Luxury hotel occupancy in Puerto Rico grew 14% between 2025 and 2026, driven by an 18% rise in visitor hotel nights totaling 262,779 last year. This boost in the island’s upscale tourism segment has attracted several major hotel groups to develop new properties.
Nobu Hospitality Announces Puerto Rico Expansion
Nobu Hospitality plans to open a 50-room luxury hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico, by 2028. The development marks the brand’s entry into the Caribbean territory’s growing luxury market.
Hotel Features and Partnership
The new Nobu hotel will be built through a partnership with the real estate firm KTT. It will include a Nobu signature restaurant and bar on the street
level, complemented by a rooftop bar and lounge. The menus will feature acclaimed dishes such as black miso cod and cocktails like the lychee martini, signature to Nobu’s culinary style.
Nobu’s Global Growth
Launched by Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro, and Meir Teper, Nobu Hospitality began as a Japanese-fusion restaurant brand in the 1990s and opened its first hotel in Las Vegas in 2013. As of 2026, Nobu operates 20 hotels worldwide, with 28 additional properties planned for the next decade. Upcoming locations include Barbuda, New York City, and Rutland in the English countryside, where Nobu is debuting its first countryside resort on
185 rural acres.
Hotel Investment in Puerto Rico by Competitors
Other hotel brands have also expanded in Puerto Rico’s luxury sector. Hyatt Centric San Juan Isla Verde opened in December 2025 following a $30 million renovation of the former Verdanza Hotel. Hilton is developing new properties in San Juan, Ponce, and Dorado.
Official Statements on Nobu’s Puerto Rico Entry
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.”
