Melco to reopen Countdown Hotel as luxury all-suite tower in 2026

Melco Resorts & Entertainment said it will reopen its Countdown Hotel at City of Dreams Macau as a newly branded, all-suite luxury property in the third quarter of 2026, marking a major step in the group’s broader reinvestment in the integrated resort.

The hotel, which has been closed since 2021, will undergo a full renovation that will reduce its room count from 330 to around 150 high-end luxury suites, each averaging more than 90 square meters.

“We are finalizing plans for the full renovation of the Countdown hotel, which we currently plan to open in […] the third quarter of 2026,” said Melco chairman and CEO Lawrence Ho during an earnings call, as reported by Macau Daily Times.

“The Macau will be newly branded with approximately 150 high-end luxury suites and an average room size in excess of 1,000 square feet,” he added. “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.”

Originally launched as the Hard Rock Hotel, the property was rebranded as Countdown in 2017. A planned transition to the “Libertine” brand was shelved during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The relaunch is part of a broader enhancement effort at City of Dreams, where Melco has also begun renovating the main entrance “to increase visibility and accessibility,” according to Ho.

Other ongoing upgrades include enhancements across the gaming floor to improve the premium mass customer experience, as well as the addition of a new premium slot area and the conversion of former VIP space into mass gaming zones. A new clubhouse-style area featuring golf and racing simulators is also being introduced.

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

At nearby Studio City, Melco is further diversifying with the upcoming launch of iRad, a healthcare facility with a full hospital license that will provide imaging and medical procedures. “It’s going to be something very unique within Macau,” said Evan Andrew Winkler, president and director of Melco International.

Studio City is also upgrading its Level 2 Gourmet Walk and gaming facilities. “We really enhanced the lighting almost everywhere, along with new layouts. We’ve consolidated the LTG gaming space, improved the flows, and improved the lighting throughout,” Winkler said.

New electronic gaming products and tables are expected to roll out by the end of the year.