Everyone’s definition of paradise is unique. Some people define it as waking up to astonishing ocean views, while others imagine it as dipping in a pool with a piña colada in hand. Whether visiting for work or pleasure, Caribe Hilton realizes all of these paradise fantasies. It’s a relaxing haven that makes anyone’s tropical paradise dream come true. Come and explore what the fully-restored Caribe Hilton in Puerto Rico has to offer its guests and why it’s been adored by travelers for decades!

Location

Caribe Hilton is the largest hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The award-winning resort is developed on an exclusive oceanfront peninsula that offers 17 acres of tropical gardens. It is approximately 15 minutes from the airport, which makes it a convenient place to stay for leisure and business guests.

The hotel is also close to other attractions in San Juan. Specifically, it is minutes away from the historic Old San Juan and Paseo Caribe. These landmarks in San Juan are home to a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Guests of Caribe Hilton can easily access these destinations to immerse in the vibrant culture of the city of San Juan and its locals.

The city of San Juan is seeing a resurgence in the past decade or so. In 2019, it was named by the New York Times as the top “Places to Go”. It is steep in history and has a rich local heritage. The mix of Spanish and African traditions is reflected in the city’s food, music, and drink heritage. Therefore, Caribe Hilton provides the ideal destination for anyone looking to explore the city’s vibrant culture and history.

Accommodations

It’s so easy to get the rest and relaxation you seek when you stay at Caribe Hilton. The hotel’s list of accommodations includes rooms and suites that are designed and curated with the guest’s comfort and luxurious escape in mind. Caribe Hilton boasts 652 rooms and suites that are divided into three towers: Wave, Beach, and Garden. All rooms and suites for every tower feature ocean or garden views. Either way, guests will wake up to a wonderful view.

The interior design of the rooms and suites reflects the vibrant island colors and follows the ‘island of enchantment’ theme. Travelers can expect rooms filled with cool and calming hues, allowing them to drift off nicely into a restful sleep. The rooms also feature a comfortable bed with cozy mattresses, desks with ergonomic chairs and a balcony.

Dining

Caribe Hilton takes its dining offerings seriously. Guests can expect nothing less than exotic flavors and a world-class gourmet meal wherever they choose to dine. As the birthplace of the piña colada, it was in 1954 when bartender Ramon Marrero created a special cocktail using rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice. Since then, the drink became well-known throughout the world and is now one of the most sought-after concoctions. In 2004, over 35 years since the original recipe was created, the resort received the official government declaration that the first ever piña colada was created and served at Caribe Hilton. Aside from the historical cocktail, Caribe Hilton guests will be treated to a slew of world-class culinary experiences.

Caribar & Caribar Terrace
This exquisite destination bar, which is known as the birthplace of piña colada, offers guests a delicious tapas menu and hand-crafted cocktails. The bar is in an iconic setting with panoramic ocean views. If you came here for the original piña colada, you might be keen to try other modern versions of the classic recipe.

Nectar del Caribe
There is no better place for breakfast in Caribe Hilton than Nectar del Caribe. It offers a delectable breakfast buffet filled with tropical cocktails, fruits, eggs, and pastries. You will overlook the ocean while enjoying your first meal of the day. There is no better way to welcome the day than that!

Mojito’s Caribbean Fusion
This dining option at Caribe Hilton is a swanky and ultra-lounge destination. Boasting a tropical ambiance, this gastronomic experience offers the best culinary fusion of Creole and Caribbean inspiration. Book a table at Mojito’s Caribbean Fusion for a taste of the island’s most beloved spices and flavors.

Rustica Ristorante
Caribe Hilton’s Rustica Ristorante is the place to go for guests craving international flavors, such as pasta, antipasti, seafood, meat, and premium wines. This restaurant is ideal for guests with a discerning palate.

Lola’s Puerto Rican Cuisine
Want a sample of the local Puerto Rican cuisine? Head to Lola’s to enjoy local delicacies and native gems. Don’t miss out on their best-selling items, such as the arroz con pollo, croquetas, and mofongo.

Experiences

Caribe Hilton promises a relaxing escape like no other with a wide array of amenities like the Zen Spa Oceano, the ultimate pampering experience to soothe the mind, body, and soul. The Spa is the perfect sanctuary that aims to make guests look and feel their best. Choose from a wide range of spa treatments, such as massages, body exfoliation, body wraps, and facials. There are also spa packages available at Zen Spa Oceano that allows hotel guests to enjoy a vacation that focuses on relaxation and rejuvenation. It’s the perfect way to de-stress and calms the body!

Amenities & Leisure

Caribe Hilton is the ultimate definition of a luxury getaway in San Juan, Puerto Rico! It’s all in the details and the tremendous care is given by the hotel staff to ensure guests can have the experience they want. Modern amenities are available for guests to enjoy throughout their stay such as the three oceanfront pools outfitted with swim-up pool bar. A secluded beach offers private access exclusive to guests only with cabanas. There’s also a hammock garden, outdoor playground, tennis courts, and a koi pond. Other leisure facilities include a state-of-the-art fitness center and daily fitness programs.

Explore

When staying at the Caribe Hilton, don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore the natural beauty, culture, and history of Puerto Rico. There are various experiences and attractions to explore in the nearby areas of San Juan.

First off is to go on a sea trek or snuba adventure on the hotel property. A sea trek experience is like going on an underwater astronaut adventure. Meanwhile, snuba diving is a cross between snorkeling and scuba diving. These activities are recommended for thrill-seekers since you can experience the beauty of San Juan beneath the water’s surface.

If you’re a history buff, alongside the San Geronimo Fort next to the hotel discover El Morro, an impressive structure with 140ft walls, said to be the oldest Spanish fort in the New World.

It’s not just the piña colada that is a must-try, historic drink when you visit Caribe Hilton. Visit Ron del Barrilito for a Rum Tasting experience to sample the oldest rum brand in Puerto Rico. You’ll find an assortment of rum flavors in this tasting experience that is a must-add to your itinerary.

Speaking of historic drinks, book a dinner at the historic Princessa Gastrobar in Old San Juan. It’s the best place to dine at Old San Juan for authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. Diners not only get to indulge in authentic Puerto Rican food, but the ambiance also offers the ultimate storybook experience.

Enjoy Puerto Rico’s ultimate venue for fun and entertainment at the Distrito T-Mobile bringing together the best of the island’s spirit, flavors, and good vibes with innovative experiences and dining options to surprise visitors every time.

Finally, get the chance to become a manatee caretaker for a day. A family of manatees lives in the Condado Lagoon near the resort. The hotel has partnered with the Manatee Conservation Center to give guests the chance to have this unique experience and understand the current efforts to conserve the manatees in the region.

More wonders are waiting to be uncovered in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Take time to explore these various activities when staying in Caribe Hilton to immerse in the beautiful culture and amazing history of San Juan.

By Kinya Claiborne & Abigail Castro Sinsona, STYLE & SOCIETY