Maven Meter: Grand Dragon Casino & Hotel
(Last updated: May 20, 2020)
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 tiny Grand Dragon casino only has 30 tables, including some $100 Commission Free Baccarat games.
Photo Gallery
GRAND DRAGON CASINO GAMES
A typical Baccarat Hall, Blackjack is no longer offered.
Baccarat – Minimum bet is $200.
Commission Free Baccarat – Minimum bet is $100.
Sic Bo – Another $100 game, which you got to love.
Slot Machines – There’s also a Mocha Slots Hall inside the hotel, with around 270 machines.
CASINO PROMOTIONS
Grand Dragon used to have a lot more promotions, but I think they only offer two now. Amounts rolled over $1000 return 0.9%, but keep in mind that it costs $2,000 to join the program.
For higher rollers, rolling turnover exceeding $10,000 monthly returns 1.2% (1.1% cash and 0.1% comp allowance.)
Free rooms and suites meanwhile require the following buy ins:
$30,000 is a pretty minimal buy in to get a free room in Macau. Of course, the Grand Dragon hotel isn’t much to write home about either.
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 off the official hotel website and include all tax and service charges.
Be sure to shop around websites like Trip.com and Agoda to make sure you’re getting the lowest possible rates. Quite often I see Grand Dragon rooms only going for about $600 midweek there.
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, most main course dishes are $72 to $238, while bird’s nest is $98 to $520 and shark’s fin $160 to $720. Other things on the menu include Soup ($78 to $280), Vegetables ($65 to $78), Barbecue ($58 to $680), Chef’s Recommendations ($50 to $128) and Casserole ($72 to $78).
They also serve a small breakfast buffet for $64 a head.
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 strict budget option, 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.