Media reports within the past two weeks have surfaced once again pointing to on-going discussions with the end result of finalizing an agreement for the purchase of Simpson Bay Resort and brand it as a Hard Rock property. These unconfirmed reports attributed to sources say that Hard Rock International (HRI) will also construct additional 150-200 rooms on the property, an investment of approximately US$100 million.
HRI continues its global expansion, and according to its corporate website, Sint Maarten is not listed as one of its official destinations that it will be setting up shop, but that is of course until an agreement can be confirmed and signed off, and an official announcement is made.
HRI will be opening Hard Rock Cafes in Sri Lanka, Costa Rica, India, Qatar, French Polynesia, Malaysia, Bolivia, Vietnam, South Korea, Thailand, Russia, Turkey and Spain.
With respect to Hotels and Casinos of the HRI brand, those listed as coming soon are Hungary, Abu Dhabi, Riviera Maya, Aruba, Northfield Park, Shenzhen, Haikou and Palm Springs.
Hard Rock continues to spread the message of rock from city to city, and now, the world-famous brand is taking Malaysia by storm! HRI announced at the end of January opening of its newest cafe location in the heart of Malaysia’s charming city of Melaka. The new Hard Rock Cafe Melaka, located at the entrance of Jonker Walk within the UNESCO World Heritage Site, will undoubtedly be a must-see for both visitors and locals. The opening of Hard Rock Cafe Melaka marks the third Hard Rock Cafe in Malaysia, joining the popular locations in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
The 1,372-square-metre cafe includes seating for 200, an upscale vibrant bar, a spacious outdoor dining area, a live entertainment space that will feature Melaka’s unique local music scene, and a Rock Shop.
HRI back in January submitted a non-refundable US$400.000 application fee to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission for the development of HRI & Casino New England to be located in West Springfield, Mass., on the campus of Eastern States Exposition (ESE). The single-phased property would be created on a dedicated 38 acre section of ESE. The new resort it has been said will positively impact the State’s economy and redefine the entertainment experience in Massachusetts.
Hard Rock International has 173 venues in 53 countries, including 138 Cafes and 15 Hotels/Casinos. Hard Rock’s two flagship Hotels and Casinos are in Tampa and Hollywood, Florida.
The Hard Rock International brand is owned by the Seminole Indian Tribe of Florida, 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.
The Hard Rock International brand will be a plus for Sint Maarten if all goes well with the acquisition of the Simpson Bay Resort property in Pelican. This will be the fourth hotel brand to establish itself on the island next to (Westin, Sonesta and Radisson).