Hard Rock International made a splash in the Caribbean and rolled out the red carpet when it celebrated the grand opening of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, located in the Dominican Republic, earlier this year. 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 kicked 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, rocked the launch party. As part of the grand opening and tradition to give back to the local community, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana donated new guitars to benefit children's music education.


The complete 5-day celebration also featured 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 competed with guests during a golf tournament at the renowned Nicklaus course. A classic poker tournament at the Vegas-inspired casino rounded out the exciting grand opening party. Throughout the week, Hard Rock Showcase highlighted 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.

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-sq. ft. 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 sq. ft. 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.

For more information, visit www.hardrockhotelpuntacana.com or call (888) 762-5002.