Macau's Emperor Hotel Sells 79kg of Gold Floor Tiles for Nearly $1 Billion, Raking in $90 Million Profit

Macau's Emperor Hotel Sells 79kg of Gold Floor Tiles for Nearly $1 Billion, Raking in $90 Million Profit

Macau’s iconic Emperor Entertainment Hotel has made headlines by selling 79 kilograms of gold embedded in its lobby floor tiles for nearly $1 billion Hong Kong dollars, netting a profit of around $90 million. The move, which came as gold prices hit record highs, has sparked widespread discussion online and sent the hotel’s stock soaring.

Macau Emperor Hotel lobby with gold tiles, announcement of 79kg gold sale for 99.7 million HKD

The Golden Sale: A Lucrative Move

On February 4, 2026, Emperor Entertainment Hotel Limited (00296.HK) announced it had sold a batch of gold—originally purchased for 9.4 million HKD in 2006—weighing over 79 kilograms to a precious metals trader for 99.7 million HKD. After deducting transaction costs, the hotel expects to recognize a gain of approximately 90.2 million HKD, a return of nearly 10 times the original investment.

The gold, which had been embedded in the hotel’s lobby floor as part of a "Golden Avenue" landmark, was sold to Heraeus Metal Hong Kong Limited, a professional in precious metal refining and trade. The hotel’s management explained the sale was part of a renovation plan, aimed at updating the lobby and reducing the high costs of securing and insuring the valuable gold tiles.

"This is absolutely shocking! The company has been lying to us all along." - Weibo user @从未如此疯过, reacting to the sale.

Social Media Erupts Over the "Golden" Decision

The news quickly went viral on Chinese social media, with users expressing a mix of shock, amusement, and nostalgia. Many joked about the timing, comparing the sale to mythical figures cashing in on high gold prices.

"At today’s gold prices, even Sun Wukong would sell his Golden Cudgel!" - Weibo user @从未如此疯过, referencing the classic Chinese tale.

Others lamented the loss of the hotel’s iconic feature, which had drawn tourists for years.

"I visited the Emperor Hotel a few years ago and was amazed by the gold tiles. It’s a shame they sold them… now we can’t see them anymore." - Weibo user @天赋纯.

Some users praised the hotel’s financial acumen, calling it a "brilliant asset allocation" that capitalized on the gold price surge.

"Emperor Hotel’s move is a masterstroke. They bought gold 20 years ago and sold it at the peak—genius!" - Weibo user @美丽carefree.

Stock Surge and Industry Context

The announcement sent Emperor Entertainment Hotel’s stock soaring. On February 5, the stock opened higher and hit a peak gain of nearly 18% before closing up 9.76% at 0.27 HKD per share. Analysts attributed the rally to the one-time gain, which boosted the company’s financial outlook.

The sale also reflects a broader trend in Macau’s gaming industry: a shift away from opulent, gambling-focused designs toward more diverse, non-gaming revenue streams. As non-gaming income now accounts for over 60% of Macau’s casino revenue, the hotel’s decision to sell its gold tiles and renovate aligns with this转型.

The End of an Era?

For years, the Emperor Hotel’s "Golden Avenue" was a must-see attraction, with each gold tile individually numbered and displayed under glass. The sale marks the end of an era for the hotel, but management has promised a new, updated lobby will debut after renovations.

"The hotel said the renovation will bring a fresh look. I’m curious to see what it will be like!" - Weibo user @浩晨同学.

While some mourn the loss of the gold tiles, others see the sale as a pragmatic move in a changing market. As gold prices continue to fluctuate, the hotel’s decision to cash in on its "golden" asset may prove to be a savvy financial play—one that has left both investors and tourists talking.

Before (top) and after (bottom) photos of the Emperor Hotel lobby, showing the empty tile spaces where gold was removed

Emperor Entertainment Hotel’s official announcement of the gold sale, detailing the transaction and compliance with listing rules

A Weibo post highlighting the hotel’s 9.4 million HKD purchase and nearly 100 million HKD sale of gold