ORLANDO — Hard Rock International plans to open a second resort in the D.R.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Santo Domingo is scheduled to open its door in 2017 with 400 rooms and suites as well as a 23,000 square foot casino. The property will be located in the heart of the capital city.

“The Dominican Republic is the region’s most-visited country and continues to be the top performing destination in the Caribbean. In fact, the country received 19% of the record number of 26.3 million visitors to the Caribbean region in 2014,” said Nelson Parker, VP of Casino Development, Hard Rock International.

The Santo Domingo resort will be the seventh in collaboration with All Inclusive Collection. “We’ve had overwhelming success with our resort in Punta Cana, and are thrilled to continue our collaboration with Hard Rock International and introduce Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Santo Domingo,” said All Inclusive Collection’s VP Marketing, Frank Maduro. “The vibrant atmosphere of the destination, matched with our luxury offerings and unique amenities, will make for an unforgettable and fun experience for all travellers.”

Despite the All Inclusive Collection connection, the property will not be all-inclusive.

The ultra-modern casino will feature two bars – including Hard Rock’s signature Center Bar – a race and sports book, high limit slots, 400 slot machines and 40 table games. A private gaming room on the exclusive suite floor will be available for guests with select access. Other highlights include a screening room, and a nightclub opening up to the main pool.

Ideal for groups and weddings, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Santo Domingo will include 33,000 square feet of meeting space. The property will also feature a Rock Star Suite and a Rock Royalty Level floor.

“With seven international airports, 28 golf courses and more than 1,000 miles of beaches, it’s easy to understand how the Dominican Republic maintains an average year-round hotel occupancy of 87%. Capital city Santo Domingo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has long been a tourist favourite,” said Parker. “The city’s historic Colonial Zone is undergoing extensive renovations, which will add even more appeal for visitors. Also, a recently finished new highway between Punta Cana and Santo Domingo cuts travel time between the two destinations from four hours to two.”

See hardrockhotels.com.