San Juan, Puerto Rico is vibrant, beautiful, and back!
Now is the perfect time to rediscover the magic that captivated your soul in the first place, or find the enchantment that has been conquering travelers ever since Christopher Columbus arrived to the island shores in 1493.
Boricuas are resilient, proud, and ready to welcome you with open arms, tasty food, and majestic beaches.
And there is no place that symbolizes that rebirth better than the newly reopened Caribe Hilton, the island’s landmark hotel.

In celebration of its anniversary Caribe Hilton is hosting a special flash sale December 9-15 with rates starting at just $70/night + $70 resort credit with each booking. The offer’s valid on travel from April 1 – Sept. 30, 2020 with a minimum 4-night stay. To commemorate the anniversary, they’re also donating to 70 non-profits on the island.

Caribe Hilton is emblematic of the allure that draws visitors to Puerto Rico. The hotel has a rich history and a long list of ‘firsts’ that made it the highlight of any Caribbean vacation, and a favorite for celebrities, politicians and royalty since its mid-century opening.
This was  first Hilton hotel ever opened outside of the continental United States (December 9, 1949), making Hilton the first international hotel company. It was the first hotel in Puerto Rico to offer radios in every room and individually controlled air conditioners. Those are just some memorable moments.
But let’s flash-forward to today.

As it celebrates its 70th Anniversary, Caribe Hilton is now a brilliant beacon of light exemplifying the resurgence of San Juan as a travel destination. The hotel reopened this summer after a US$150 million renovation. It’s easy to see where all that money went.  From chandeliers that could function as pieces of art, to the comfortable sofas that adorn the lobby; all the way to the  premium bedding and modern TV’s and amenities found in your room; everything exudes understated relaxed luxury. The best of the best is here and there is no need to be ostentatious about it.

But what is it about this property that would make you choose it above the hundreds of other options found in San Juan?

Location
As the old saying goes, it’s all about location, location, location – and Caribe Hilton is only 7 miles away (approximately 15 minutes) from the airport. Think about that, you can be laying on the beach sipping cocktails faster than it will take you to exit the plane once you land.
Puerto Rico is only 2 ½ hours flying time from Miami, 3 ¾ hours from NYC, 4 ¾ hours from the Midwest, and yes, 8 hours from the West Coast; few destinations offer a shorter distance from major urban American city to the idyllic Caribbean paradise that Borinquen provides.

Set on a secluded peninsula with 17 acres of lush foliage, this resort is situated between historic Old San Juan and the culturally rich Condado area. With no passport required for U.S. citizens, Caribe Hilton is really the easiest escape from the mainland.

Views
You can’t go wrong with the stunning views from your room. The tranquil aquamarine waters of the Caribbean are right there, beneath you, or look over to the side and feel the energy of the high-rises facing the coastline. Just order room service, step into your balcony, and get lost in the magnificent horizon that is in front of you.

Secluded Beaches & Expansive Pools
Of course, you are in the Caribbean and the hotel pools and beaches have to convince you to stay. This is where Caribe Hilton shines, and literally rises above the rest. The property has an oceanfront pool complex where you can swim, wade, or just float for hours. Pause and recharge for a few minutes at the swim-up bar, or step outside the pool and enjoy an expanded menu at Bagua that will please any discerning palate.
But it doesn’t end there.

Venture a few feet away from the pool and you’ll find majestic palm trees anchored by relaxing hammocks, all amid tropical gardens and a bird sanctuary.
And yet there is more.

The property has its own secluded beach, blocked from rough waters by a rock wall. This is the place to explore new activities.
Here you’ll find a shallow cove, ideal for SNUBA dives. This is a cross between snorkeling and scuba diving, allowing you to explore the underwater world with a floating air supply. Try this out and discover the marine life of San Juan. No diving experience is necessary. No boat is utilized to move to another location, it’s all right here, on site.

You can also try Sea Trek, and become a marine astronaut through the use of a helmet that allows underwater walking. For a more common activity enjoy a classic snorkeling experience. Or why not, take the plunge and learn to dive. No need to venture out for any of this, it all happens within the resort’s own beach.

Dining
Caribben Hilton has nine restaurants and bars. There are eclectic dining options including Italian, Puerto Rican, and American cuisine for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Among our favorites are the aforementioned restaurant by the pool with swim up bar, Bagua. This is casual dining with endless ocean views. Dishes include a selection of fresh salads, wraps, sandwiches and classic grill options. Our favorite choices include chicharron de pollo, seafood ceviche, Neapolitan pizza, and the market fish tacos.

For late night dinner, Mojito’s Caribbean Fusion fits the bill. This is a swanky ultra-lounge gastronomic experience inspired by the tropical ambiance of the island. Culinary fusions of Spanish and Creole blends and island spices with fresh farm to table herbs. We highly recommend the marinated whole fish, or the stuffed curry lobster.

If you’re a fan of steak, you’re in luck. A Morton’s The Steakhouse recently opened. Offering an elegant setting that includes sea views through floor-to-ceiling windows, Morton’s features the finest in grain-fed beef shipped directly from Chicago. You can also choose from a wide range of delectable seafood entrées, vegetable dishes and irresistible desserts.

Finally there’s Caribar. This sophisticated bar delivers hand-crafted cocktails and a delicious tapas menu in an unbeatable setting, with panoramic ocean views. Taste the evolution of the Piña Colada, from the original recipe that was created right here at the hotel in 1954 to global variations, including the contemporary version: The Clear Colada.

Rooms
The rooms are large and outfitted with premier decor and amenities. Most have balconies, and spectacular views.
You’ll have coffee maker, laptop-compatible in-room safe, black-out curtains, mini-refrigerator, ergonomic work desk & chair, and Hilton Serenity beds with cotton duvets for a most peaceful sleep.

Service
A property can have all the above, but if the service is lacking it’ll be easily replaced. Fortunately Caribe Hilton delivers beyond expectations.
Housekeeping is efficient and fast, porters are friendly and knowledgeable, the concierge is there with recommendations of things to do while in San Juan – and quick to make the necessary arrangements, and the wait staff at restaurants delivers assistance with a smile.
It’s easy to understand why service is above the norm if you interact with anyone in top management. We were lucky enough to enjoy drinks with Caribe Hilton’s General Manager Pablo Torres, and their Communications Director, Betty González. Her knowledge of the island, and Caribe Hilton history is impeccable. Best of all her charm and grace will make you feel at home, reluctant to say good-bye.

Ramon ‘Monchito’ Marrero

The Pina Colada
Finally, how could you not visit the birthplace of the Piña Colada?
It makes perfect sense that the classic summer cocktail, synonymous with warm breezes and tropical vibes was born in Puerto Rico – at the Caribe Hilton no less.

As legend has it, the year was 1954 when bartender Ramón “Monchito” Marrero created a special cocktail that mixed rum, coconut cream and pineapple juice – and the delicious Piña Colada was born. The drink was served personally by the creator for 35 years while he worked as a bartender at the hotel, and in 1978, the Piña Colada was declared the official drink of Puerto Rico.
In 2004, Caribe Hilton was presented with a proclamation signed by Puerto Rico’s Governor Sila María Calderón, supporting the celebration of the classic cocktail’s 50th Anniversary.

On your next visit to Puerto Rico head Caribar, and enjoy a taste of history with the tasty Piña Colada cocktail. Or try one of the new versions that have traveled the world, only to come back to the place where it all began.

Caribe Hilton
1 Calle San Gerónimo,
San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
www.caribehilton.com

Location photos by Francisco Romeo, exclusively for HOMBRE