Hard Rock International Expands Hotel Brand with Announcement of First Hotel Projects in Brazil

Hotel & Casino Brand to Debut in South America With Three New Properties

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Feb 17, 2016, 10:09 ET

ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Hard Rock International – with 23 Hotels & 11 Casinos from Bali to Ibiza and San Diego to Singapore – expands its portfolio with the announcement of three new projects in key markets throughout Brazil, representing a milestone for the Hotel & Casino brand as the first projects in both the country and South America.

The upcoming Hard Rock Hotels include:

Hard Rock Hotel Brasilia, Brazil
Hard Rock Hotel Caldas Novas, Brazil
Hard Rock Hotel Itapema, Brazil

"As the host of the 2014 World Cup and the upcoming 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil has officially entered the world stage, seeing an increased appeal in international travelers, while its natural and cultural attractions continue to be a driving force for domestic travel," states Marco Roca, executive vice president of global hotel development at Hard Rock International. "Brazilians have always been great fans of the Hard Rock brand and we could not be more excited to announce Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos entrance into the country, whose famed lively culture is in tune with our brand."

The upcoming Hard Rock Hotels in Brazil will embrace the country's existing scene as an energetic artistic and cultural center through locally inspired design and unparalleled live music experiences. With more than 77% of Brazilians planning to take their vacations domestically, the Hard Rock Hotels will meet the country's growing demand for upscale accommodations in differentiated locations.

As the first Hard Rock Hotel in Brazil, Hard Rock Hotel Brasilia is slated to be part of the major commercial, tourism expansion of Brasilia Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport. The 400-room Hard Rock Hotel Brasilia, developed in conjunction with VCI Holding, will complement the Inframerica airport expansion and provide its more than 19.5 million annual passengers with an upscale retreat in close proximity to the thriving destination. Hard Rock Hotel Brasilia will also feature a sprawling pool and deck, more than than 17,000 sq. ft. of event space, a signature restaurant and rooftop entertainment lounge, in addition to a spa and fitness center.

Hard Rock will move further south within Brazil's state capital of Goiás with the unveiling of Hard Rock Hotel Caldas Novas. Considered to be the largest hydrothermal resort in the world, Caldas Novas welcomes a strong influx of local and international travelers year round. The upcoming 303-room, 12-story Hard Rock Hotel will embrace the area's signature experience, offering guests six thermal pools, including a designated kid's area, three restaurants, a helipad and an electrifying nightclub.

Located off the azure waters of southern Brazil, Hard Rock International will transform the current Plaza Itapema Resort & Spa into the 175-room Hard Rock Hotel Itapema. Offering pristine location, beachfront views and upscale accommodations, in addition to the brand's recognized curated live music events, Hard Rock Hotel Itapema will be a world-class leisure destination upon completion in 2017.

At the heart of each hotel are music-based experiences available throughout brand-wide amenities and programs, including Rock Spa® featuring the brand's revolutionary Rhythm & Motion spa menu, Rock Shop® where guests will be able to purchase the brand's iconic merchandise, Body Rock® workout facilities, and the signature Sound of Your Stay® amenity program, offering guests interactive music experiences in the comfort of their room. In addition, Hard Rock boasts the world's greatest rock memorabilia collection, kicked off with a Fender Lead II from Eric Clapton and a Les Paul from The Who's Pete Townshend, which now includes 80,000 legendary items. Through music appreciation and an imaginative environment, Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos delivers products for the varied aspects of life – work, play and personal sanctuary.

Internationally recognized as a world-class entertainment and lifestyle brand, Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos offer stylish and contemporary design, unparalleled service and the thread that unites them all – music. Hard Rock's current Hotel & Casino portfolio is located in the world's most enviable resort destinations, as well as urban gateway cities. Hard Rock Hotels cater to the evolving and distinctive needs of today's cosmopolitan, modern travelers, who seek a reprieve from traditional, predictable properties, whether for business or leisure travel.

For more information or to book a stay at any of the Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos, please visit www.hardrockhotels.com.

About Hard Rock International
With venues in 68 countries, including 162 cafes, 23 hotels and 11 casinos, Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies. 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. HRI owns the global trademark for all Hard Rock brands. The company owns, operates and franchises Cafes in iconic cities including London, New York, San Francisco, Sydney and Dubai. HRI also owns, licenses and/or manages hotel/casino properties worldwide. Destinations include the company's two most successful Hotel and Casino properties in Tampa and Hollywood, Fl., both owned and operated by HRI parent company The Seminole Tribe of Florida, as well as other exciting locations including Bali, Chicago, Cancun, Ibiza, Las Vegas, Macau and San Diego. Upcoming new Hard Rock Cafe locations include San Juan, Reykjavik and Gran Canaria, Spain. New Hard Rock Hotel projects include Atlanta, Berlin, Daytona Beach, Dubai, Los Cabos, Tenerife, Abu Dhabi, and Shenzhen and Haikou in China. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com.