Hard Rock International Announces Opening of Hard Rock Hotel and Cafe in Penang

Hard Rock International and Hotel Properties Limited (HPL) are proud to announce the opening of the newest members of the Hard Rock family: Hard Rock Hotel Penang and Hard Rock Cafe Penang. Located in Malaysia, within one of Asia's most popular island destinations, Hard Rock is infusing new excitement and energy into the market, underscoring the brand's strategy to accelerate expansion worldwide.

"We plan to continue our Asian expansion of the Hard Rock brand with unique, new properties - including urban hotel and destination resorts and cafes," commented Hamish Dodds, President and CEO, Hard Rock International. "We have a long-standing and successful partnership with HPL Hotels & Resorts through the Hard Rock Hotel properties in Bali and Pattaya and we are excited to open our third Asian property with them here in Penang."

Hard Rock Hotel Penang is situated on five acres along the famous beaches of Batu Ferringhi, on the northern coast of Penang. The six-story Hard Rock Hotel Penang recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation bringing together superb service, unparalleled amenities and well-appointed accommodations with a rock 'n' roll edge. The renovation added additional rooms and suites, a full-service luxury spa and the highly anticipated Hard Rock Cafe Penang.

The newest hotel in the Hard Rock portfolio holds 233 rooms and 17 suites. All Hillview Deluxe standard guest rooms have 312 square-feet of living space, while the Seaview Studio Suites expand to 570 square-feet. Most of the guest rooms offer stunning beach views, and the ground floor rooms facing the swimming pool feature spectacular private swim-up patios with wood trellis covers. Hard Rock Hotel Penang boasts the only club floor in Batu Ferringhi, known as "Kings Club," located on the top floor of the property. The Kings Club offers a private lounge with stunning sea views and personalized concierge service.

Bringing one of Hard Rock Hotel's trademark experiences to Malaysia, the hotel introduces an oversized free-form pool – the largest swimming pool in Penang – totaling 26,000 square feet, equipped with sand islands and lush poolside cabanas. The resort also offers a main ballroom and three function rooms for a total of 6,650 square-feet for private events, weddings, meetings, and exhibitions.

"Penang has eagerly anticipated the entry of an energetic and adventurous hotel brand such as Hard Rock, and we're thrilled to say that it is now a reality" says Stephen Lau, Chairman of HPL Hotels & Resorts. "Our company's projected growth strategy is to continue to open more resorts and hotels in key Asia-Pacific cities that, in partnership with like-minded associates, will assure our guests a satisfying level of comfort backed by personalized service. Hard Rock Hotel Penang could not be more perfect."

The opening of Hard Rock Hotel Penang includes the famous Hard Rock Cafe Penang. Sure to contend as one of the city's premier dining and entertainment destinations, the 3,175 square-feet cafe features a 140-seat restaurant, live concert venue and a Rock Shop complete with Hard Rock's limited-edition merchandise. The cafe will be adorned with pieces from Hard Rock's world-famous memorabilia collection, including items representing both contemporary stars and rock legends, such as Keith Richards, Stevie Nicks, Madonna and many more. Additional key memorabilia items on display include a grey felt Fedora hat worn by Prince when all live tracks for his smash hit "Purple Rain" were recorded, custom-made leather pants and Cruefest t-shirt worn by Vince Neil of Motley Crue on the "Cruefest" Tour, and an outfit by "Junker Designs" worn by Rob Nicholson of Rob Zombie fame during the 2005 OZZFEST Tour.

For more than 38 years, Hard Rock Cafe has offered guests classic American fare in a rock 'n' roll atmosphere. Hard Rock Cafe Penang features a hardwood smoker, which uses the very best Hickory wood chips to slowly cook Hard Rock's classic ribs and chicken to perfection. Hard Rock's Legendary Experience menu is just that - legendary - offering six different mouth-watering Legendary Burgers made from Certified Angus Beef. In addition to its food, Hard Rock offers unmatched specialty drinks from its award-winning bar menu, from Hurricanes and Margaritas, to its Alternative Rock non-alcoholic beverage menu featuring favorites like Wildberry Smoothies and Crushed Velvet "martinis."

The Rock Shop offers an exclusive line of rock inspired items, including Hard Rock's famous Classic and City T-shirts, as well as highly coveted accessories and pins, which reflect the spirit of the city and the authenticity of Hard Rock's merchandise. Hard Rock Cafe Penang's limited-edition and city-specific merchandise is now available on-site.

"The Seminole Tribe of Florida is thrilled about the Hard Rock development in Southeast Asia," notes Max Osceola Jr., Member of the Seminole Tribal Council, "It's a testament to the brand that we have such incredible strategic partners and ample opportunity for global growth in such interesting locations."

About Hard Rock International | With a total of 157 venues in 52 countries, including 128 cafes and 11 Hotels/Casinos, Hard Rock International is one of the world's most globally recognized brands. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. In addition to the two flagship Seminole Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos in Tampa and Hollywood, Fla., Hard Rock Hotels/Casinos are located in Las Vegas, Biloxi, Orlando, Chicago, San Diego, Tulsa, Pattaya, Bali and Macau. Additional hotel and casino projects have been announced in Penang, scheduled to open in 2009; Singapore in 2010; Palm Springs, Atlanta and Panama, scheduled to open in 2011; Hungary, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, scheduled to open in 2012. Hard Rock International is owned by Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment, Inc. For further details on Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos, visit www.hardrockhotels.com. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit .