Caribe Hilton: A beautiful beachfront resort in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is emerging as a hot destination spot for vacationers and conferences. I recently attended a conference hosted at the Caribe Hilton in Puerto Rico. This was my first visit to Puerto Rico and I instantly could see the appeal of this Caribbean US territory.
I attended a conference hosted at the Caribe Hilton and I was very impressed with the property and the island.
The Bottom Line
This is a lovely hotel in a great location for beachfront and pool lounging. It is located a few miles outside of old San Juan, but everything on the island is easily accessible by Uber. I definitely recommend this property when you visit Puerto Rico.
Hotel Brand Affiliation
Hilton
Point redemptions will vary based on availability and season, but standard reward redemptions are usually available to redeem free night certificates.
Hotel Review
The Caribe Hilton is everything I look for in a Tropical hotel. I love hotels that have an open indoor-outdoor lobby space and this hotel has a large open lobby that carries into an outdoor lounge area, pool and beach area. If you are into relaxation, there a locations throughout the property that are serene, with lovely views.
The lounge and bar area is one of the central features to this property and is a wonderful place to relax with a beverage. In fact, the Caribe Hilton claims to be the birthplace of the Pina Colada. They will make a non-alcoholic version so everyone can try one (it was delicious!)
Picturesque Lobby Bar with great food and drinks!
Pool with swim up bar
There is plenty to do at this resort including, a fitness center, tennis courts, beach access, a hammock garden, tour and guest activity desk, parrots and a koi pond. They also feature various daily activities. If you want to relax with a book or a beverage, there are lounge chairs dispersed around the grounds. It is also an excellent venue for a conference or meetings.
When you are ready to explore more of Puerto Rico, there is plenty of options. Old San Juan has a variety of shops, restaurants and historical sites.
El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rainforest in the national forest system and they have a great visitor center and hiking opportunities.
- TIP: The forest can not be accessed by taxi or Uber, so we recommend a private tour or car. If you have a car, check to see if a timed reservation is required: El Yunque passes and permits.
- TIP: I highly recommend the Angelito trail – this is a .4 mile out and back trail to a swimming hole. The trail is ranked as “easy” but there are some uneven portions, and it can get muddy.
Angelito Trail in El Yunque Forest
Swimming hole on Angelito Trail in El Yunque Forest
Dining Options
The food in the lounge area was above average and definitely adequate for a relaxing evening meal or happy hour snack (I had the nachos and the Ceviche during my stay). Menu
There are several other restaurants on site: Rustica (Italian), Lola’s (Puerto Rican Cuisine) and Morton’s Steakhouse. I ate at Lola’s, but was told I could order off Rustica’s menu as well. I enjoyed my meal and thought the prices were reasonable.
For breakfast, there is a large restaurant with a great buffet or ala carte options. Hilton Gold and Diamond members get a free buffet breakfast for the member and one additional guest staying in the same room.
Although I did go into Old San Juan for dinner one evening, I could have happily eaten on-site all 4 nights!
Pros
- The beachfront location is beautiful
- Large indoor/outdoor lobby with plenty of seating
- Great lobby bar that frequently has live music
Cons
- Property is located several miles outside Old San Juan It is a bit isolated from some attractions, but Uber and taxis are plentiful and easy to access
- Lobby and other areas had leaks during a rainstorm
Travel Tips
- Request an upgrade to an ocean view if you have Gold or Diamond Status.
- Old San Juan is a 2 mile walk along a paved walkway. On a nice day, it is a lovely walk, but be prepared for unexpected rain!
- Fort San Cristobal in Old San Juan is part of the National Park System and your America the Beautiful pass will work there!
- Consider a Hilton branded Amex card to earn bonus Hilton points and Gold or Diamond status. Email us for a free consultation to determine if one of the Hilton cards is right for you.