Macau’s mega-playground, Cotai Strip, just keeps on growing.
Visionary tycoon Sheldon G Adelson - whose idea this Asian Las Vegas type complex came to him “in a dream” - told media attending the launch of the largest Sheraton in the world (3,896 rooms) expansion in Macau was imminent.
Next in the pipeline is St Regis to open in the area known as The Sands Cotai Central, where the Holiday Inn and Conrad are located. Early information about the hotel puts room inventory about 400 rooms.
Adelson also announced a future Cotai addition, a Parisian Hotel featuring 3,300 rooms, with piling works to begin in about a month’s time. Michael Leven, president and chief operating officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp, told Business Traveller that more details about the property would be available some time in November.
When asked if a slowdown in gaming activity by Chinese travellers was ever likely, Adelson said: “We wouldn’t be investing this much if we believed that would happen. The future is very bright.”
He said Sands China, a subsidiary of his bigger Las Vegas Sands Corp, had several more projects up its sleeve, “but I can’t announce them just yet”.
Adelson, accompanied by his wife and constant companion at all Sands’ openings, Miriam, stressed that gaming was not the only attraction of his entertainment palaces. At the press conference held in Sheraton Macao’s Kashgar Ballroom, he said: “We’re now sitting in one of the many ballrooms that will attract the meetings, incentives, exhibitions and conventions business. And that’s why we chose to work with Starwood’s Sheraton which has earned its reputation as the place to meet.”
With a presence in Macau and Singapore (Marina Bay Sands integrated resort complex), Las Vegas Sands Corporation, Adelson revealed, is itching to replicate in more destinations around Southeast Asia, eyeing South Korea (see here), Vietnam and Japan, and in Europe, an integrated leisure masterplan for Madrid is now being finalised.
Sheraton Macau starts operations with the first phase Sky Tower, featuring 1,829 rooms and the 13,000-square-foot Sheraton Club Lounge, Kashgar Ballroom and several function spaces, Shine Spa and Jaya swimming pool. The second phase, Earth Tower, opens early 2013 with 2,067 rooms and two more swimming pools.
For more details, visit www.sheraton.com
Margie T Logarta