Plans announced for Hard Rock Hotel & Casino San Juan in Puerto Rico

The $850m project is expected to open in 2029.

Puerto Rico.- Hard Rock International has announced plans to work with Misla Hospitality, Stonecrest Investment Management and The Interfin Companies to develop Hard Rock Hotel & Casino San Juan. Construction on the $850m project is expected to commence mid-year with opening slated for 2029.

The company said the venue “will honor the rich soul and rhythm of San Juan, while striking a bold new chord for the future.” It will be designed by Klai Juba Wald and CMA Architects and will have approximately 415 rooms, 58 suites and 186 branded residences.

There will also be dining experiences, a spa, fitness centre, three terrace-level pools, event venues, a recording studio and amenities for young visitors, including a kids’ club, kids’ arcade and teen spaces.

According to the company, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino San Juan is expected to create more than 2,500 direct construction jobs and 1,250 permanent positions once opened.

Governor of Puerto Rico, Jenniffer González-Colón, 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 $850m 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.”

Jeff Hook, chief operating officer at Hard Rock International, added: “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’s rich music and arts scene, and we look forward to welcoming visitors and locals alike to experience the island’s dynamic cultural landscape.”

Giorgio Borlenghi, chairman of The Interfin Companies, the development team, commented: “Drawing from five decades of global development experience, and shaped by my own upbringing in Italy surrounded by history and architecture, we are proud to partner with Hard Rock on this transformative project for San Juan. Working closely with trusted local partners, artists, and community leaders, we have approached this development with a strong focus on cultural preservation, environmental responsibility, and community engagement. Our intent is to deliver a world-class destination that reflects Puerto Rico’s heritage while generating lasting economic and social value.

In November, DraftKings opened a new retail sportsbook at Foxwoods El San Juan Casino in Puerto Rico with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and hospitality investment firm LionGrove. The space has sports betting kiosks, an over-the-counter ticket window, and a sports lounge.