Celebrating Over 70 Splendid Years of Caribe Hilton

After winning the architectural design competition, the company Toro Ferrer and Torregrosa set the wheels in motion to design the island’s first modern hotel. In their proposal, the architect’s intention was to have an ocean view in every guest room.

Construction began at the hands of New York contractor, George Fuller, with Roberto Sánchez Vilella acting as the resident engineer – in 1965, he became the second elected governor of Puerto Rico.

December saw the grand opening of the island’s first modern hotel; a triumph that marked the beginning of a new era of tourism that continues to this day.

The hotel was plunged into the limelight when actress Elizabeth Taylor spent part of her honeymoon here. She was then married to Conrad Hilton Jr. – the first of her seven husbands. The hotel was placed firmly on the celebrity map.

Over the next 19 years, Puerto Rico was among the top countries to hold major tennis tournaments. The Caribe Hilton International Tournament was the most famous and prestigious tournament held on the island.

Caribe Hilton celebrates its 25th anniversary in style. It was a party like no other!

Renowned artists like Carmita Jiménez performed at Caribe Hilton's Club Caribe. In the video, she is with the Mario Ortiz' Orchestra, conducted by Quique Talavera.

The Piña Colada is named the official drink of Puerto Rico. ¡Salud!

Caribe Hilton celebrates its 40^th anniversary with a party bigger and better than ever!

The government sold the hotel to the Hilton International chain for $80 million dollars.

After buying the hotel, Hilton closed for remodeling purposes at a cost of $65 million. On December 25th of that same year, it reopened with a new look and renovated facilities.

During a short visit to the Island of Enchantment, President Barack Obama visited Caribe Hilton hotel to attend a fundraising event.

Caribe Hilton opens the first Starbucks in the world that serves their clients on the beach.

Caribe Hilton celebrates the 60th Anniversary of the Piña Colada and receives a second proclaim, this time from Gov. Alejandro Garcia Padilla.

Caribe Hilton redesigns and inaugurates the new destination bar, Caribar Rums & Light Bites, offering the best handcrafted cocktails and tapas in San Juan with spectacular ocean views.