Perched on a secluded peninsula just 12 minutes from the airport, Caribe Hilton stands as a testament to timeless elegance in San Juan, Puerto Rico. As it celebrates its 75th anniversary, this iconic resort not only honors its rich history, but also continues to offer a blend of upscale amenities and connections to authentic experiences in a prime location for both relaxation and exploration. Renowned as Hilton’s first property outside the continental United States and Puerto Rico’s first modern hotel, Caribe Hilton is also the birthplace of the world-famous piña colada, which turns 70 this year.

Caribe Hilton is home to a secluded beach where crystal-clear waters invite swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving in a reef-protected area that keeps waters calm, just beyond the crashing waves of the Atlantic. To lounge, choose from the expansive sandy shoreline or the floating “island” ringed with built-in loungers. Alternatively, pick two palms in the nearby hammock garden and nap in the ocean breeze. For sand-free fun, the large oceanfront pool complex includes an infinity pool with swim-up bar, private cabana rentals, an activity pool, whirlpools and a kids’ fountain pool.

© Caribe Hilton

Caribe hosts several restaurants and bars, each providing a unique taste of Puerto Rican and international cuisine. From the classic steakhouse tradition of Morton’s to the casual vibes of Caribar where the original piña colada was crafted, you’ll find enough variety to satisfy everyone when you don’t feel like leaving the property.

If you’re traveling for business, you’ll find Caribe Hilton an exceptional venue for meetings, conferences and corporate retreats. The resort offers 65,000 square feet of versatile event space, including elegant ballrooms, meeting rooms and outdoor venues with ocean views. State-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, high-speed internet access and a dedicated team of event professionals help handle the details and can help intersperse your itinerary with fun breaks like piña colada mixology classes and spa treatments at on-site Zen Spa Océano.

© Caribe Hilton

Just a short drive away is Old San Juan, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its colorful Spanish colonial buildings, historic forts like El Morro and San Cristóbal, and picture-perfect cobblestone streets. You’ll also find many worthwhile restaurants here for local dining, with several offering immersive perks like outdoor seating and live music.

The hotel’s prime location makes it an ideal base for exploring the vibrant city of San Juan and its surroundings. Nature lovers will find even more adventures within reach. Take a tour of caves and beaches, or head a bit further to the bioluminescent bays of Fajardo or Vieques, where the water glows with natural light created by microscopic organisms. A visit to El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rain forest in the U.S. National Forest System, promises hiking trails, waterfalls (including an adrenaline-inducing natural waterslide) and lush vistas. Guided tours are the easiest and most efficient ways to hit these highlights and come with some added safety if you’re attacking top draws like the caves and natural waterslide, but they’re not difficult to reach on your own, either.

© Caribe Hilton

This year marks the 75th anniversary of Caribe Hilton, a milestone celebrating its legacy as a pioneering establishment in Puerto Rico’s tourism industry. Opened in 1949, the hotel was the first modern resort on the island and set the standard for luxury and hospitality in the Caribbean. Over the decades, it has welcomed countless celebrities, dignitaries and travelers from around the world, becoming a cherished landmark in San Juan. It’s also the legendary birthplace of the piña colada, created in 1954 by bartender Ramón Monchito Marrero, this iconic cocktail has become synonymous with tropical paradise, and you can toast to the occasion with a taste of the original recipe (those cheap knockoffs you’ve had on cruise ships don’t compare).

© Caribe Hilton

Whether you’re coming for a romantic getaway, a family vacation or a business trip, this resort offers a unique combination of relaxation, adventure and cultural immersion. Its picturesque setting, top-notch amenities and proximity to the best of Puerto Rico all continue to add to the enduring appeal of this San Juan pillar.

Caribe Hilton

1 C. San Geronimo, San Juan
00901 Puerto Rico
tel 787 721 0303