Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana is set to debut on November 1 in the Dominican Republic, with an official grand opening in January 2011. The hotel features a series of three nightspots and Rockstar Suites at the new oceanside property. Designed by Chicago-based 555 International, the project's style draws inspiration from Hard Rock's existing rock music brand vibe while simultaneously presenting its own unique spin.

"As Hard Rock already has built so many great cafes, it has been a challenge to come up with something 'Rock'-centric that has not been done before. Also, it is hard to do that and still stay 'current' from a design perspective. We used iconic rock items but in a way that no one has ever seen before," says Karen Herold, 555 International vice president of design and co-leader on the project design team, alongside 555 International president James Geier.

The property boasts three nightspots, which are derived from celestial objects, named Sun, Moon, and Eclipse. The 3,500-square-foot Sun bar space features a rope canopy ceiling with decadent chandeliers that look like cymbals, a photo booth, red and yellow palettes, and pool and foosball tables, while the 3,500-square-foot Moon (above left) is adorned with eight-foot purple lounge chairs and 20-foot chesterfield sofas under two impressive LED lighting features and chandeliers made from amp cables and microphones. Eclipse, the largest of the three nightspots at 9,000 square feet, is a posh outdoor lounge, complete with three firepits, private cabanas, and light-trimmed patio furniture.

The luxurious Rockstar Suites (right) blend classic rock with more contemporary designs in a three-bedroom layout that flaunts metallic material accents. Each suite comes with an outdoor patio, hot tub, sun trellis, and firepit, while inside inclusions feature varying focal points, such as a baby grand piano, jellyfish tank, mirrored LED columns, and a wall motif that highlights rock history musicians.

Source: Contract