No.1 overall leader in hotel/casino customer satisfaction
Hard Rock International (HRI), owner of one of the world’s most recognized brands will be opening its first hotel in Europe in May 2014 – Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza. HRI has signed a license agreement with Palladium Hotel Group that will transform two former Fiesta Hotels, Club Don Toni and Hotel Don Toni.
The two buildings will be remodelled which will include various dining, shopping and entertainment outlets.
HRI has had a European presence for more than 40-years with 32 Hard Rock Cafes. HRI is looking for quality developers and remain dedicated to introducing the Hard Rock brand to new guests and existing Hard Rock fans.
The Hard Rock Ibiza Hotel will offer 480 rooms that will be a blend of Mediterranean island inspiration with the world-renowned Hard Rock energy throughout its 235 suites and vast amenities, such as the Rock Spa, Body Rock workout facility, 8,600 square feet of meeting space and much more.
HRI has also been acknowledged for top performance by Market Metrix Hospitality Index as the2012 No.1 overall leader in hotel/casino customer satisfaction in the "Upper Upscale Hotels" category. The award also places Hard Rock within the top five brands for Customer Satisfaction among all hotel brands and segments in the Americas for the year.
Additionally, Hard Rock’s individual properties were recently recognized for outstanding service, with Hard Rock Hotels in Biloxi and Orlando awarded as "Best Hotels" by US News & World Report in the two aforementioned categories.
HRI is recognized as a world-class entertainment and lifestyle brand. HRI current hotel and casino portfolio are located in the world’s most desirable resort destination, as well as urban gateway cities spanning across 177 venues in 58 countries, including 141 cafes, 18 hotels and eight casinos. Destinations include the companies’ two most successful hotel and casino properties in Tampa and Hollywood, Florida, both owned and operated by HRI parent company The Seminole Tribe of Florida.
The Seminole Tribe of Florida is a federally recognized Indian tribe, and the only tribe in America who never signed a peace treaty. The Seminole Tribe of Florida, Inc. was created to oversee the business matters of the Tribe. The Tribe employs more than 7,000 and purchase more than US$130 million in goods and services annually.
There has been much talk but no confirmation to date whether the Pelican/Simpson Bay Resort will be branded as a Hard Rock property. Information published in the past also state that plans include an additional 150-200 room expansion to be built on the property, an investment of approximately US$100 million.
Such a development would breathe a new impetus into our tourism sector from different angles. We have a spin off for construction, suppliers, job opportunities and once the property is completed, employment for our people. In addition, the marketing value for the destination would also increase as well and the benefits would continue to spill over into other hospitality businesses on the island.
The Hard Rock International brand will be a triple plus for Sint Maarten. This will be the fourth hotel brand to establish itself on the island next to (Westin, Sonesta and Radisson).
Roddy Heyliger