The 13 Palace: Macau's Iconic Hotel Gets a New Identity

After years of operational struggles, The 13 Hotel has reopened under fresh ownership with a new identity. The ultra-luxury resort is now called The 13 Palace, an all-villa property with 199 independent suites. Following a comprehensive renovation, the rebranding took effect this year. The property sits approximately one mile south of the Cotai Strip, where Macau's major casino resorts are concentrated. Loi Keong Kuong, an Asia-Australia-based real estate developer who previously founded Rio Hotel Macau, acquired the property for $76.6 million last year. The transformation marks a significant turning point for a property that has been largely vacant since opening in 2018.

Stephen Hung and the $1.4 Billion Bet That Failed

Hong Kong businessman Stephen Hung conceived The 13 in 2013 as an ultra-exclusive retreat for billionaire high rollers. That year also marked Macau's casino revenue peak of $45 billion. Beijing's dismantling of VIP junket networks, however, soon sent gaming revenue into a steep decline.

Hung ignored these warning signs and pressed ahead with construction. The project ultimately cost $1.4 billion to complete. To fund it, Hung liquidated significant personal assets, including a 52% stake in Paul Y Engineering, Hong Kong's largest construction and civil engineering firm. None of Macau's six licensed casino operators agreed to run gaming space at the property, even as investors pulled out. Hung spent $20 million on 30 custom bright-red Rolls-Royce Phantoms intended as guest shuttles. The vehicles were later sold off in bankruptcy proceedings for less than $4 million.

When the resort opened in September 2018, it lacked gaming permission and had numerous rooms still unfinished.

What The 13 Palace Offers Guests Today

The 13 Palace offers high-end villas ranging from 2,000 to 10,000 square feet. Each villa has a private direct elevator, and multiple restaurants provide diverse dining options throughout the property. A vertical green wall in the swimming pool area is a contender for the Guinness World Record for the world's tallest vertical green wall. Stretching from the fifth to the twentieth floor, it covers a total area of 2,964 square meters. The wall reportedly set a record and has become one of the property's signature attractions. Kuong's takeover this year also brought a new gold exterior and a redesigned website.

The 13 Palace Booking Status and Casino Partnership Outlook

Both the official website and the Macau Government Tourism Office now list the property's name as The 13 Palace. On Trip.com, a message notes that the property currently does not accept online reservations. Reservations must be arranged by calling the hotel directly. For guest transportation, the resort provides Bentleys and Maextro S800s. Kuong previously founded Rio Hotel Macau, which operated a casino through a partnership with Galaxy Entertainment. Long-term success for The 13 Palace may hinge on securing a similar casino partnership with one of Macau's six licensed operators.