A year after the renowned Mirage hotel-casino closed permanently, Hard Rock International is diligently advancing its $4.3 billion revamp of the property into the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas and the Guitar Hotel Las Vegas.
Construction commenced on July 18, 2024, just a day following the Mirage’s shutdown. According to Hard Rock Las Vegas President Joe Lupo, the redevelopment is progressing on schedule and within budget. The South Florida-based hospitality group is aiming for a grand opening in the latter half of 2027, with an anticipated debut in early Q4.
“We are very satisfied with the construction progress, which began the day after we closed. The Hard Rock development team and our construction partners have been working tirelessly, and the project is on track for an early Q4 2027 opening,” Lupo shared with the Las Vegas Review Journal. “Although the opening date could be influenced by various market and economic conditions, we are optimistic about our progress.”
The resort’s development comes amidst mixed economic indicators in Las Vegas, with recent declines in visitor numbers and gaming revenue leading to project delays and reductions on the Strip. However, Lupo stated that Hard Rock remains confident in the city’s long-term potential and has even broadened the project’s scope.
Hard Rock Las Vegas President Joe Lupo
In response to speculation regarding downsizing of the resort plans, Lupo emphasized that the opposite is true. The Guitar Hotel will now feature 675 rooms and suites, up from the initially planned 600, with the pool complex enlarging by nearly 50% and spa facilities tripling in size. Each tower of the hotel will now house its own spa.
“We appreciate the interest in our project, but some of the speculation has presented an incorrect narrative. To clarify, generally speaking, we are looking to broaden our property offerings, not lessen them,” Lupo assured the Review-Journal.
As part of its vision, Hard Rock aspires to develop an integrated resort that introduces new experiences into the Las Vegas Strip. Lupo noted that the team remains committed to quality and innovation while aligning with the Hard Rock brand.
“We will continue to focus on the quality of our offerings, encompassing our amenities, new and thrilling entertainment, and experiential opportunities to engage and retain Las Vegas visitors,” he remarked. “We look forward to unveiling additional details at the right times.”
With more than two years until completion, key aspects like the entertainment schedule, dining options, and experiential elements are in the finalization stages. Lupo mentioned ongoing projects such as The Sphere, the proposed A’s stadium, and the Brightline high-speed rail as indicators of sustained investment and growth in the Las Vegas market.
“We are highly optimistic about the vitality of the Las Vegas market as we expect ongoing long-term growth across all business sectors,” he stated. “The city keeps evolving as existing entities and newcomers invest capital. We foresee ongoing expansion and an exciting future for Hard Rock Las Vegas.”