In a move that reasserts Melco Resorts’ commitment to premium hospitality, Lawrence Ho, Chairman and CEO of Melco Resorts & Entertainment, announced on August 1, 2025 that the long‑stalled Countdown Hotel at City of Dreams Macau will be completely transformed into an all‑suite, high‑end luxury hotel. The existing 330‑room property will be reimagined as a boutique tower featuring approximately 150 expansive suites, each averaging over 1,000 square feet, with the rebrand and reopening slated for the third quarter of 2026.

The Countdown originally served as a temporary concept rebranded from the former Hard Rock Hotel in 2017 and was anticipated to relaunch as "Libertine" by 2023. However, the plan was delayed by the COVID‑19 pandemic and never materialized. Now, Melco is doubling down with a refined vision—elevating the property into a ultra‑luxury destination. As Ho explained during Melco’s second-quarter earnings call:

“We are finalising plans for the full renovation of the Countdown hotel … The hotel will be newly branded, featuring approximately 150 high‑end luxury suites with an average room size exceeding 1,000 square feet.” 

This transformation comes amid a broader wave of reinvestment across Melco’s Macau assets. Ho highlighted enhanced visibility improvements and guest experience upgrades at City of Dreams, including renovations to the main entrance and refreshed casino areas:

“Over the last 18 months, we’ve been improving our product and reinvesting in the customer experience. I think it shows in our results.” 

Meanwhile, Evan Winkler, Melco’s President and Managing Director, detailed several other initiatives including the development of a new high-limit slots lounge and experiential clubhouse for premium mass patrons—featuring golf and racing simulators, pinball, darts, and specialty F&B offerings.

Why the Countdown Update Matters

Situated at a prime location adjacent to City of Dreams’ main entrance, the Countdown conversion aligns with Melco’s strategy to further cement City of Dreams Macau as a premier luxury destination. Analysts and industry watchers point to rising GGR performance and steady visitation increases as signs of momentum. In fact, Melco reported that Macau property EBITDA rose over 35% year-on-year in Q2 2025, with gaming and non‑gaming visitation hitting record levels, aided by attractions like the reopened House of Dancing Water show.

The new all-suite property offers a clear point of differentiation. As Ho emphasized:

“We believe the concept we have for this hotel will bring a one‑of‑a‑kind experience to Macau and add to the high‑end luxury hotel portfolio that we have at City of Dreams.”

Strategic Context and Competitive Landscape

This announcement follows Melco’s broader strategy of selectively upgrading its portfolio rather than aggressively discounting offers. Ho explained that the company prefers investing in product and service rather than engaging in promotional races:

“We prefer to compete on product and service – not who’s giving the biggest deals.” 

Indeed, other Macau operators such as MGM China are similarly scaling up their luxury offerings—MGM Cotai is being reconfigured to include around 60 new suites with completion expected next year.

With the Countdown closure originally announced back in April 2021, the upcoming transformation brings long-awaited fulfillment to Melco’s earlier promise—solidified this time with a clear execution timeline and product positioning.

Scheduled for reopening in Q3 2026, the revamped Countdown hotel will join City of Dreams’ existing high-profile offerings such as NÜWA, Morpheus, and the Grand Hyatt tower. Together they reinforce Melco’s ambition to elevate guest experiences and align with Macau’s evolving profile as a leisure‑driven luxury hub.

In summary, converting the Countdown into a dedicated, spacious suite tower represents more than a renovation—it’s a calculated upgrade that reflects Melco’s long-term confidence in its market position and its ability to attract discerning high-end guests in a highly competitive Macao environment.