Hard Rock to enter Puerto Rico gaming market with $850M San Juan integrated resort

Summary

Hard Rock International plans an $850 million integrated resort in San Juan, Puerto Rico, marking its first casino-led development on the island. The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino San Juan is scheduled to open in 2029, with construction expected to begin mid-2026. The project is a partnership with Misla Hospitality, Stonecrest Investment Management and The Interfin Companies, and will be designed by Klai Juba Wald and CMA Architects.

The development will combine gaming, hotel accommodation, residential units and entertainment under one roof. Planned facilities include about 415 hotel rooms, 58 suites, 186 branded residences, gaming areas, event venues, a recording studio, the Rock Spa, multiple pools, dining outlets and family-focused amenities such as a kids’ club and arcade.

Key Points

$850 million integrated resort in San Juan — Hard Rock’s first hotel, casino and residential complex in Puerto Rico.
Timetable: construction to start mid-2026; opening targeted for 2029.
Partnership: Hard Rock International with Misla Hospitality, Stonecrest Investment Management and The Interfin Companies; design by Klai Juba Wald and CMA Architects.
Accommodation and residences: ~415 rooms, 58 suites and 186 branded residences.
Facilities: gaming floors, event spaces, recording studio, Rock Spa, fitness centre, three terrace pools and varied dining options.
Family and youth amenities: kids’ club, arcade and teen-focused spaces.
Economic impact: estimated 2,500 direct construction jobs and around 1,250 permanent positions once operational.
Strategic location: views of San Juan Bay and the Atlantic, close to cruise ports, Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport and Old San Juan — aimed at boosting tourism and conventions.

Why should I read this?

Because this is big: Hard Rock is making a proper bet on Puerto Rico. If you’re tracking Caribbean tourism, casino expansion or major hospitality investments, this one changes the map — jobs, hotel beds and events capacity all get a boost. Quick read = saves you digging through press releases.

Context and relevance

The project signals renewed investor confidence in Puerto Rico’s visitor economy and expands Hard Rock’s Caribbean footprint. For the gaming and hospitality industries it brings fresh supply of rooms and convention-capable space near cruise activity, which could shift regional market dynamics. Locally, the promised job creation and cultural integration (music and community artists) are positioned as economic and branding advantages for San Juan.