Hard Rock Plans $850 Million Casino Resort Entry in Puerto Rico

Hard Rock International is preparing to establish a permanent foothold in Puerto Rico with a large scale integrated resort in San Juan. The project represents the company first casino led development on the island and a major expansion of its Caribbean presence.

Good to Know

• Hard Rock will develop its first casino resort in Puerto Rico
• Construction is expected to start in mid 2026
• The San Juan property is scheduled to open in 2029

Hard Rock International confirmed plans for an $850 million integrated resort in San Juan, set to bring gaming, hospitality, entertainment, and residential living together at a single site. The project marks Hard Rock entry into the Puerto Rico casino market and its first hotel and casino development on the island.

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino San Juan will be developed in partnership with Misla Hospitality, Stonecrest Investment Management, and The Interfin Companies. Construction is planned to begin in mid 2026, with the resort targeting an opening in 2029.

Resort Design, Location, and Scale

The San Juan development will include roughly 415 hotel rooms, 58 suites, and 186 branded residences. Plans position the property as the first fully integrated casino resort in Puerto Rico designed from the ground up rather than adapted from an existing hotel.

Architecture firms Klai Juba Wald and CMA Architects are leading the design, with concepts drawing directly from Puerto Rico music and cultural identity. The project will also incorporate artwork from local creators as part of the interior and public spaces.

The site sits near San Juan Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, close to cruise terminals and within easy reach of Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. The location also places the resort adjacent to Old San Juan, one of the island most visited historic districts.

Gaming facilities will anchor the development alongside entertainment venues, including live event spaces and a recording studio. Plans also call for curated displays featuring local memorabilia.

Amenities extend beyond gaming. The resort blueprint includes a Rock Spa, a fitness center, and three terrace level pools. Family oriented areas are part of the plan as well, with a kids club, arcade, and spaces designed specifically for teens. Dining options are expected to range from casual poolside service to full service restaurants and bars.

Economic Impact and Local Support

Hard Rock chief operating officer Jeff Hook framed the project as a natural cultural fit. He said:

“Music is at the heart of both Hard Rock and Puerto Rico, making this a perfect union.”

“San Juan is a natural extension of our portfolio, creating a seamless Hard Rock experience for guests traveling between our international properties.”

“We’re honored to create a destination that celebrates Puerto Rico rich music and arts scene, and we look forward to welcoming visitors and locals alike to experience the island dynamic cultural landscape.”

Developers estimate the project will generate more than 2,500 construction jobs and about 1,250 permanent positions once the resort opens.

Puerto Rico governor Jenniffer González-Colón said the investment carries broader economic implications. She said:

“The launch in San Juan of the first hotel, casino, and residential complex by the prestigious firm Hard Rock International, with construction set to begin mid-year, opens a world of possibilities for economic development.”

“This significant $850 million investment, in addition to generating jobs and becoming another attraction for the island, helps continue positioning Puerto Rico as an ideal destination in the Caribbean — a destination for tourism, living, and global investment.”

Tourism leaders echoed that view. Puerto Rico Tourism Company executive director Willianette Robles Cancel said the project strengthens hotel capacity near cruise traffic and historic districts while supporting long term tourism goals.

Discover Puerto Rico president and chief executive Jorge L. Pérez also pointed to the project role in supporting convention demand and attracting international events to the island.

FAQ

When will construction begin on Hard Rock San Juan?

Construction is planned to start in mid 2026.

When is the resort expected to open?

The opening target is 2029.

How large is the development?

Plans include more than 400 hotel rooms, 58 suites, and 186 branded residences.

Where is the property located?

Near San Juan Bay, cruise ports, Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, and Old San Juan.

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