Sands China Ltd. proudly announced the opening of the newly remodeled Londoner Grand Casino within The Londoner Macao resort. The casino, formerly the Pacifica, commenced operations at noon on September 26. This event marks a significant milestone in the ongoing transformation of the resort into a British-themed haven.

“We are pleased to confirm that The Londoner Grand Casino opened to the public at noon today,” a spokesperson for the company stated, highlighting the timely opening before the bustling October Golden Week, a period of high customer traffic from mainland China.

A strategic renovation timed with festive season:

Insights from Goldman Sachs (Asia) Ltd. had previously indicated an opening around the October Golden Week, aligning perfectly with one of Macau’s peak trading periods. This year, the festivities extend from October 1 to October 7. The decision to open now capitalizes on the influx of tourists expected during this holiday break.

In a July earnings call, Robert Goldstein, chairman and chief executive of parent company Las Vegas Sands Corp, referred to a December timeline for the unveiling of this revamped gaming space, now branded as the Londoner Grand Casino. This meticulous planning underscores Sands China’s strategic approach to enhancing visitor experiences and optimizing festive seasons.

The revamp isn’t limited to the casino floor; substantial renovations are also underway across the resort’s hotel facilities. Approximately 2,500 to 3,000 former Sheraton hotel rooms are currently under renovation, a significant increase from the 1,500 to 2,000 rooms noted in the second quarter of 2024. These rooms rebranded as Londoner Grand will soon join The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, operated by Marriott International Inc.

Once completed, the Londoner Grand Hotel towers will boast 2,405 rooms—a decrease from the pre-renovation count of 3,968 rooms in the Sheraton-branded towers. However, the suite count will significantly increase, jumping from 360 to 1,500 suites, thereby enhancing the luxury and exclusivity of the guest experience.

A multifaceted development strategy:

The extensive renovations of both the Sheraton and Conrad hotels and the casino space form part of Phase II of the $1.2 billion transformation plan for The Londoner Macao in Cotai. As GGRAsia reports, following a $1.35-billion investment in Phase I, which introduced architectural nods to London’s iconic Palace of Westminster and Big Ben, the resort has continued to evolve. An additional $400 million was allocated to developing Londoner Court, adding approximately 370 luxurious suites to the property.

During a site visit, GGRAsia noted that all operating live-dealer baccarat tables at the Londoner Grand Casino are now “smart tables,” featuring lower minimum bets compared to those in the adjacent Londoner Casino. This adjustment caters to a broader range of patrons, enhancing accessibility and enjoyment.

Adjacent to the casino’s slot zone is a new dining area managed by the renowned Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao, offering visitors a gourmet experience alongside their gaming activities.