In an announcement made on 13 January 2016, Hard Rock International unveiled plans to start construction in April of a 40-story 400-room hotel in the midst of the booming commercial sector of Santo Domingo. The hotel will follow in the footsteps of the Holiday Inn, Embassy Suites, JW Marriott and Real Intercontinental (opening 2016) under construction in the same area.
Upon making the announcement, Nelson Parker, vice president of casino development for the chain highlighted the fact that the Dominican Republic was the region’s most visited country and continues to be the top-performing destination in the Caribbean. He stressed that in 2014, the DR received almost 20% of all visitors to the Caribbean.
“The decision to bring a full service hotel and the brand’s second Caribbean casino to the Dominican Republic is a testament to the country’s remarkable strength in tourism.”
Located in the heart of the city, the property will be home to a 23,000 sq. ft. casino, screening room, and a nightclub opening up to the main pool. The ultra-modern casino will feature two bars – including Hard Rock’s signature Center Bar – a race and sports book, high limit slots, 400 slot machines and 40 table games, offering Hard Rock guests a world-class gaming experience to remember. A private gaming room on the exclusive suite floor will be available for guests with select access.
Targeting groups and weddings, the promoters say that the new hotel will include 33,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, as well as a Rock Star Suite and a Rock Royalty Level floor.
The property will also provide many brand exclusive offerings, including a world famous Rock Shop – home to Hard Rock’s legendary merchandise – Rock Spa’s groundbreaking Rhythm & Motion treatments and the Body Rock gym. The Lobby Bar, located on the fourth floor, will offer guests signature cocktails, while the refreshing pool features a bar and grill, as well as plush cabanas. Along with a myriad of restaurants and bars – including a cigar lounge and a celebrity-chef specialty restaurant – hotel guests will enjoy convenient access to Santo Domingo’s main shopping center Blue Mall, home to the nearby Hard Rock Cafe Santo Domingo.
The new hotel, which will be built on the intersection of Av. Abraham Lincoln with Calle Jose Andres Aybar, is scheduled to open in 2017.
