, generating about US$12.8 million, British newspaper The Guardian reported.

Opened in 2006, the Grand Emperor Hotel is known for its lavish interiors, including a signature "golden walkway" paved with dozens of real gold bars.

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

The hotel’s Hong Kong-based parent company, Emperor Entertainment Hotel Ltd, said in a filing on Wednesday that while the gold bullion helped create a "sumptuous and resplendent atmosphere," prevailing market conditions presented a "good opportunity" to remove and sell it.

The group said it sold 79 kg of gold bricks to a Hong Kong-based refiner.

Gold rebounded on Friday and was set for a weekly gain of about 2%.