Privatizing a landmarkHistoric Macau hotel to become diplomatic residence before China takeoverMarch 20, 1998Web posted at: 4:01 p.m. EDT (1601 GMT) From CNN Correspondent May Lee MACAU (CNN) -- Sitting atop Penha Hill, the stately Hotel Bela Vista is one of the most recognized landmarks in the Portuguese colony of Macau -- and not just for its architectural beauty, but for its colorful 120-year-old history. In that time, the building has transformed many times over, from private home, school, and refugee center to modest hotel. In its current lavish and stunning incarnation, the landmark is intentionally intimate and private. "I wouldn't say it's a small hotel," says general manager Paul-Andre Guidat. "It's a beautiful house that has only eight rooms and one restaurant. And we try to pass this message onto our guests and friends and give them this feeling that rather than checking into another hotel, (they are) coming home -- coming to visit family, friends." That cozy atmosphere of home is felt in each of the Bela Vista's eight rooms, which are all unique. And for a taste of Portugal, the hotel's one restaurant serves up some of the best in Portuguese cuisine. But come March 31 of next year, the historic Bela Vista will be history: the landmark will be turned into the residence of the Portuguese consul-general once Macau is handed back to China on December 20, 1999. The change is a shock and a surprise to patrons of the Bela Vista -- patrons like Lourdes Rodrigues, whose grandmother owned the hotel from 1932 to 1941. "Everybody knows about Bela Vista, everybody knows this hotel and they know how beautiful it is," says Rodrigues. "It's really an attraction, so I think it's a pity." One of a kindA pity, a loss ... even an outrage to some -- but the closing of one of the most popular tourist spots in Macau is an irrevocable decision made by the Portuguese government. For that reason, Macau officials can only accept the changes as another chapter in the Bela Vista's everchanging history. "I'm quite sure that this step is a very serious moment to warranty that this building with real ambience will be maintained for the future, and to maintain Macau as a city of culture," says Joao Manuel Costa Antunes of the Macau Government Tourist Office. Indeed, Macau's 500-year-old culture will last long after the hotel Bela Vista is gone -- but the void will be felt. General manager Guidat said there might even be another Bela Vista in Macau's future -- although it could never take the place of the original. "There might be another approach of an old building that could be put into a hotel or restaurant," he says, "but there's never going to be another Bela Vista. Never." 
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