Hard Rock Atlantic City Unveils $50M Renovation Plans

New restaurants, upgraded guest rooms, and expanded entertainment offerings coming to the casino resort.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City has announced a $50 million capital improvement project for 2026 that will include renovations to over 768 guest rooms and suites, the addition of a new high-limit slot parlor, and upgrades to casino walkways and beachfront amenities. The resort is also adding two new dining concepts - an East Indian restaurant called Sitar and a location of the popular Philly-based Federal Donuts & Chicken.

Why it matters

The renovations and new offerings at Hard Rock Atlantic City demonstrate the property's commitment to continuously improving the guest experience and attracting new visitors to the Atlantic City market, which has faced challenges in recent years with increased regional competition.

The details

The $50 million project will include a complete overhaul of the 39-story North Tower, including the 768 guest rooms and suites as well as the eight penthouse units on the top floor. The renovated penthouses will feature floor-to-ceiling windows, new millwork, specialty bedding, and upgraded technology. Hard Rock is also adding a new high-limit slot parlor and refreshing the casino's walkways and beachfront areas. In addition to the property upgrades, Hard Rock is bringing in two new dining concepts - Sitar, a 120-seat modern Indian restaurant, and a location of the popular Federal Donuts & Chicken from Philadelphia.

  • Hard Rock Atlantic City opened in June 2018 after a $500 million transformation of the former Taj Mahal casino.
  • The $50 million renovation project is planned for 2026.
  • The new Sitar restaurant is expected to open by April 2026.

The players

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City

A casino resort located in Atlantic City, New Jersey that opened in 2018 after a $500 million transformation of the former Taj Mahal casino.

George Goldhoff

The president of Hard Rock Atlantic City, overseeing the $50 million renovation project.

Sitar

A new 120-seat East Indian restaurant opening at Hard Rock Atlantic City in 2026.

Federal Donuts & Chicken

A popular coffee, donut, and chicken restaurant chain from Philadelphia that is opening a location at Hard Rock Atlantic City.

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What they’re saying

“We took the 39th floor all the way down to the studs, and we're rebuilding it in the highest value design that I would say [Atlantic City] has right now, so it's really a special project for me.”

— George Goldhoff, President, Hard Rock Atlantic City (Philadelphia Business Journal)

What’s next

Hard Rock plans to add an additional $40 million to its 2026 live entertainment schedule to bring top talent to Atlantic City.

The takeaway

The major renovations and new dining and entertainment offerings at Hard Rock Atlantic City demonstrate the property's commitment to continuously improving the guest experience and solidifying its position as a premier destination in the competitive Atlantic City market.