Caribe Hilton – Hotel Review | Condé Nast Traveler
"What are your first impressions of this place? The Caribe Hilton’s iconic neon sign, in a scripted postwar-era font, is as recognizable on the San Juan skyline as the historic El Morro fort. The logo also welcomes guests against the rippling white tile at check-in, but the real focal point of the lobby is the landmark Caribar, with its curving, floor-to-ceiling windows and alluring vista of the Atlantic Ocean. What's the backstory? Opened in 1949, this was the first Hilton hotel outside of the mainland United States. Though a more raucous culture has been replaced by family-friendliness, the Caribe retains its glam-trop energy, attracting everyone from Gloria Swanson to Elizabeth Taylor to Johnny Depp over the years. Today, it’s the setting for San Juan’s latest comeback story, reopening after a 15-month closure following Hurricane Maria, thanks to a $150 million top-to-bottom renovation. With 652 rooms, it’s one of San Juan’s largest hotels, yet its autonomy among 17 acres make it feel more intimate than its capacity would suggest. How are the rooms? Decorated in bone-white tones with splashes of seafoam, rooms nod to mid-century-modern design. All have balconies and views, either of the ocean or of the property’s lush tropical gardens. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? Wi-Fi is included in the $42 resort fee. If we're seeking for a meal without venturing off-site, what are we looking at? The food offerings here match the size of the resort. Seven full-service restaurants include Caribar, the purported birthplace of the piña colada, where guests can sip the original (rum, cream of coconut, pineapple juice) or variations like the light and punchy clear colada (coconut-infused white rum, clarified pineapple juice, pineapple syrup, and coconut water, served with a coconut ice pop) while nibbling on small plates. Those looking for local flavors can try Mojito’s Caribbean Fusion or Lola's and its Puerto Rican cuisine; meanwhile, a dozen pastas headline the menu at Rustica Italian Ristorante, and a branch of Morton’s steakhouse serves its signature prime-aged beef. How's the service? Return guests will be relieved that the property welcomed back several loyal staff members upon reopening, including many who have worked here for decades. And who tends to stay here? Creatures of convenience and comfort in casual resort wear. Where is the hotel, and how does it fit in with the surroundings? The hotel sits smack between the fashionable Condado neighborhood and historic Old San Juan, offering easy access between the city’s old and new. Paseo Caribe, an entertainment and shopping complex, abuts the property, and is packed with food, drink, music, art, and other cultural amusements. Any other perks we should know about? Though all beaches in San Juan are public by law, Caribe Hilton’s beach feels private, as it stretches through a self-contained cove, lending a secluded and exclusive feel. A tropical garden, complete with bird sanctuary, gives guests a verdant alternative to the beach. The 17-acre property also includes a full-service spa, fitness center, on-site boutiques, multi-tiered pools, playground, and the newly-inaugurated tennis center, opened in partnership with Olympic gold medalist Monica Puig. Bottom line: Who is this hotel best for? An ideal stay for multi-generational families, this ticks off all the boxes for resort amenities, from swim-up bar and beach cabanas to island adventures like snuba and night kayaking." - Kathleen Squires
