Spring 2010 will see Hard Rock Hotel & Casino put its brand on the existing Moon Palace Casino, Golf & Spa Resort at Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana will have the largest casino in the Dominican Republic. Its 45,000 square feet of gaming space will feature 40 tables, 457 slots, a race and sports book, a VIP lounge and a high-limit poker room.
The 1,790-room resort will feature Hard Rock’s signature Rock Star suites and luxury rooms with double Jacuzzis and double showers. The hotel will be non-smoking in all areas of the resort except the casino floor.
The resort will still be owned and managed by Palace Resorts, which besides Moon Palace operates 11 all-inclusive luxury resorts in Mexico. The two companies have entered into a 20-year conditional and renewable licensing agreement that brands the property with the Hard Rock name.
This will be Hard Rock International’s first experience with an all-inclusive, all-ages resort. Aside from the general public areas, the resort will provide special areas for children, families and adults.
Hard Rock will open one of its signature restaurants in Punta Cana, but it will not be part of the resort and not part of the all-inclusive arrangement. The resort will have 11 restaurants and 12 bars that are included in the one price.
The transition from Moon Palace to Hard Rock will not require the resort to close, according to the Moon Palace website. No major construction is planned for the phased changeover.
The property will add Hard Rock branding that includes objects from the group’s considerable collection of signature rock memorabilia from international and local artists.
