The Iconic Caribe Hilton, San Juan

The Piña Colada, the national cocktail of Puerto Rico, was invented at San Juan’s Caribe Hilton Hotel in 1954 when bartender Ramón “Monchito” Marrero perfected a mix of rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice. The drink, served at the central Caribar, is emblematic of the tropical ambience of the hotel and after savoring one, you might just order another.

Sitting in the open airy lounge staring out at the many pools at this iconic property, you begin to understand the Caribbean’s mystique. The Caribe Hilton (part of the chain’s Hilton Hotels and Resorts) was the first Hilton hotel to open outside the continental U.S. The sprawling 17-acre oceanfront jewel is a paradise with its suite of pools, Bagua (a swim-up bar) and pristine beaches. “The opening in 1949 was a genesis of tourism that introduced travelers to the island and the Caribbean,” said Danny Hughes, Executive VP and President for the Americas at Hilton.

Back and Better Than Ever

Naturally, this historic place was the opposite of a paradise when it was extensively damaged by Hurricane Maria in 2017. Like many hotels and businesses on the island, it was shuttered while renovations were made. Now, after a lot of hard work over a 15-month period and a $150 million+ makeover by P3 Design Collective, it has reopened in time for its 70th anniversary.

All 652 rooms and 11 food and beverage outlets are now open (except for Morton’s Steakhouse) with substantial improvements. The Zen Spa Oceano and Wellness Center was completely refurbished along with the lobby and outdoor areas (a total of 65,000 square feet).

“We were determined to rethink the overall guest experience here at Caribe Hilton and to also offer top-of-the-line venues for events, meetings and weddings”, said Pablo Torres, General Manager, “and the compelling new design now matches the exceptional service and hospitality, once again solidifying Caribe Hilton as a top choice in Puerto Rico.” In other words, the incredible hotel is back and better than ever! However, it hasn’t lost its old school charm, after all, many employees have been there for over 20 years. Even one of the bartenders was working there when the original Piña Colada was created.

The Food

Guests can choose from Rustica Ristorante, Mojito’s Caribbean Fusion and Lola’s Puerto Rican Cuisine for both lunch and dinner if they want to stay on premise. All these options offer authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. The popular saying in PR: “Barriga llena, corazón contento” which translates to “full tummy, happy heart”, certainly holds true here. And If you’re looking for a quick bite or don’t want to leave the pool, Caribar, is open all day or hell, just hang at Bagua in the pool and have your lunch and Pina Colada there. And for caffeine fiends, there’s a Starbucks, of course. Should all else fail, the hotel is a short taxi ride away from historic Old San Juan which has a dynamic culinary scene.

Accommodations, Spa and Fitness

The new wellness center includes a hydrotherapy room, sauna and steam rooms, outdoor heated whirlpools, a hair and nail salon, and a boutique spa offering an array of treatments. Plus, there are special spa packages for both kids and teens so mom and dad can take a break. For fitness freaks the tennis courts and gym face the ocean; always makes a workout a little easier, right? Similarly, morning yoga on the lawn faces the sea. You’ve never been so happy to rise early and exercise. Rooms and suites come with that view as well and new amenities, too: Wi-Fi, coffee makers, mini-fridges and HD TV.

Swimming

If you tire of the numerous pools (one infinity, two regular pools, a fountain pool for kids and two whirlpools) head to the beach in front of you which is easily accessible (not the norm in San Juan). The sea here is quite calm due to a protective barrier reef and both snorkeling or kayaking are available.

*Editor’s Note: Puerto Rican culture is captivating and the people so warm and rich. They are eager to be great hosts again. Clearly, a successful comeback is underway as the island had 1.7 million visitors through the San Juan, Ponce and Aguadilla airports in the first few months of 2019, a record for the period.