Grand Opening for Studio City, Featuring Myriad Non-gaming Attractions
Legendary Hollywood director Martin Scorsese and Tinseltown A-Listers Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio join Melco Crown Co-Chairmen Lawrence Ho (far left) and James Packer (left) with filmmaker Brett Ratner (far right) at the star-studded opening of Studio City (Photo provided by Studio City)
Studio City, the much anticipated, US$3.2 billion cinematically-themed leisure destination resort in Cotai, arrived in spectacular fashion on 27th October, with MSAR Chief Executive Chui Sai On officiating at the Grand Opening ceremony attended by a glittering array of international celebrities.
Situated close to the Lotus Bridge immigration point connecting the territory to nearby Hengqin Island, the sprawling Studio City is a world-class entertainment complex, primarily showcasing non-stop, non-gaming entertainment including the world's highest figure-8 Ferris Wheel, an action-packed 4D simulation ride called Batman Dark Flight, a 40,000 sq. ft. family entertainment centre, Warner Bros. Fun Zone, and The House of Magic, an incredible live magical experience featuring the world's greatest magicians. The complex also houses Pacha Macau, the territory's first-ever Ibiza-style nightclub, as well as the 5,000-seat Studio City Event Centre, already booked for spectacular live concerts starring top international acts, theatrical and other special showcase events.
Accommodation at the approximately 1,600-guestroom Studio City Hotel pledges 'movie-star' service for occupants of the prestigious suites of Star Tower and the premium Celebrity Tower. Studio City also offers an incredibly diverse range of international restaurants, cafes and relaxed bars and lounges with over 30 food and beverage venues located throughout the property. Meanwhile, the Boulevard at Studio City presents an innovative and experiential 300,000 sq. ft. 'immersive' retail environment, with streets and squares inspired by such iconic shopping and entertainment locations as New York's Times Square and Hollywood's Beverly Hills.
In addition, the world premiere of film short 'The Audition' - directed by Academy Award winner Martin Scorsese, and starring Hollywood A-listers Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt - was screened at the opening ceremony with all of the celebrities, except Brad Pitt, who is filming, in attendance. More stardust was sprinkled on the momentous occasion with the attendance of US singer Mariah Carey, Hong Kong Cantopop icon Aaron Kwok and female Korean pop singers Sistar.
Melco Crown Adjusts Studio City's Hotel to 4-star Rating
The Land, Public Work and Transport Bureau has approved Studio City's request to amend its hotel rating from 5-star to 4-star. The plot of land, which occupies some 130,789 square metres and construction area, remains unchanged. The reason given by the company is that at this moment the typology of 4-star is more appropriate for the policy of diversification of accommodation and tourist product offered. From a technical perspective the project presented to Macau Government Tourist Office is better framed as this type of facility, says Melco Crown