With a presence in more than 75 countries across the globe, Hard Rock International is expanding its hotel portfolio into the historic French Quarter and New Orleans Theater District with plans to open Hard Rock Hotel New Orleans and the Residences at the Hard Rock Hotel New Orleans. Working in collaboration with local developer, Kailas Companies, Hard Rock will amplify The Big Easy with the addition of an 18-story building scheduled to open in the spring of 2019.
Located on a landmark corner in the heart of New Orleans, blocks from the sixth largest convention center in the country, the property will sit adjacent to two-street car lines, allowing guests easy access to all parts of the city. The new development melds together New Orleans’ rich history of music and culture.
“As Hard Rock continues to expand globally, our focus will be influential cities with deep musical roots,” states Todd Hricko, senior vice president, head of global hotel development for Hard Rock International. “Home to a unique melting pot of cultures, New Orleans — known for its nightlife and vibrant live-music scene – has been a desirable choice for our next Hard Rock Hotel.”
Accommodating both business and leisure travelers, Hard Rock Hotel New Orleans will offer 350 rooms for hotel guests, in addition to 62 one, two and three-bedroom units available for purchase beginning in the spring of 2018. Almost every room offers unparalleled views and a balcony or terrace overlooking the city, including Canal-facing parade-route suites. With Hard Rock boasting the world’s largest music memorabilia collection, which now includes more than 80,000 legendary and priceless items, walls throughout the property will be adorned with pieces to fit the local music scene while paying homage to the city’s historic background. The property will also boast four dynamic meeting spaces along with two ballrooms, totaling approximately 12,000 square feet of prime event space.
“We feel privileged to partner with Hard Rock International to bring this exciting development to the French Quarter. Our goal is to host New Orleans’ great traditions of music and cuisine through fine dining, entertainment, and rooftop venues. We are excited to share the Hard Rock experience, and we’re sure it will soon become a favorite for locals and visitors alike,” shared Mohan Kailas, founder of Kailas Companies.
Regionally-inspired food and beverage offerings will be available on-site, such as a three-meal all day dining option, a grab-and-go option, and a pool bar and grill. The property will also boast an upscale restaurant that will be quickly known for its authentic Louisiana seafood, offering low key music, ridiculously good drinks, and a place where tradition and tales are shared and celebrated. Guests can enjoy drinks at the property’s exclusive lobby bar, as well as enjoy a refreshing spiked snow ball on-site from the famed Pitard’s Adult Snowballs. Plans also call for an exclusive rooftop sky bar and lounge, providing the premier hotspot for remarkable 360-degree views of the city and inspiring culinary offerings.
In true Hard Rock style, the hotel will offer music-based experiences available through brand-wide amenities and programs, including access to the Rock Shop®, where guests will be able to purchase iconic Hard Rock merchandise, as well as Sound Body wellness experiences, such as a fully-equipped Body Rock® workout facility and Rock Om®, a one-of-a-kind in-room yoga experience that energizes the body and soul through the power of music. Also available will be the brand’s signature Sound of Your Stay® amenity program, which is an interactive music experience enjoyed from the comfort of one’s room. As an added bonus, hotel guests can indulge in VIP services typically reserved for musical legends on the eighth floor’s Rock Royalty Level and Lounge.
Hard Rock International
With venues in 75 countries, including 180 cafes, 24 hotels and 11 casinos, Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world’s greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. HRI owns the global trademark for all Hard Rock brands. The company owns, operates and franchises Cafes in iconic cities including London, New York, San Francisco, Sydney and Dubai. HRI also owns, licenses and/or manages hotel/casino properties worldwide. Destinations include the company’s two most successful Hotel and Casino properties in Tampa and Hollywood, FL., both owned and operated by HRI parent company The Seminole Tribe of Florida, as well as other exciting locations including Bali, Cancun, Ibiza, Las Vegas, and San Diego. Upcoming new Hard Rock Cafe locations include St. Petersburg, Cairo, Wroclaw and Chengdu. New Hard Rock hotel, casino or hotel-casino projects include Atlanta, Atlantic City, Berlin, Budapest, London, Los Cabos, Maldives, New York City, Ottawa, Dalian and Haikou in China.
Kailas Companies, LLC
Founded in 1990 by C. Mohan Kailas, Kailas Companies is one of Louisiana’s top owner/operators of commercial property today. Relying on the experience and dedication of its staff and the satisfaction of its tenants, the company now owns, develops and manages numerous facets of property, from high-rise office, luxury multifamily, hospitality, regional retail centers, warehouses, and land. A wealth of creativity, disciplined risk management and drive enable Kailas Companies to expand while maintaining stable growth over the past 28 years. Kailas Companies prides itself on excellence in property expertise, strict risk analysis, and strong community and professional relationships. The company’s long-term investment strategy is to set a strong foundation for the years to come.