Former most expensive hotel in the world reopens in Macau

One of the most luxurious and notorious hotels in Macau is welcoming guests again. The former The 13 Hotel changed its name to 13 Palace and began a phased reopening after years of financial problems and bankruptcy. The hotel was a project of Hong Kong businessman Stephen Hung. Its construction was accompanied by numerous difficulties, due to which the opening took place only in 2018 – much later than planned.

Located in the Coloane district of Macau, the hotel once claimed to be the most luxurious in the world. According to some estimates, more than $7 million was spent on creating each room. Even the simplest rooms were decorated in Baroque style and decorated with sculptures and expensive fabrics. Guests benefit from private elevators, Roman-style bathrooms and 24-hour butler service. To transport guests, the hotel purchased a fleet of specially made red Rolls-Royce Phantoms. However, excessive luxury did not help the project become successful. The hotel was located far from Macau’s main gambling district and was unable to obtain its own casino license. It suspended operations in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic and faced bankruptcy in 2023.

A new phase in the hotel’s history began after it received an updated five-star license from Macau tourism authorities. In 2025, the property was purchased by businessman Loy Keong Kuong for approximately $72 million. After the change of ownership, the hotel received a new name – 13 Palace – and an updated appearance with a predominance of golden shades. The management hopes to change the prevailing perception of the project and attract wealthy tourists.

The hotel features 199 suites, Cantonese, Italian, Japanese and Chaozhou restaurants, a spa and bars. Limousines and 24-hour butler service are also available. In addition, the hotel is the holder of several world records. These include a record for the most elevator lobbies in a single hotel and one of the tallest semi-open vertical green walls in the world, which extends from the fifth to the twentieth floor.

First of all, the management plans to open from 50 to 100 rooms. According to hotel representatives, the current booking rate is about 50-60%. The main target audience of 13 Palace should be wealthy tourists from mainland China, Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asian countries.