Hard Rock Hotel Unveils Plans for Expansion

Now that the dust has settled on last year’s purchase of the Hard Rock Hotel, Morgans Hotel Group Co. has unveiled plans for a large-scale expansion and renovation project for the off-Strip hotel.

The plans start with expanding the property to the west and north of its current buildings, adding an additional 8 acres. Approximately 950 guest rooms will be added, including one all-suite VIP tower with upgraded amenities and another tower of 550 rooms. Several new food and beverage outlets will be added throughout the property, including a new nightclub, along with 30,000 square feet of retail, 60,000 square feet of meeting space and a new spa and health club.

The casino will be expanded by another 35,000 square feet and the Joint, the entertainment venue, will be made larger, as well. To join the new buildings with the original portion of the hotel, the Hard Rock’s award-winning pool will once again be expanded.

Renovations to the existing buildings will begin immediately, with upgrades to existing suites, restaurants and bars, retail shops, and common areas, and a new ultra lounge and poker room.

The expansion portion of the project will begin later this year, with an expected finish date of mid-2009.

MHG states that the goal of the expansion is to offer the state-of-the-art rooms and amenities of the megaresorts, while still keeping the boutique feel to the property that the company is famous for.

“The expansion project will increase the size and scale of the Hard Rock and take the property to a new level of sophistication,” Ed Scheetz, President and Chief Executive Officer of MHG explained. “MHG has been extraordinarily successful in renovating and redeveloping hotels as it has done in the past with Delano, Mondrian, and Hudson. The Hard Rock represents yet another opportunity for MHG to transform and stylize a property to attract the same hip clientele who appreciate the authentic and unique experience we are known for. As each phase of this project is completed, we will be enhancing the Hard Rock’s well-established reputation as one of the most popular destinations in Las Vegas, and we are more excited than ever about its potential.”

The photo above is conceptual art by Klai Juba Architects, the design firm handling the project, showing what the Hard Rock will look like when all elements are completed.