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Casino hotels have been part of San Juan’s hospitality fabric for decades, but Hard Rock International’s latest proposal aims to transform that tradition rather than simply join it. On Feb. 5, 2026, the company announced plans for the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino San Juan, an $850 million mixed-use resort slated to open in 2029.
Construction is scheduled to begin in mid-2026 near Old San Juan, a prime location offering unobstructed views of San Juan Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, with easy access to both the international airport and the island’s bustling cruise terminals.
Where caribbean culture meets iconic entertainment
Moving beyond the typical resort model, this project is a partnership between Puerto Rico-based Misla Hospitality and Stonecrest Investment Management, and Houston-based The Interfin Companies. According to a news release on EINPresswire, it is being positioned as the island’s first “fully integrated” casino resort—a self-contained destination where 415 guest rooms, 58 suites, and 186 branded private residences share a single ecosystem with gaming and entertainment.
Design duties are split between Klai Juba Wald Architecture (Las Vegas) and CMA Architects (San Juan), with a specific mandate to incorporate original work by local artists.
“Music is at the heart of both Hard Rock and Puerto Rico, making this a natural fit,” said Jeff Hook, chief operating officer of Hard Rock International. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino San Juan will feature an on-site recording studio, multiple performance venues, and pieces from Hard Rock’s global memorabilia archive, ensuring the resort feels rooted in the island’s artistic scene.
A landmark investment in Puerto Rico’s future
Giorgio Borlenghi, chairman of The Interfin Companies, emphasized that the team remains committed to balancing this rapid economic growth with environmental and cultural respect.
This move comes during a period of aggressive global expansion for Hard Rock, which currently operates more than 300 venues in nearly 80 countries. With recent flagship openings in Ottawa, Ontario, and active projects in New York and Las Vegas, San Juan represents the brand’s increasing focus on high-value Caribbean markets. While the project’s ultimate success depends on execution, the named partners and looming groundbreaking suggest a major shift in Puerto Rico’s resort landscape.
