• Hotel nets $13 million from selling gold bars from floor
• Gold bars removed for lobby refurbishment

The Grand Emperor Hotel in Macau has removed and sold gold bars that were embedded in its lobby floor, generating nearly $13 million, amid rising gold prices driven by turbulent geopolitical conditions.

The hotel, which opened in 2006, was known for its lavish décor, including a “golden corridor” featuring dozens of gold bars at the entrance.

However, the hotel’s Hong Kong–based parent company said in a statement that while the gold added a luxurious atmosphere, current market conditions made its removal and sale an appropriate opportunity.

The group said it sold “a number of gold bars with a total weight of 79 kilograms” for $12.8 million to a refiner in Hong Kong, adding that the transaction would strengthen the company’s financial position and enable future investments when suitable opportunities arise.

The statement added that the area previously containing the gold will undergo renovation and redevelopment, making the precious metal—once part of the interior design—unsuitable for the hotel’s future concept.

Gold prices have risen over the past twelve months due to unpredictable trade policies and fluctuating tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump since returning to the White House in January 2025, prompting investors to turn to precious metals to preserve value amid economic uncertainty.