Simon Sio on Breathing New Life into Hotel Central Macau

Thank you for the congratulations! I am Simon Sio, the proud owner of Hotel Central Macau. My connection to this hotel is deeply personal—I grew up in a building across from it and was always captivated by its grandeur. Established in 1928, Hotel Central is a historic landmark in Macau’s Historic Centre near Senado Square, having witnessed nearly a century of the city’s transformation.

After acquiring it in 2016, I spearheaded an extensive restoration project to revive its legacy while adapting it for modern travelers. The hotel reopened in 2024 after an eight-year hiatus, and I’m honored to have brought this iconic property back to life.

The concept for Hotel Central was inspired by its rich history and its role as a cultural bridge between Chinese and Portuguese influences in Macau. As one of the city’s oldest hotels, we aimed to honor its heritage while offering a luxurious, contemporary experience. The restoration, costing over HKD 2 billion, preserved original features like the teal exterior and retro rooftop billboard.

Each of the 114 rooms reflects a specific era from the 1920s to the 1940s, creating a time-travel experience for guests. We also added a ground-floor historical gallery, curated by a local professor, to showcase the hotel’s past. This vision came to life through collaboration with historians, architects, and designers passionate about preserving Macau’s legacy.

I believe the judges were most impressed by our seamless blend of historical preservation and modern luxury, integrating state-of-the-art amenities to showcase our dedication to both heritage and comfort.

The themed rooms, each tied to a specific decade, offer a unique and immersive experience that celebrates Macau’s past. This balance likely stood out as a thoughtful and innovative approach to hospitality design.

Restoring a nearly century-old building while meeting modern standards was a significant challenge. We had to comply with Macau’s strict heritage protection laws, working closely with the Cultural Affairs Bureau to preserve the building’s character. Sourcing materials that matched the original design was another hurdle, which we addressed by partnering with local artisans and historians.

The three-year, high-investment project demanded patience and precision, but the result is a hotel that honors its history while delivering a world-class experience.

Hotel Central meets modern travelers’ desires for authenticity and comfort. Its location in Macau’s Historic Centre, near attractions like Senado Square and the Ruins of St. Paul’s, offers a true sense of place.

Guests enjoy luxurious amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi, a panoramic rooftop, and a reimagined Palace Restaurante with contemporary cuisine, all while immersed in the hotel’s historical charm. This combination caters to those seeking both cultural depth and modern convenience.

This MUSE Hotel Awards win will enhance Hotel Central’s global visibility, attracting more international guests who appreciate heritage and luxury. We see opportunities to collaborate with cultural institutions and tourism boards to promote Macau’s history, along with potential growth in bookings. This recognition also positions us as a leader in heritage hospitality, potentially paving the way for future projects.

Our hotel combines luxury with sustainability by using advanced technologies like Haier Magnetic Levitation Inverter Chiller Units. These systems achieve an IPLV of up to 6.34 for energy efficiency and use eco-friendly refrigerants (HFC-134a and R410A) to minimize environmental impact.

Magnetic levitation eliminates mechanical friction, reducing noise to 75 dB for a quiet environment. Heat recovery repurposes condensation heat for hot water, enhancing energy use. Smart automation optimizes operations, while the units’ long lifespan (up to 30 years) minimizes waste. This integration ensures both comfort and sustainability, reflecting our commitment to responsible hospitality.

Hotel Central is a timeless blend of Macau’s rich history and modern luxury, where every stay is a journey through the city’s cultural heritage. This captures our essence—a place where past and present unite to create a unique, memorable experience for guests.

We will maintain excellence by enhancing the guest experience through ongoing staff training in cultural storytelling, ensuring everyone can share the hotel’s history. We will also keep our amenities and services updated to meet evolving needs while preserving our focus on heritage. Engaging the local community with cultural events will further establish Hotel Central as a vibrant part of Macau’s story.

A couple celebrating their anniversary in our 1930s-themed room left a note saying, “Staying here felt like stepping back in time, but with all the comforts of today. It’s a rare gem that made our anniversary unforgettable.” Their words highlight our aim to blend nostalgia with luxury, creating lasting memories.

I hope our win encourages others to preserve historical landmarks and weave them into modern hospitality. It shows that honoring the past can coexist with innovation, inspiring hoteliers to collaborate with local communities and experts to craft authentic, meaningful experiences.

Our ground-floor historical gallery, curated by a local professor, educates guests about the hotel’s past, while the themed rooms let them choose a decade to experience. The rooftop’s 360-degree view of Macau’s historic center offers a unique vantage point. These elements combine culture, history, and luxury in a distinctive way.

We’re planning cultural events like heritage walks to engage guests and locals alike. Partnerships with artisans for exclusive Hotel-inspired products and expanded dining options reflecting the city’s history are also in the works. These initiatives will deepen our connection to the community and enhance the guest experience.

Focus on authenticity and storytelling—connect deeply with your location’s history while meeting modern travelers’ needs. Work with local experts to ensure every detail has meaning, and prioritize the guest experience. Luxury isn’t just about opulence; it’s about creating memorable moments that resonate long after departure.