Grand Dragon

Maven Meter: Grand Dragon Casino & Hotel

(Last updated: August 23, 2023)

INTRODUCTION

Opening in 2005, Grand Dragon was formerly known as Hotel Taipa Square before changing names in 2018.  Owned by local legislator Chan Mong Kam, it’s the only hotel of his that I actually endorse staying at, due to its close proximity to the Cotai Strip.

Run on the Melco Crown license via a third party operator, the Grand Dragon casino only has 6 tables, making it Macau’s tiniest gaming hall.

Photo Gallery

GRAND DRAGON CASINO GAMES

A typical Baccarat Hall, Blackjack and Sic Bo are no longer offered.

Baccarat – Minimum bet is $300.

Commission Free Baccarat –  Minimum bet is $200.

Slot Machines – There’s a Mocha Slots Hall inside the hotel, which is far larger than the casino.  Taking up three floors, it holds about 160 machines, with minimums of 5 cents to $1.  There’s also electronic versions of Baccarat ($50), Roulette ($30), and Sic Bo ($30).

CASINO PROMOTIONS

Grand Dragon used to have a lot more promotions, but I think they only offer two now.  Amounts rolled over $1,000 return 0.9%, but keep in mind that it costs $2,000 to join the program.  A big benefit is that players can use real cash chips when gambling, and exchange them for money any time they want.  If you prefer immediate settlement instead, the return is 0.8%.

For higher rollers, Grand Dragon’s promotional chip program returns the following rates.

The rub here being that promotional chips have to be used when accruing rolling turnover.  Daily settlement is 0.9%.

It looks like all buy in programs related to free rooms has been discontinued.  In the past those numbers had been $20,000 + $300 or $30,000 on weekdays and $30,000 +$300 or $40,000 on weekends.

GRAND DRAGON HOTEL

I’ve been a frequent guest at Grand Dragon over the years and have never had a bad stay.  Located fairly close to Galaxy, it’s a good way to take advantage of everything the Cotai Strip has to offer, without having to pay Cotai Strip rates.

Current prices are about $300 higher than they were prior to Covid.  I guess everyone is looking to get back the money they lost during that disgusting scourge.

Rates in Macau Mops include all tax and service charges.

GRAND DRAGON HOTEL ROOM

The standard rooms are pretty small, but still feel warm and cozy, while bathrooms come locked and loaded with bathtubs, something I always appreciate.

In addition to rooms being simple, functional and clean, check in and out have always been handled in a friendly efficient manner.

POOL

The only positive thing to say about the pool is that hardly anyone ever uses it.

Unfortunately it’s unheated so it closes in the winter.

Located on the 4th floor, it’s open daily from 8 am to 7 pm.

DINING

Cassia Court is long gone, leaving just one restaurant still open for business.

Grand Dragon Palace Restaurant – Strictly Cantonese fare, there’s no English menu at Grand Dragon Palace, which tells you how interested they must be in your business.  Most dishes on the menu stay under $100 with many of the selections either $58 or $68.  At lunch, most dim sum is also that same price, $58 or $68.

Back in 2019 I recorded this more detailed menu information, but I don’t know if it’s still accurate.  Most main course dishes went for $72 to $238, while bird’s nest was $98 to $520 and shark’s fin $160 to $720.  Other items included soup ($78 to $280), vegetables ($65 to $78), barbecue ($58 to $680), Chef’s recommendations ($50 to $128) and casserole ($72 to $78).

Grand Dragon Palace is located on the 3rd floor and opens from 10 am to 3 pm in the morning and afternoon and from 6 pm to 10:30 pm at night.

GYM

Grand Dragon’s “gym” is barely functional, offering only one bike, one treadmill, and one multi function lifting apparatus.  A disgrace to travellers everywhere, there’s a good chance that your closet at home is larger and has more space.

Located on the 4th floor, hours daily are from 8 am to 7 pm.

THE LAST WORD

I’d only consider Grand Dragon if I were planning to spend a lot of time on the Cotai Strip, and wanted the cheapest room I could find nearby.  A budget option with rates more in the mid-range, it basically provides a bed and not much else, so you’ve got to be cool with those conditions going in.

LOCATION

Situated in a heavy residential part of Taipa, the hotel is located beside the Macau Jockey Club and Grandview Hotel.