As industry luminaries arrived yesterday in Atlantic City, NJ, for today's Global Meetings Industry Day, a celebration was already underway on the boardwalk: Hard Rock International announced its completed acquisition of the Trump Taj Majal, as well as its plans for redeveloping the property into the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City.
"From world-renowned music events to innovative dining concepts, we're excited to bring the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino experience to the Atlantic City boardwalk -- which has been home to our Hard Rock Cafe for more than 20 years," said Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International. "Our commitment to Atlantic City has never been stronger and we look forward to being a catalyst for further growth and development of the area."
The $375 million renovation will see an entirely redesigned hotel and casino with new food and beverage concepts, 2,400 slots, and 130 table games. Two separate arenas will offer more than 7,000 seats for meetings, conferences, live music, and sporting events. Hard Rock Cafe Atlantic City will move to a new 400-seat venue, including an improved stage and a central location within the property featuring beach access. All 2,010 guestrooms and suites will undergo a complete renovation, as will the 155,000 square feet of meeting space.
The entrance of the former Taj Mahal will be completely reimagined, beginning with updating the existing facades along Pacific Avenue at the resort entry, porte cochére, and along the boardwalk.
Other hotel features will include a full-service spa and Hard Rock's "Sound of Your Stay" music program, which offers guests complimentary in-room use of Fender guitars. Hard Rock's design will feature its iconic collection of music memorabilia, with an emphasis on contemporary musicians and artists who call New Jersey home.
The Taj Mahal opened in 1990. It was acquired last year by billionaire investor Carl Icahn, who shut it down in October 2016 and sold it to Hard Rock last month.