Hot Opening: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi

By Staff -- Hotels, 3/10/2008 1:08:00 PM

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi, originally slated to open in August 2005 before Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Mississippi Gulf Coast, finally opened this month after extensive reconstruction. Located at 777 Beach Boulevard, its official opening date was July 7, 2007 (07/07/07). The hotel’s iconic 112-foot neon Peavey guitar, a traditional Hard Rock symbol, managed to withstand the force of the hurricane and now stands waiting to welcome guests.

Hard Rock Biloxi boasts 318 guest rooms and suites in the striking 12-story purple and white hotel tower that brings a new level of accommodations to the Gulf Coast. All 26 suites feature incredible views overlooking the Gulf of Mexico or the always “happening” Hard Rock pool deck. Standard rooms are equipped with high-tech comforts and luxury amenities such as 42-inch plasma screen televisions, touch screen phones, Bose CD Music Systems, wireless Internet, Aveda bath products and all-white posh duvet covers tucked beneath a six-foot-tall, deep-purple headboard.

The hotel, of course, proudly highlights historic, cool and unforgettable pieces of rock memorabilia, a nostalgic and famous staple of the Hard Rock International brand. Upon entry, guests are greeted with an impressive two-story memorabilia display including newly appointed guitars, plus celebrity pants, shirts, awards, a variety of instruments, posters, photos and more. Recovered pieces of memorabilia, including Johnny Cash’s guitar found by a local citizen and returned to Hard Rock, will be featured in the separate Katrina memorial located on the entrance wall to the Casino, next to Ruth’s Chris Steak House. Undoubtedly, famous artist memorabilia is abundant throughout the property with the right mix of genres and decades to suit all demographics and tastes.

Among Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi’s feature attractions is Rise Lounge, the hotel’s decadent top floor lounge from nightlife entrepreneur Rande Gerber and brother Scott, founders of the Gerber Group and creators of glamorous restaurants, lounges, and bars worldwide. With its penthouse space, cutting-edge interiors, signature cocktails and unparalleled views of the city, Rise Lounge will provide the perfect site for casual evening cocktails and the ultimate setting for a wildly hot nightclub, come midnight.

The legendary upscale steakhouse group, Ruth’s Chris, founded in New Orleans more than 40 years ago, will be the hotel and casino’s premiere culinary offering. The 223-seat restaurant will be located just outside the gaming entrance along the hotel’s main thoroughfare. Guests at Ruth’s Chris will enjoy New Orleans-inspired appetizers, the finest U.S. Prime steaks, fresh seafood and classic desserts, all complemented by an award-winning wine list. With a crisp, modern décor, Ruth’s Chris’ resplendent environment suits the neighboring upscale casino by retaining the elegance and charm of a New Orleans fine dining institution.

Hard Rock Cafe, the brand’s signature restaurant, will also be featured on the property. Keeping in stride with its traditional appeal, the Hard Rock Cafe will offer classic American fare served in an atmosphere that pays homage to the most extensive collection of rock memorabilia in the world, including pieces from Elvis Presley, Paul McCartney, and Jimi Hendrix. The restaurant, fully stocked bar and merchandising counter will be open seven days a week.

The casino’s Center Bar, the place to “see and be seen,” is located in the center of the casino floor on an elevated platform. In addition to being the perfect place to people watch, it will display mannequins, graphics and photos of such rock and pop culture icons as Aerosmith and Motley Crüe.

The Biloxi casino's beachfront emblem, the world’s largest guitar Hard Rock sign, replicates the HP Signature™ guitar, named for Peavey's founder and sole owner, Hartley Peavey. Hartley operates the prestigious Mississippi-based company known throughout the world as one of the best manufacturers of musical instruments and sound equipment.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi is owned and operated by Premier Entertainment Biloxi LLC. The property will include a Hard Rock Casino with 1,445 slot machines, 50 table games and a poker room. The Rock Spa, a full-service Aveda Concept Spa, will offer services such as facials, massages, body wraps and manicures/pedicures. Salon Merge will be a further amenity located within the Rock Spa and will be a joint venture for three celebrated coast stylists: Todd Boswell, Chuck Kelly and Randy Barris. Additional conveniences include a fitness center, a 12-story hotel with 318 rooms and suites, a unique pool with underwater music features, five restaurants including Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Satisfaction Buffet, 24/7 Grille, Vibe, a world fusion gourmet, and Hard Rock Cafe. Rande Gerber’s Rise Lounge, Hard Rock Live®, an entertainment venue, will be open to general admission. Retail shops and partner restaurants include the Hard Rock Rock Shop, locally owned clothing store, Taunt, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream and Starbucks.