On March 31, 1999, the clink of champagne glasses will give way to the crash of hammers as the Bela Vista, that famous old Macau hotel, begins another transformation, this time into a private residence.
The landmark building has been sold to the Portuguese government as the residence of the first Portuguese consul-general to Macau after the handover to China on December 20, 1999.
As the news sinks in, there is incredulity that a $50 million renovation in 1990 was effected for a hotel which would have only a brief life. There are complaints, too, about the unsuitability and extravagance of the Bela Vista becoming a private residence.
But more than anything, in the words of the hotel's manager Paul-Andre Guidat: 'People in Macau are upset because it is 'their' hotel; this is a taking away of something which belongs to the people of Macau.' He is backed up by Joaquim Morais Alves, secretary-general of STDM, which is part-owner, and a member of Macau's Legislative Assembly. 'It is such a pity to take a hotel with such a history, with a beautiful renovation, and a real landmark of Macau, and turn it into a residence,' said Mr Morais Alves.
'It is probably the most beautiful residence of any Portuguese diplomat in the world. It is too grand. They should definitely consider some alternatives.' Outside Macau there is disappointment too. 'I think the whole thing is outrageous,' said Hong Kong lawyer and socialite Ted Marr, who has been responsible for organising famous balls at the hotel since 1985.
'The hotel is enjoyed by people from all over the world, but especially people in Hong Kong and of course in Macau.' The hotel's visitor's book tells the story. Among recent entries: 'We lapped up the luxuriousness of our surroundings and the services, like bees do nectar. A weekend we will never forget,' wrote a British viscount and his wife.