The Caribe Hilton Hotel, located in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is one of the best-known hotels in the Caribbean. It was the first facility ever operated by Hilton Hotels outside of the continental United States.

Caribe Hilton Hotel as seen from Condado.

In early 1946, as part of the Puerto Rican industrialization effort known as Operation Bootstrap, a design competition was held to select the design of a new hotel. The facility would be owned by the Puerto Rican government, but would be leased to the multinational hospitality operator that provided the better bid. The only requirements of the competition were that the hotel have 300 bedrooms, the necessary ancillary facilities, and that it would be located adjacent to the Fort San Jerónimo in Puerta de Tierra. Three architectural firms in Puerto Rico were invited: Schimmelpfennig, Ruiz y González; The Office of Henry Klumb; and Toro Ferrer y Torregrosa. Two additional firms from the Florida were also invited to participate: Frederick G. Seelman from Palm Beach and Robert Swartburg from Miami Beach. These two firms submitted designs in the style of the Spanish Renaissance, while the three firms in Puerto Rico presented modern designs inspired by the International style.

Built in 1949, the hotel has been an important tourism and activity center, both for local and international tourists. Its first of many famous guests were Gloria Swanson and Gertrude Ederle. Between the 1960s and 1980s, many important performers either worked or stayed at the Caribe Hilton Hotel, the most enduring of which being Marco Antonio Muñiz. Other famous guests have included many world champion boxers during Puerto Rico's golden era of boxing. The national basketball teams of twelve countries also stayed there for 2003's pre-Olympic tournament of the Americas.

[edit] Restaurants & lounges

The Caribe Hilton offers many different dining options as well as room service (available between 6 AM and 3 AM). Many of the restaurants are very well-known and represent varied cuisines.

• Morton’s the Steakhouse
• Palmeras Restaurant - The Hotel's signature restaurant serving local and international cuisine.
• Lemongrass (Pan-Asian Latino) - Featuring exotic Asian delicacies and sushi.
• Olas Health Bar - Offers healthy gourmet fare catering to the patrons of the on-site spa, Olas.
• Atlantico Pool Bar and Grill - Casual dining poolside. Most fare is geared toward families, with offerings ranging from hot dogs to mahimahi with drinks including the famous Piña Colada.
• Executive Lounge - Private access, open to select guests only.
• Oasis Bar - Provides refreshing drinks, relaxation and musical entertainment nightly.
• Madrid-San Juan - A Spanish Tapas restaurant and bar; located in the lobby of the Tower Building.
• Rotisserie Il Giardino - Known for its northern Italian cuisine; Hilton HHonors Gold and Diamond members are invited to come from a complimentary continental breakfast each morning. Standard fare includes American breakfast staples (coffee, bagels, etc.) with a small sampling of Puerto Rican specialties.
• Starbucks

[edit] Photo gallery

A view of the private beach at the Caribe Hilton.	Cabanas available for the pleasure of guests relaxing by the sea.	Fort San Jerónimo sits on the same exclusive property managed by Hilton.	The lagoons at the Hilton are natural habitats for local fish and birds.
A view from the pool area. Behind faces North, facing South you see the extensive pools and Atlantic Bar.	Watching the sea as seen from the private grounds.	The playful Caribe Hilton sign lit at night.	The Tropical Gardens.

[edit] External links

• Caribe Hilton Hotel Website
• Caribe Hilton, part of the Hilton Caribbean Hotels & Resorts
• Periferia: Caribe Hilton Hotel

Coordinates: 18°27′50″N 66°5′6″W / 18.46389°N 66.085°W / 18.46389; -66.085