Caribe Hilton
Historic resort on a private beach, birthplace of the piña colada, offering pools, dining, and spa services.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxation
Caribe Hilton
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxation
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic resort on a private beach, birthplace of the piña colada, offering pools, dining, and spa services.
"The staff truly make the experience better, even if the property needs updates."
💰 Budget-Friendly Eats Nearby
El Hamburger is a must for lunch! Cafe Tropical across the street offers delicious and affordable meals. :forkandknife:
🚗 Parking & Resort Fees
Be aware of the $25/night parking and $50/day resort fee. Factor these into your total cost. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Private Beach Access
Resort grounds
Enjoy a beautiful stretch of sand with calm waters, perfect for relaxing and soaking up the Caribbean sun.
Stunning Pool Areas
Resort grounds
Multiple pools offer a refreshing escape, with some reviewers highlighting their beauty and suitability for photos.
Historic Significance
Resort grounds
The birthplace of the piña colada! Experience a piece of cocktail history at the very spot it was invented.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Be Prepared for Extra Fees
Room Condition Varies
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Budget-Friendly Eats Nearby
El Hamburger is a must for lunch! Cafe Tropical across the street offers delicious and affordable meals. :forkandknife:
🚗 Parking & Resort Fees
Be aware of the $25/night parking and $50/day resort fee. Factor these into your total cost. :moneybag:
🧽 Room Expectations
Rooms can be dated. If it's an issue, ask about renovated wings or be prepared for a vintage vibe. :hotel:
☀️ Beach Sargassum
The private beach can sometimes be affected by sargassum. Check conditions upon arrival. :ocean:
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Budget-Friendly Eats Nearby
El Hamburger is a must for lunch! Cafe Tropical across the street offers delicious and affordable meals. :forkandknife:
🚗 Parking & Resort Fees
Be aware of the $25/night parking and $50/day resort fee. Factor these into your total cost. :moneybag:
🧽 Room Expectations
Rooms can be dated. If it's an issue, ask about renovated wings or be prepared for a vintage vibe. :hotel:
☀️ Beach Sargassum
The private beach can sometimes be affected by sargassum. Check conditions upon arrival. :ocean:
🍹 Piña Colada Origin
Don't miss trying the original piña colada at the resort's bar! :tropical_drink:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Caribe Hilton offers a prime location with a beautiful private beach and enjoyable pool areas, complemented by exceptionally friendly and helpful staff. However, many guests find the hotel dated and overpriced, citing issues with room maintenance and significant extra fees for parking and resort services. While the staff's service is a major positive, the overall value proposition is debated due to these drawbacks.
"Great location, but the hotel is very dated. It has an old smell to it. Ig you book ocean view, just know it may kind of face the ocean, but your view is obstructed by a condemned building or most of your view is the rooftop of the lobby or restaurants. Which are not nice. A big reason why we chose this hotel was for the pool and it was under construction. The small remaining pools that were still in use need many more umbrellas. They allow people to just lay towels on chairs and leave to eat, so out of the few umbrellas they have, less than half are actually being used. The stores at the lobby are extremely over priced. Just go to a walmart and to save for cheap basic items. The restaurant in the lobby is not good and extremely expensive for what you get. They don't tell you till your there, but parking is $25 a night and the process is a bit annoying. You have to go to a little office anytime you want to leave to get your ticket updated. In retrospect, I would have definitely chosen another hotel. Luckily the staff at the front desk was super nice. They are the reason its not a 1 star review."
Chris Hernandez
"We stayed for our honeymoon and were very excited to go to PR for the first time. Staff was nice and the beach was gorgeous! To be completely honest it was costly and overpriced for what you are getting. Bathroom was disgusting, the paint in the shower was peeling and the shower was clogged when we arrived the first night. They came for repairs to fix the clog and didn’t see a problem with the tub’s paint looking the way it did. Would not go back for how insanely expensive it was, could get a nicer bathroom/room elsewhere"
Ashley May
"We were concerned with my wife about the bad reviews, but I think are not fare with the real thing. The room we had on the fifth floor felt very nice and new furnished. The pool is awesome and the beach might be almost the perfect sport for pictures and just feeling relaxed. The GYM feels new or recently renovated. The staff is friendly and we felt very well attended. Is a very good place for vacations for the price. In the San Juan area there is no best hotel for the price for just enjoying the Caribbean beaches."
Diego Ospina
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way to reach Caribe Hilton from SJU is by taxi or rideshare service, which typically takes about 15-20 minutes depending on traffic. You can also arrange for a private shuttle in advance. Some travelers opt for a rental car, but be mindful of parking fees at the hotel.
Caribe Hilton is located between Old San Juan and the Condado area, offering a good base. While not directly in the heart of Old San Juan, it's a short taxi or rideshare away. There are some local eateries within walking distance, as mentioned by travelers seeking cheaper food options.
