Casino developer and operator Melco Resorts & Entertainment has reached an agreement with Maryland-based hotel chain Marriott International to develop the first W Hotels Worldwide brand venue in Macau, the company announced on Wednesday.
Resulting from the strategic partnership, both companies will work on the development of W Macau – Studio City in the Chinese enclave, as part of Studio City Phase 2, a new cinematically-themed entertainment and leisure destination in the region which expands on the existing Studio City casino resort.
Scheduled to open together with Studio City Phase 2, in December 2022, W Macau – Studio City is set to become “an iconic addition” to the leisure destination, according to a press release. It will be a detail-driven venue featuring unexpected design, the signature Whatever/Whenever service the brand is known for, and innovative programming.
Situated in the heart of Cotai, W Macau – Studio City “will serve as a buzzing centerpiece” for Studio City Phase 2. The development of the hotel will complement other Studio City hospitality offerings, including one of Asia’s largest indoor and outdoor water parks, a six-screen Cineplex, residency shows, and a state-of-the-art MICE space.
“Melco is thrilled to welcome W Hotels to Studio City and Macau,” said David Sisk, Chief Operating Officer at Macau Resorts of Melco. “W Hotels is without a doubt one of the world’s iconic luxury lifestyle brands that will elevate Studio City’s hospitality offerings to a new level.”
W Macau – Studio City is expected to feature 557 guestrooms, including 127 suites and wellness facilities, a spa, fitness center and indoor swimming pool. It is set “to amplify Macau’s social scene” with high-energy public spaces and culinary experiences.
Living Room -the W brand’s signature take on the hotel lobby- and WOOBAR will be the social hub for guests to connect. Two destination dining venues will offer a menu of international cuisine with an Asian twist and a specialty restaurant will feature “the finest Chinese and Portuguese dishes.”
Other amenities guests staying at W Macau – Studio City can look forward to include W Sound Suite, the brand’s signature on-site recording studio. Moreover, the new hotel will offer a total of 1,100 square meters of event and meeting space.
“Macau’s super-charged energy and unique identity as an entertainment hub, together with its mix of Eastern and Western culture, makes it a natural fit for W Hotels,” said Henry Lee, President, Greater China, Marriott International.
Melco first unveiled its design concept for Studio City Phase 2 earlier this year, in November. At a cost of $1.3 billion, the entertainment and leisure destination is designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, a firm which also designed Morpheus at City of Dreams Macau.
The Studio City expansion is set to feature a “modern interpretation of the rich detailing, bold geometries and craftsmanship” of the Art Deco period. At around 250,000 square meters in total gross floor area, Phase 2 will also boast an additional 2,300 square meters of gaming space.
The Hollywood studio-themed Studio City casino resort first opened in 2015, on the Cotai Strip. It currently features 9,800 square meters of total gaming space.
