Nobu Hospitality announced in early October 2026 plans to open a new 50-room luxury hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The project is a partnership with real estate firm KTT and aims for completion by 2028, expanding Nobu’s footprint in the Caribbean market.
Nobu Hotel Features in San Juan
The upcoming Nobu hotel will include a signature Nobu restaurant and bar at street level along with a rooftop bar and lounge. The dining venues are set to serve iconic Nobu dishes such as black miso cod and lychee martini cocktails, highlighted as part of the brand’s culinary identity since its start in New York’s Tribeca neighborhood
in the 1990s.
Brand History and Global Expansion
Founded in the 1990s by chef Nobu Matsuhisa, actor Robert De Niro, and producer Meir Teper, Nobu evolved from a restaurant concept into an international hospitality brand. The first Nobu Hotel opened in Las Vegas in 2013 with a minimalist Japanese design. As of 2026, there are 20 Nobu hotels operating globally and 28 more in development, including forthcoming properties in Barbuda, New York, and Rutland, England. The Rutland site spans 185 acres, marking a shift toward resort-style locations.
Luxury Tourism Growth in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico’s luxury and upper-upscale hotel sector experienced a 14% increase in occupancy between 2025 and 2026. Visitor
hotel nights climbed 18% in 2025 to a total of 262,779 nights booked. In response to this uptrend, Hyatt Centric San Juan Isla Verde reopened in December 2025 following a $30 million renovation, and Hilton is constructing new hotels in San Juan, Ponce, and Dorado.
Corporate Statements and Cultural Integration
Trevor Horwell, chief executive 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 stated the hotel design will reflect Puerto Rican culture and character, providing guests “an opportunity to experience the culture and character of the island.”
Details including the exact location within San Juan and the hotel’s full amenities remain undisclosed.
