Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana Celebrates Grand Opening of its First All-Inclusive Property in Caribbean

ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Hard Rock International makes a splash in the Caribbean and rolls out the red carpet to celebrate the grand opening of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, located in the Dominican Republic on Jan. 29, 2011. The lush, 121-acre property located on Macao Beach is Hard Rock's first all-inclusive Hotel & Casino and marks the brand's debut in the Caribbean.

The official launch party kicks off with celebrity arrivals and Hard Rock's signature lucky 21 Guitar Smash to inaugurate the resort – a long-time Hard Rock tradition. Following the smash, platinum international recording artists, the Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes and Tonino Baliardo, rock the launch party. As part of the grand opening and tradition to give back to the local community, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana will donate new guitars to benefit children's music education.

The complete Jan. 26-30 celebration also features Blue Oyster Cult, The Wailers and More Than Me – the winners of 2010 Hard Rock Calling – along with an exotic Dominican Nights Party celebrating the local flair. The hottest fashions hit the runway during the Hard Rock Fashion Show, plus, pros compete with guests during a golf tournament at the renowned Nicklaus course. A classic poker tournament at the Vegas-inspired casino rounds out the exciting grand opening party. Throughout the week, Hard Rock Showcase highlights the most sought-after resort amenities available at the property.

"This first all-inclusive Caribbean Hotel & Casino property marks a major milestone for our brand that started with just a single cafe opening in 1971," said Michael Shindler, Executive Vice President, Hotels & Casinos.  "As we celebrate Hard Rock's 40th anniversary in 2011, we look forward to our Hotels & Casinos' growth, while staying true to our music vibe and rock 'n' roll roots."

"We are thrilled to be in partnership with Hard Rock International to offer the world's first ever all-inclusive Hard Rock experience," said Palace Resorts President and Owner Roberto Chapur. "The level of superior service mixed with the energetic Hard Rock atmosphere will undoubtedly set a new standard in the Caribbean."  

In celebration of the opening, visitors to Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana can take advantage of the Book Early & Save Promotion, available for bookings and travel throughout 2011, with either 10 or 15 percent discount based on how early a stay is booked. To book a vacation experience at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, visit www.hardrockhotelpuntacana.com, call (888) 762-5002 or contact your preferred travel professional.

The 1,800-room Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana provides an endless array of personal services, enticing outdoor activities and exhilarating entertainment options. Among the resort's many offerings are luxe accommodations featuring the Hard Rock's branded "Rock Star Suite," the signature Rock Spa®, iconic music memorabilia and a larger-than-life Vegas-style casino. Coming early 2011, the resort will also feature the see-and-be-seen Oro nightclub created by the Miami Marketing Group and a Kerry Simon restaurant by the acclaimed celebrity chef.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana guests can indulge their senses at the renowned Rock Spa®, home to the area's most incredible aqua center with hydrotherapy circuits, clay and color therapy steam rooms, saunas, a sensory experience pool and an innovative ice room for skin purification. For those looking to tantalize their palettes, celebrity chef Kerry Simon, dubbed the "Rock n' Roll chef" by Rolling Stone Magazine, unveils his latest restaurant at this new Caribbean location.

Recognized as the largest casino in the Dominican Republic, guests and the general public test their luck at the hotel's 48,000-square foot venue. Avid and amateur gamers alike can go all-in at the casino's exclusive high-limit poker room, VIP lounge, race and sports book, or any of the 457 slot machines and 40 gaming tables. Late night features a new level of electrifying entertainment at Oro nightclub. The new gem of the Caribbean modeled to rival Las Vegas and Miami's finest nightclubs, Oro boasts more than 10,000 square feet across two levels, and features intelligent show lighting and award-winning Funktion One sound. Adding to the dramatics is its signature two-story LED wall consisting of more than 300 individual LED screens and the first ever infinity edge bar. Imagined by Francois Frossard and inspired by the sensuality of the Dominican Republic, Oro is designed to maximize the nightclub experience, elevating and seducing its guests into uninhibited euphoria.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana blends the eccentric atmosphere and characteristics of the Hard Rock brand with lavish five-star all-inclusive amenities and services to create the ultimate rock star getaway. Created by acclaimed design firm 555 International and helmed by Vice President of Design Karen Herold and President and Founder James Geier, the design team at 555 focused on combining Hard Rock's established rock appeal with a modernized flare of contemporary design touched by ornate details. The grand opening will unveil 555's latest venture with a series of three nightspots and individual Rockstar Suite. GETTYS – global hospitality design, procurement and development firm – was also a key partner in resort design, focusing on renovation of the guestrooms, suites and public areas, successfully blending the relaxing expectations of a Caribbean vacation with the rock-n-roll vibe of Hard Rock.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana's Rockstar Suite serves as the ultimate indulgence in overnight accommodations. Upon entering, guests are welcomed by a luxe baby grand piano and decadent translucent jellyfish tank flanked by two mirrored columns with LED lighting and a wall that pays homage to the rock gods of the past and present, including pictures of Aerosmith, KISS and Madonna. Entering the living room, sleek and contemporary furniture adorned with ornate details encompass the lounging space with a large custom-designed pool table serving as the focal point of this over-the-top space. Three spacious bedrooms designed with furniture of reflective and shimmery gold and silver material set the tone for each room's ultra-chic appeal. For those looking to entertain, the spacious dining room of customized upholstered wall panels lined with beveled mirrors is an extraordinary space, or guests can relish in one of the suites' expansive outdoor patios featuring a hot tub, sun trellis and cozy fire pits at each end.

Every touch point at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana is exquisite. The resort is fully equipped to handle the largest events, from full-blown rock concerts to small, intimate occasions, offering more than 65,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space. Golf enthusiasts are challenged at the renowned 18-hole Nicklaus designed golf course. Guests also enjoy 11 expansive pools, four swim-up bars, a kid's pool and lazy river. A variety of gourmet dining options are available through the resort's 11 restaurants, from Brazilian steakhouse Ipema and The Market international buffet to Asian Teppanyaki at Zen and brick-oven pizza at Pizzeto. On-site shopping includes boutiques, souvenirs and treats at the Rock Shop and jewelry and Spa boutiques. Guests are entertained around every corner with exclusive Hard Rock memorabilia such as Elton John's hand-painted piano, Tommy Lee's Motley Crue silver space ship outfit, Gene Simmons' custom axe base and Sammy Hagar's 1926 hot rod.

To book a vacation experience at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, visit www.hardrockhotelpuntacana.com, call (888) 762-5002 or contact your preferred travel professional.

About Hard Rock International

With a total of 171 venues in 52 countries, including 134 cafes and 15 Hotels/Casinos, Hard Rock International is one of the world's most globally recognized brands. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. In addition to the two flagship Seminole Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos in Tampa and Hollywood, Fla., Hard Rock Hotels/Casinos are located in Las Vegas, Biloxi, Orlando, Chicago, San Diego, Pattaya, Bali, Macau, Penang, Singapore and Punta Cana.  Additional hotel and casino projects have been announced in Panama, scheduled to open in 2012; and Hungary, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, scheduled to open in 2013.  Hard Rock International is owned by Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment, Inc. For further details on Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos, visit www.hardrockhotels.com.  For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com.

SOURCE Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana