Macau’s The 13 Hotel sold after failed auction attempts: Reports
Macau’s ultra-luxury hotel project, THE 13, has reportedly been sold for HKD400 million ($51 million) following years of financial setbacks and multiple failed attempts to offload the property. According to Hong Kong media, the sale price represents an 83 percent drop from its earlier asking price of HKD2.4 billion ($306 million) and is a fraction of the original investment cost estimated at HKD1.6 billion ($204 million).
The buyer’s identity remains undisclosed, protected under a non-disclosure agreement. The deal follows a renewed round of bidding in May 2025, after the property remained unsold in earlier tenders despite interest from more than 20 parties.
Casino dream never realised as ownership changes again
Conceived by businessman Stephen Hung, THE 13 was initially planned as a 바카라 hotel catering to high-end VIPs. The project included designs for 66 gaming tables and lavish interiors, but was never granted a 바카라 licence. The hotel opened in 2018 with only partial completion and without gaming facilities, falling far short of its ambitions.
After suspending operations in 2020, the hotel remained closed until 2024, when it secured a renewed five-star deluxe licence from the Macau Government Tourism Office, now valid until the end of 2025.
All original companies behind the project filed for bankruptcy
The sale comes after the collapse of all original ownership entities. South Shore Holdings, the hotel’s former parent company, declared insolvency in 2021 with debts exceeding HKD3.2 billion. The hotel management company filed for bankruptcy in 2023. Ownership of the site was transferred to the Bank of Communications Macau Branch, the primary creditor, which has overseen the asset’s disposal.
Reopening and partial operations ahead of the sale
THE 13 resumed limited hotel operations in mid-2024. Renovation efforts began to address unfinished areas from its earlier launch. Not all the 199 rooms were made available, and its two restaurants remained closed for maintenance.
The hotel sits at the southern tip of the Cotai Strip, featuring 196 suites ranging from 1,800 to 5,000 square feet, including three villas measuring over 10,000 square feet each.
Market conditions could revive interest in the location
Macau recorded 35 million tourist arrivals in 2024, with rising hotel occupancy rates and increased investor interest amid ongoing tourism recovery. Although the plans of the new owner remain unknown, the property’s location and infrastructure may offer opportunities for redevelopment or repositioning in a changing market.