Rideshares (Uber/Lyft) are readily available and a popular choice for getting around San Juan. Taxis are also an option. For exploring Old San Juan, walking is ideal once you get there. Consider a rental car if you plan extensive day trips outside the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You do not need to book tickets in advance for Caribe Hilton as it is a hotel. However, booking your room well in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure availability and potentially better rates.
Standard check-in time is typically 3:00 PM and check-out time is 11:00 AM. It's always a good idea to confirm these times directly with the hotel when making your reservation or closer to your arrival date.
Yes, guests are typically charged a resort fee, which reviewers mention can be around $50 per day. This fee usually covers amenities like Wi-Fi, access to the fitness center, and beach services. Always verify the current resort fee amount with the hotel.
No, parking is not free at Caribe Hilton. Reviewers consistently mention a daily parking fee, often around $25. The process for updating your ticket when leaving and returning can also be a bit inconvenient.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Yes, Caribe Hilton boasts a beautiful private beach area, offering guests a more secluded and enjoyable experience compared to public beaches. It's a highlight for many visitors.
The resort features multiple outdoor pools. While some guests find them awesome and great for photos, others have noted that they could use more umbrellas and that cleanliness can be a challenge due to early guest usage.
While the resort itself doesn't have extensive snorkeling directly on its private beach, the adjacent Escambron Beach is often recommended for snorkeling. It's a short walk or a very quick ride from the hotel.
Amenities include multiple restaurants and bars, a spa, an outdoor pool, a private beach, a fitness center, and shops. Reviewers note that the on-site stores can be quite overpriced.
Yes, the gym at Caribe Hilton is often described as new or recently renovated and well-equipped, making it a good option for guests who want to maintain their workout routine during their stay.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
On-site dining at Caribe Hilton is generally considered expensive. Reviewers strongly recommend venturing outside the resort for more budget-friendly and delicious meals. El Hamburger and Cafe Tropical are frequently cited as great local alternatives.
The piña colada was famously invented at the Caribe Hilton! You can enjoy the original version at the hotel's bars, making it a must-try experience for many visitors.
Reviews on the hotel's restaurants are mixed. Some find the food at the bar good, while others describe the lobby restaurant as not good and extremely expensive for the quality. Many guests prefer to dine elsewhere.
While not explicitly stated, some reviewers suggest bringing your own alcohol from a local store (bodega) to make your own drinks by the pool to save money, implying that outside beverages might be permissible or that guests are finding ways to circumvent high on-site prices.
Breakfast options can be pricey, with a continental breakfast buffet costing around $29.99 per person. If you booked through a third-party site, free breakfast is usually not included. Local cafes offer more affordable alternatives.
📸 📸 Photography
The resort's private beach and pool areas are often highlighted as perfect spots for pictures. The historic significance of the piña colada's birthplace also offers unique photo opportunities.
Some guests booking 'ocean view' rooms have reported obstructed views, with sights of condemned buildings or rooftops. It's advisable to clarify the exact view when booking or consider rooms with guaranteed unobstructed ocean vistas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For dining, it's highly recommended to explore options outside the resort for more affordable and kid-friendly meals. Places like Cafe Tropical across the street are great alternatives. Be prepared for the extra resort and parking fees, which can add up for families. While the rooms might be dated, the staff's friendliness can make a big difference in the overall family experience.
💰 Budget Travelers
Be acutely aware of the significant daily resort fees and parking charges, which can add a substantial amount to your bill. If possible, look for package deals that might include some of these amenities. Bringing your own drinks and snacks from local supermarkets can also help cut down on expenses by the pool or beach.
couples
Consider booking an ocean-view room, but be sure to clarify the view to avoid potential disappointment. While dining on-site can be pricey, exploring nearby restaurants or enjoying cocktails by the beach can create memorable moments. The attentive staff can also enhance the romantic experience with their service.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Birthplace of the Piña Colada
When you visit, be sure to seek out the bar where this famous concoction was first mixed. It's a moment to savor not just the drink, but also the history and the vibrant culture of Puerto Rico. The resort often has displays or information detailing this significant part of its story, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to your stay. It’s a simple pleasure that connects you directly to the island’s rich heritage.
Navigating the Fees: Parking and Resort Charges
Travelers often express surprise at these charges, especially if they weren't clearly communicated upfront or if they booked through third-party sites. The parking process itself can also be a minor hassle, requiring a trip to a specific office to update your ticket each time you leave and return. To mitigate these costs, some guests suggest exploring alternative transportation or checking if your booking package includes any of these amenities. It's crucial to factor these extra charges into your budget to avoid unexpected expenses.
Room Conditions and Maintenance
Despite these observations, some guests found the water pressure to be fantastic, even with shower heads that needed attention. The staff's responsiveness to maintenance requests is often praised, with issues like clogged showers being addressed. However, the overall impression for some is that the property is in need of modernization. If a pristine, contemporary room is a top priority, it might be worth inquiring about specific room renovations or wing assignments before booking.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit