Luxury and upper-upscale hotel occupancy in Puerto Rico rose 14% between 2025 and 2026, driven by growing demand for upscale accommodations. Hotel nights booked on the island increased by 18% to 262,779 in the previous year, reflecting increasing interest in Puerto Rico’s cultural and hospitality appeal.
Nobu Hospitality Announces San Juan Hotel Project
Nobu Hospitality revealed plans to open a 50-room luxury hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico, by 2028. The project will be developed in partnership with real estate firm KTT. The new hotel will include a Nobu restaurant and bar at street level plus a rooftop bar and lounge, both featuring signature Nobu dishes and
cocktails.
Brand Background and Global Expansion
Founded in the 1990s by chef Nobu Matsuhisa, actor Robert De Niro, and film producer Meir Teper, Nobu Hospitality launched its first hotel in Las Vegas in 2013 with a minimalist Japanese design. As of 2026, Nobu operates 20 hotels worldwide and has 28 additional properties planned for the next decade, including upcoming locations in Barbuda, New York, and Rutland in the English countryside. The Rutland site spans 185 acres and marks Nobu’s first countryside resort development.
Other Hotel Developments in Puerto Rico
Hotel expansion in Puerto Rico includes the Hyatt Centric San Juan Isla Verde, which opened in December 2025 after a $30 million
renovation of the former Verdanza Hotel. Hilton is developing new properties in San Juan, Ponce, and Dorado, indicating strong chain interest in the island’s luxury market.
Nobu’s Vision for the Puerto Rico Property
Trevor Horwell, CEO of Nobu Hospitality, said, “Puerto Rico has long been one of the Caribbean’s most compelling destinations, celebrated for its rich history, vibrant culture, and exceptional hospitality.” He added, “Bringing the Nobu Hotel and Restaurant to San Juan allows us to become part of one of the region’s most storied neighborhoods while introducing our distinctive approach to hospitality in a destination that continues to attract discerning travelers from around the world.” The
company said the hotel will offer guests “an opportunity to experience the culture and character of the island.”
