Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa opened its doors July 3
Hard Rock International has arrived in Ottawa, with a lodging company synonymous with the music industry promising those who stay at the new 150-guest unit properly will find it’s catering to a range of guests, including those who aren’t necessarily hard-core music aficionados.
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa opened its doors July 3, with a lively ceremony that included Hard Rock’s “signature guitar smash” – described as a modern take on the traditional ribbon-cutting – and appearances by 16 time Grammy award winner David Foster and Katharine McPhee, who has starred in such shows as Smash. Juno Award-winning singer Avril Lavigne also played during festivities on July 5th.
Jim Allen, CEO of Hard Rock International, said the Ottawa hotel represented an “iconic milestone for our brand.”
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa has dining choices, an entertainment venue that can host 2,200 people and a casino that features slots, gaming tables and “high-limit gaming areas.”
Rami Zok, vice-president of hotel operations, said Ottawa was a natural fit for the Hard Rock brand.
“It’s one of the most culturally diverse and vibrant cities in Canada, and there’s a real appetite here for elevated entertainment and hospitality,” he said. “We saw a chance to create something that didn’t exist in the market — a full-scale resort experience that combines gaming, live music, food, and a hotel, all under one brand that knows how to do it right. Hard Rock isn’t just another hotel or casino. It’s a lifestyle — and we felt Ottawa was more than ready for that kind of energy.”
“We’re building a resort that speaks to different people for different reasons. Some will come for the games, others for the shows, the food, the atmosphere, or just a great night out. We’re targeting locals who want something new, regional travellers looking for a weekend escape, and tourists who already know the Hard Rock name and expect that signature experience. It’s multi-generational — everyone from concert-loving Gen Z to couples celebrating a weekend away. The common thread is they’re looking for something that feels alive.”
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa had been in the works for a while, with Zok reporting that the pandemic led to construction being halted for over a year.
“Restarting a project of this scale is complex, especially when you’re aiming for a high standard of quality,” he stated. “But we stayed focused. The vision never changed — we just had to be patient and persistent to get there. And now that we’re opening, it feels like the right time.
“This project has been years in the making, and we’re beyond excited to share it with the city,” Zok continued. “We’ve created something that’s more than a casino, more than a hotel — it’s a destination. It’s a place to celebrate, to connect, to experience something new. And it’s going to be a major boost for the local economy, too — hundreds of jobs, partnerships with local businesses, and a big draw for visitors. We want people to walk in and feel like they’re somewhere special. Because they are.”
Meanwhile, Ontario tourism minister Stan Cho said his government was “thrilled” by the hotel opening, adding it will heighten Ottawa’s appeal to tourists.
