The 13 Hotel, a luxury property in Macau long associated with financial troubles and unfulfilled ambitions, has reportedly been sold after several unsuccessful sale attempts. While the buyer’s identity and final transaction value remain under wraps due to a Non-Disclosure Agreement, reportedly the sale price was HK$400 million (US$51 million)—a significant drop from its original HK$2.4 billion (US$309 million) asking price.

From grand casino dream to financial collapse:

Real estate firm Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), acting as the joint sole agent in the transaction, had previously overseen two failed bidding rounds—one held in 2023 and another between April and May 2024. Earlier attempts drew substantial interest, with over 20 potential buyers reportedly expressing interest, but none of the talks led to a sale.

Originally developed as an ultra-luxury hotel and casino project, The 13 was conceived by flamboyant Hong Kong businessman Stephen Hung. His vision was to transform the property into a lavish haven for Macau’s elite VIP gaming segment, including 66 gaming tables and opulent interiors.

Despite the grand vision, the hotel’s path was riddled with obstacles. After years of construction delays and shifting regulatory conditions in Macau’s gaming sector, The 13 opened in September 2018, without any casino facilities and with parts of the hotel still unfinished. Its parent company, South Shore Holdings Limited, revealed in 2021 that it had ceased operations following a statutory demand to repay HK$3.28 billion (US$410 million) in loans and interest. The company was declared insolvent.

Further compounding the hotel’s woes, its operational arm, The 13 Hotel Management Ltd, filed for bankruptcy in Macau in 2023. Ownership of the hotel’s site was subsequently transferred to Bank of Communications Macau Branch, the primary creditor, as confirmed by corporate filings reviewed by Macau News Agency (MNA).

Reopening and licensing updates:

As published on Macau Business’ website, the 13 temporarily suspended operations in 2020, but resumed activity in 2024 following the renewal of its five-star deluxe hotel license from the Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO). That license has since been extended through the end of 2025.

Although the hotel is listed with 196 guest rooms—ranging in size from 1,800 to 5,000 square feet—it also includes three lavish villa-style suites, each covering 10,000 square feet. Amenities on site include a spa, a fitness center, restaurants, and parking facilities. However, during its reopening in 2024, not all 199 rooms were functional, and both restaurants remained shut for maintenance.

Reports suggest that additional renovation work has been undertaken to address previously incomplete areas of the building.