About Caribe Hilton
Caribe Hilton is a full-service beach resort on a private peninsula in Puerta de Tierra, between Old San Juan and Condado. Opened in 1949, it has 652 rooms and suites set among about 17 acres of tropical gardens.
What sets it apart is its location and history: it is a few minutes from the forts and streets of Old San Juan, has its own calm cove beach, and its Caribar claims to be the birthplace of the piña colada in 1954. It suits families and first-time visitors who want a classic beach resort close to the city.
At a glance
Highlights
- Birthplace of the piña colada
- Calm, swimmable cove beach
- Minutes from Old San Juan
- Morton's steakhouse on site
- Historic 1949 Hilton landmark
Amenities
Rooms and suites
Rooms and suites are spread across the main tower and other wings, many with ocean or garden views.
- Guest rooms with ocean, lagoon or garden views
- Suites with more living space for families
Restaurants and bars
The resort is not all-inclusive. Meals and drinks are paid as you go across several restaurants, bars and cafes.
- Morton’s The Steakhouse: prime beef and seafood with ocean views
- Lola’s Puerto Rican Cuisine: local dishes such as mofongo, plus Puerto Rican rums
- Rustica Ristorante: northern Italian pasta and seafood
- Néctar del Caribe: breakfast buffet and a la carte over the Atlantic
- Caribar: ocean-view cocktail and tapas bar, home of the original piña colada
- Bagua: swim-up pool bar
Beach, pools and spa
The resort has a private cove beach protected by a rock jetty, so the water is usually calm and good for swimming, which is unusual on San Juan’s Atlantic coast.
The oceanfront pool complex has three pools including an infinity pool, a kids’ fountain pool, a hot tub and the Bagua swim-up bar. Zen Spa Océano has 15 treatment rooms with hydrotherapy, sauna and steam.
Activities and entertainment
There are tennis courts, a fitness center and a children’s playground, with live music at the Caribar terrace on weekends. Old San Juan’s forts, El Morro and San Cristóbal, are a short drive away, and the Distrito T-Mobile entertainment district is nearby.
Puerto Rico is warm all year. December to April is the drier, busier high season, while May to October brings more rain. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.
Beyond the resort, popular day trips include El Yunque National Forest, the bioluminescent bays at Fajardo and Vieques, and boat trips to the cays off the east coast.
Who it’s best for
- Best for: families and first-time visitors who want a full beach resort close to Old San Juan and the airport.
- Consider another resort if: you want an all-inclusive, an adults-only stay, or golf and a casino on site.
Getting there from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport
Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) is in Carolina, about 7 miles east of the resort. The drive takes 15 to 20 minutes in normal traffic.
Taxis and ride-share cars are available at the airport, and private transfers can be booked in advance so a driver meets you at arrivals.
Good to know
- A daily resort fee is charged on top of the room rate
- Self parking and valet parking are available for a daily fee
- Breakfast is not included in most rates
- Check-in is at 4 pm and check-out at noon
Location of Caribe Hilton
FAQ about Caribe Hilton
Is Caribe Hilton all-inclusive?
No. Meals and drinks are paid separately at the resort's restaurants and bars.
Is Caribe Hilton adults only?
No. It welcomes families and has a kids' fountain pool and a playground.
How far is Caribe Hilton from the airport?
It is about 7 miles from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), a 15 to 20 minute drive.
How many rooms does Caribe Hilton have?
There are 652 rooms and suites.
Does Caribe Hilton have a beach?
Yes. It has a private cove beach protected by a rock jetty, so the water is usually calm.
Was the piña colada invented at Caribe Hilton?
The hotel's Caribar says the piña colada was created there in 1954.
How many pools does Caribe Hilton have?
The oceanfront complex has three pools including an infinity pool, plus a kids' fountain pool and a hot tub.
Can I walk to Old San Juan from Caribe Hilton?
Old San Juan is close by, but most guests take a short taxi or ride-share rather than walk.
Does Caribe Hilton have a spa?
Yes. Zen Spa Océano has 15 treatment rooms with hydrotherapy, sauna and steam.
Is there a resort fee at Caribe Hilton?
Yes. A daily resort fee is added to the room rate, and parking costs extra.
