Dili, Timor-Leste · Since 1972
About Hotel Timor
A building steeped in history, inaugurated on Independence Day
Built on History
In 1972, during the final years of Portuguese Timor, businessman Lay San Ying and Macau tycoon Stanley Ho - the legendary casino magnate whose gaming empire built modern Macau, began construction of a hotel on Dili's most prestigious avenue.
The hotel opened in 1976 as Hotel Mahkota ("Crown" in Indonesian), one year after Indonesia's invasion. For 23 years, it stood as Dili's most prominent hotel, hosting business travellers, diplomats, and government officials throughout the occupation era.
The hotel opened in 1976 as Hotel Mahkota ("Crown" in Indonesian), one year after Indonesia's invasion. For 23 years, it stood as Dili's most prominent hotel, hosting business travellers, diplomats, and government officials throughout the occupation era.
Burned, but Not Broken
On 30 August 1999, East Timorese voted overwhelmingly for independence, with 78.5% in a UN-supervised referendum. The results were announced on the morning of the 4th of September 1999 in Hotel Timor. What followed was devastating.
Pro-Indonesian militias launched a scorched earth campaign across Dili. The Hotel Mahkota, which had been sheltering dozens of foreign journalists covering the crisis, was attacked three times in a single day, sending most scrambling onto charter flights. Several journalists stayed behind, moving to another location in Dili and paying police for protection.
The Mahkota was then looted and burned. Eighty percent of Dili's buildings were destroyed. A quarter of a million people fled. At least 1,400 civilians were killed.
Pro-Indonesian militias launched a scorched earth campaign across Dili. The Hotel Mahkota, which had been sheltering dozens of foreign journalists covering the crisis, was attacked three times in a single day, sending most scrambling onto charter flights. Several journalists stayed behind, moving to another location in Dili and paying police for protection.
The Mahkota was then looted and burned. Eighty percent of Dili's buildings were destroyed. A quarter of a million people fled. At least 1,400 civilians were killed.
Reborn on Independence Day
The hotel's rebirth began with a remarkable handshake between three men: Sergio Vieira de Melo (the UN's Transitional Administrator), Mari Alkatiri (East Timor's first Prime Minister), and Carlos Monjardino of Portugal's Fundação Oriente.
In a twist of history, Monjardino had once negotiated Stanley Ho's gaming contract in Macau, and Ho's casino revenues had funded the very foundation that now rebuilt the hotel he originally constructed. The circle was complete.
$6 million and two years of reconstruction later, Hotel Timor was inaugurated on 20 May 2002, the exact day East Timor declared independence. At midnight, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan ended the UN's administration with the words: "Parabéns, boa sorte, e obrigado barak! Viva Timor-Leste!" As the UN flag came down, American soprano Barbara Hendricks sang "O Freedom."
Representatives of more than 90 countries attended. Hotel Timor welcomed them.
In a twist of history, Monjardino had once negotiated Stanley Ho's gaming contract in Macau, and Ho's casino revenues had funded the very foundation that now rebuilt the hotel he originally constructed. The circle was complete.
$6 million and two years of reconstruction later, Hotel Timor was inaugurated on 20 May 2002, the exact day East Timor declared independence. At midnight, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan ended the UN's administration with the words: "Parabéns, boa sorte, e obrigado barak! Viva Timor-Leste!" As the UN flag came down, American soprano Barbara Hendricks sang "O Freedom."
Representatives of more than 90 countries attended. Hotel Timor welcomed them.
Where World Leaders Stay
Since its reopening, Hotel Timor has welcomed an extraordinary roster of heads of state and international leaders: Bill Clinton, Kofi Annan, Ban Ki-moon, Lula da Silva, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, John Howard, Mahathir Mohamad, Jorge Sampaio, and Helen Clark.
The hotel served as a key venue during the 2006 East Timorese crisis, has hosted World Bank delegations, and continues to be the preferred address for diplomats, UN officials, and business travellers, some staying two to three months at a time.
Tradition, Charm, Excellence
A major refurbishment in 2014 brought all rooms and facilities to contemporary international standards while preserving the colonial character of the building.
Today, 88 rooms and suites across two floors are complemented by a full-service restaurant known for its Portuguese-influenced cuisine (the pastéis de nata are legendary), a cocktail lounge, coffee bar, swimming pool, and two function rooms.
The on-site gift shop, Things & Stories, represents more than 800 Timorese artisans across the country, offering quality tais (traditional woven textiles) and handmade crafts.
Under the direction of Tiago Barata, who arrived in Dili as a volunteer in 2000 and has led the hotel since its 2002 reopening, Hotel Timor remains what it has always been. Not just a place to stay, but a meeting place of heritage and hospitality.
Today, 88 rooms and suites across two floors are complemented by a full-service restaurant known for its Portuguese-influenced cuisine (the pastéis de nata are legendary), a cocktail lounge, coffee bar, swimming pool, and two function rooms.
The on-site gift shop, Things & Stories, represents more than 800 Timorese artisans across the country, offering quality tais (traditional woven textiles) and handmade crafts.
Under the direction of Tiago Barata, who arrived in Dili as a volunteer in 2000 and has led the hotel since its 2002 reopening, Hotel Timor remains what it has always been. Not just a place to stay, but a meeting place of heritage and hospitality.
Hotel Timor at a Glance
Est. 1972
One of the oldest hotel buildings in Dili, with over 50 years of history.
88 Rooms & Suites
From Standard rooms to the Presidential Suite, across two floors.
3 Meeting Rooms
Main venue seats up to 250. Full AV and catering.
Swimming Pool
Outdoor pool with Pool Bar. A cool oasis in central Dili.
130 Staff
Almost entirely Timorese. Hospitality rooted in local warmth.
Things & Stories
Gift shop representing 800+ Timorese artisans and their crafts.
Be Part of the Story
Stay at the hotel that was reborn on Independence Day. Where world leaders have slept, and where 800 Timorese artisans showcase their craft.