The Caribe Hilton is San Juan's top complete resort. It sits between Condado and Old San Juan. People walk either way, but OSJ must be at least 35 minutes and Condado seems close, but there is a lot of construction going right now (and for the last 8 years) on the bridge which makes it unpleasant. The hotel facilities and the beach are perfect for family vacations. The beach is the only private one on the island and water is very clear and flat. The pool is awsome and there is a good bit of big band latin music in the lobby on weekends. Rent a car and use it to go to OSJ, Condado and the rain forest as well as Luquillo beach, accross from the rain forest. Parking is available in SanJuan and very inexpensive(never like Miami, DC and New York). Remember, you are getting a nice beach at the hotel. Christmas is within high season, so shop with Hilton for a good rate. Enjoy your trip!

PL

Beautiful hotel. They have private beach property which calms the water enough to swim. The restaurants are extremely over priced but there is a little deli across the street along with a Subway sandwich shop. It's about 45 minutes from the rainforest, 5-10 from Old San Juan and Isla Verde.

I just got back from a week at the Caribe Hilton. It is awesome! It is the perfect choice for you, it has things for small children and your parents. The beach and outdoor facilities are exceptional!! The staff was polite and cheerful! It does not have the feel of a closed-in resort at all.

If you are a Hilton Honors (or Executive) member, there is a light (cereal, fruit, pastries) continental breakfast served on the 2nd floor that is complimentary. The Subway that someone else mentioned is real handy and they serve breakfast.

Do not miss the Bio Bay tour! It is a very easy night time kayak paddle through a mangrove forest and into the incredible glowing bay. There were two very small children (2-3 yrs.) in our group. I don't know if there is an age restriction. Everyone will love it!!

The construction is kind of a problem, but mainly just if you're traveling during rush hours. Be sure of your insurance coverage on rental cars. There don't appear to be any traffic laws of any kind. Or at least none that anyone is afraid will be enforced!!

Hope this helps, have fun!!!

Going back for the third time in 8 months on 8/5; great hotel, never a problem. Closer to Old San Juan than others, but you will need a car/taxi/bus to get to most other places. If you book, go for at least a "king deluxe" in the tower, and forget the main (original) building. Photos at the web site are accurate. Beautiful place, good service / food. I give it 4 stars without hesitation.

Beach is secluded / protected from the waves, pool is magnificent, but remember, no casino. Condo construction there is now completed, and the additional, new restaurant should be open.

Reviews here can be a bit "spotty" at times, but that is usually due to folks booking a room in the main building on a low floor, and not being used to big city prices (eg: A Martini is $9 there, just as it is in the area I live near New York). Not everyone is used to this.

I stayed at the Caribe. You might want to check out the Normandie which is literally right next door. I can't say that I stayed there, but from the outside it looked like a nice hotel and you could still use all the Caribe Hilton perks (i.e. beach, restaurants) since it is so close. I thought the Caribe was a good hotel but a bit overpriced. The bus stop is 5 mins from both hotels but you have to cross this really busy street. I was afraid I was going to get run over!

I only go to the Caribe Hilton. 2 kids (6 and 1 1/2) perfect beach/lagoon . pool is great. No casino and u need a taxi/car to either go into Old San Jaun or Condado although u can takea bus into Old San Jaun which is OK..( 5 minute ride). Conciege will direct you.

The other nice thing is that there is no casino. With kids, I am not looking to gamble. Get a room in the main hotel..not the towers..Have fun

mdgirl2:

Just to calrify something said about the Hilton beach. It cannot be used by Normandie guests. There is a fence and natural barrier that keeps Hilton as the only private beach in PR. The Normandie has a beach, but it is part of El Escambron public beach. The restaurants are open to the general public, but not so any of the other amenities. Packages at the Normandie usually run about the same as The Hilton and there is no comparisson. Norm. 21/2 stars. Hilton 4 stars. Make a good choice.

peterlewis