Frommer's Review
A pioneering hotel (it was considered Puerto Rico's first big luxury hotel and was the first Hilton built outside the continental U.S.), this has been an integral part of Puerto Rico's tourism industry since 1949 and remains one of the most up-to-date luxury properties in San Juan. Because of an unusual configuration of natural barriers and legal precedents, the hotel has the only private beach on the island. The property abuts the historic Fort San Gerónimo, and a residential and commercial development is taking place on a portion of the Caribe's plot (which totaled 17 acres/6.9 hectares before the sale) but its sprawling facilities, with parks, gardens, and an exhibition center, is still a hit with conventions and tour groups. Only the Condado Plaza and the El San Juan rival it for nonstop activity.
Rooms have larger-than-expected bathrooms with tub/shower combos as well as comfortable, tropical-inspired furniture. In the Caribe Terrace Bar, you can order the bartender's celebrated piña colada, which was once enjoyed by movie legends Joan Crawford and Errol Flynn. Caribe lore has it that a bartender here invented the drink, but other places take credit as well. The bar looks out over the infinity pool area, and the palm-fringed beach beyond it, yet there's always a whirl of activity in the Terrace Bar area, with good tropical music that says "party time." There's no questioning it's one of the best places to enjoy a piña colada. An oceanfront spa and fitness center features such tantalizing delights as couples massages, body wraps, hydrotherapy tub treatments, and soothing cucumber sun therapies. The casino is closed, but there are great restaurants here.
The best place to stay here is in one of the 158 luxury villas with more than 1,500 square feet (139 sq. m) of space, all part of the Condado Lagoon Villas. Up for grabs are studios or one- or two-bedroom luxury accommodations, each with spectacular views of the Condado Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. Each comes with a kitchen, private balcony, and a marble bathroom with Jacuzzi. All the services of the Caribe Hilton's main hotel are provided to guests of the villas. This is a great spot for families, with one of the most extensive children's programs.
Facilities: 5 restaurants; 2 bars; Starbucks; outdoor pool; health club; spa; children's activities and playground; business center (7am-7pm weekdays, 8am-5pm weekends); limited room service; babysitting; laundry service; dry cleaning; nonsmoking rooms; rooms for those w/limited mobility.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
