Hard Rock International is keeping its plans on track for a major Las Vegas comeback. One year after the Mirage closed, construction on the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas and the iconic Guitar Hotel is moving forward steadily, with the doors expected to open in late 2027.
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The Mirage officially shut down on July 17, 2024, and by the very next day, crews had already broken ground on the new project. Joe Lupo, President of Hard Rock Las Vegas, confirmed that everything is progressing smoothly so far. He told the Las Vegas Review-Journal:
“We are very pleased with the progress of our construction, which began the day after closure. Hard Rock’s development team and our construction partners have been working diligently since then, and the project remains on schedule to open (in the) early fourth quarter of 2027.”
As the broader Las Vegas Strip deals with signs of cooling—visitor numbers have dipped and some projects have stalled—Hard Rock is going the other direction. The company has expanded parts of its original design. Contrary to rumors of a scaled-back build, Lupo made it clear that Hard Rock is doubling down.
“We appreciate the interest in our project, but some of the speculation has painted an inaccurate picture,” he said. “To set the record straight, from a general standpoint, we continue to look to expand our property offerings, not reduce them.”
The new plans increase the number of rooms and suites in the Guitar Hotel to 675. The pool area will be about 50% larger than previously planned, and each of the two hotel towers will now feature its own spa. Spa space overall will nearly triple.
While the finer details like entertainment acts, dining options, and immersive attractions are still in development, Lupo said they remain focused on building a full-scale experience that fits the Hard Rock brand. He explained:
“We continue to prioritize the quality of the overall product, including our amenities, new and exciting entertainment, and experiential opportunities for the Las Vegas visitors we intend to attract and retain.”
Looking ahead, Hard Rock believes in the long-term potential of Las Vegas—even in a climate where others are slowing down. Lupo pointed to upcoming projects like The Sphere, the possible A’s stadium, and the Brightline rail line as proof that money and attention continue to flow into the city.
“We are very encouraged about the vitality of the Las Vegas market as we expect continued long-term growth in all business segments,” Lupo said adding that “the city continues to redefine itself as existing properties and new entrants continue to invest capital. We foresee continued growth and an exciting future for Hard Rock Las Vegas.”