Caribe Hilton {PRI}
Jan 3, 2004, 3:56 pm
#91
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: West Coast USA
Programs: UA GS/4 MM, AA Exec Plat, Lifetime Hilton D, Hyatt G, Marriott Titanium earned Ambassador
Posts: 7,553
Thanks also for the information. I just booked the Resort for one night in March. I not happy about the price and might switch to use points. Regards
Jan 3, 2004, 10:16 pm
#92
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 27,230
I just stayed at the Caribe Hilton 12/17-21, so basically right before "hurricane" season (i.e., the kiddies on winter break). I think a good chunk of the negative criticism on this hotel was based on a stay during very very busy periods. I doubt very many large hotels can provide a top-notch experience when they are bursting at the seams with guests.
Our stay was great. The pool area is awsome, the beach is decent. It's private, which is not the case at most other hotels. Yes, it's more of a lagoon, and manmade, so this is not the place to go surfing. But both pool and beach are MUCH better than when I was there 11 years ago. Not sure when they did the big renovation, but it was a MAJOR renovation.
Our room was on the 10th floor of the main building, with a great view of the ocean and pool area. You could also see Old San Juan and the cruise ships in the distance. Room was very nice, no Four Seasons, but perfectly comfortable and modern. Executive lounge was nice -- try the mini-quiches at happy hour!
The biggest drawback is that you pretty much need to take a taxi anywhere. Old San Juan is walkable, but pretty far IMHO. The Marriott is on Ashford Ave, kind of like Collins Ave in South Beach, lots of stuff going on. But it was nice to be somewhat secluded, and it is a pretty quick trip by taxi to Old San Juan. Oh, and the lack of casino was a drawback to me personally, but probably better on the wallet!
Our stay was great. The pool area is awsome, the beach is decent. It's private, which is not the case at most other hotels. Yes, it's more of a lagoon, and manmade, so this is not the place to go surfing. But both pool and beach are MUCH better than when I was there 11 years ago. Not sure when they did the big renovation, but it was a MAJOR renovation.
Our room was on the 10th floor of the main building, with a great view of the ocean and pool area. You could also see Old San Juan and the cruise ships in the distance. Room was very nice, no Four Seasons, but perfectly comfortable and modern. Executive lounge was nice -- try the mini-quiches at happy hour!
The biggest drawback is that you pretty much need to take a taxi anywhere. Old San Juan is walkable, but pretty far IMHO. The Marriott is on Ashford Ave, kind of like Collins Ave in South Beach, lots of stuff going on. But it was nice to be somewhat secluded, and it is a pretty quick trip by taxi to Old San Juan. Oh, and the lack of casino was a drawback to me personally, but probably better on the wallet!
Jan 4, 2004, 2:56 am
#93
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: CH-3823 Wengen Switzerland
Programs: miles&more, MileagePlus
Posts: 27,041
the bus stations (to Old San Juan, etc.) is about 300 feet from the drive-in entrance to the Hilton. The Bus runs (depending of daytime) every 15 to 30 minutes and takes about 7 minutes to downtown Old SanJuan (terminal station is at the cruise-ship harbour, near the Wyndham). costs 25 cents (nov 2002).
Jan 4, 2004, 9:25 pm
#94
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Sunny SYDNEY!
Programs: UA Million Miler. (1.9M) Virgin Platinum. HH Diamond + SPG Gold
Posts: 32,330
We stayed at both Ponce Hilton and Caribe Hilton for a few days each a month or so back.
Both VERY average IMHO. Caribe is 'close' to nothing to speak of unless you drive. Would not bother again to be honest.
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~ Glen ~ sipping bubbly from a UA 747-400 exit row 15 near you SOON!
[This message has been edited by ozstamps (edited Jan 04, 2004).]
Both VERY average IMHO. Caribe is 'close' to nothing to speak of unless you drive. Would not bother again to be honest.
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~ Glen ~ sipping bubbly from a UA 747-400 exit row 15 near you SOON!
[This message has been edited by ozstamps (edited Jan 04, 2004).]
Jan 6, 2004, 7:05 am
#95
Join Date: Sep 2002
Posts: 418
Caribe Hilton Resort Fee
We were just at this resort on an award stay, and much to our surprise when checking out, we were charged $18.60 per day resort fee!!! I had called front desk to ask for this charge to be removed, Victor said he would remove it, but now I see the fee was charged to our credit card!!! Has anyone else been charged a resort fee at any Hilton while on an award stay? We have stayed at HWV on award before, they have a resort fee, but I think it is optional. If you choose to pay it, it includes water sport, coffee, safe, etc. I think they should have to tell you up front about any charges on an award stay! We had been at Jalousie St Lucia before Caribe, and they had NO resort fee, plus included so much more at resort(free water sports, umbrellas, etc). Just had to vent!
Jan 6, 2004, 9:29 am
#96
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: PDX
Programs: HHonors Gold since '02, Hertz President's Circle since '07
Posts: 3,226
Yes, I've been charged resort fees on award stays, but never without being informed. These fees have been discussed at length, and are often not appreciated. 
Since you were not informed, you should not have been charged. And now you've got the ammo you need to have the charges reversed: "Victor".
You can call the hotel, or just contact your credit card company to dispute the charge and let them call the hotel. Venting is fine, and understood, but it won't get your money back. Stay calm, be patient, and this should work out.
Other than the charge, how was the visit?
Since you were not informed, you should not have been charged. And now you've got the ammo you need to have the charges reversed: "Victor".
You can call the hotel, or just contact your credit card company to dispute the charge and let them call the hotel. Venting is fine, and understood, but it won't get your money back. Stay calm, be patient, and this should work out.
Other than the charge, how was the visit?
Feb 29, 2004, 7:24 am
#98
Join Date: Sep 2002
Posts: 306
We are staying for one night on May 8 (pre-cruise) and have been reading mixed reviews regarding the rooms and construction.
So far it seems that the best rooms are in the main building on an upper floor to avoid most construction noise and for the best views.
Does anyone know which rooms are the best?
This will be on a Priceline stay. I'm wondering if they will indeed enforce the "no HH benefits for priceline stays". Anyone been recently (since Jan 1 2004)?
Thanks for any assistance!
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Randy
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HH Gold; SPG Gold; NW Gold; UA PremEx
So far it seems that the best rooms are in the main building on an upper floor to avoid most construction noise and for the best views.
Does anyone know which rooms are the best?
This will be on a Priceline stay. I'm wondering if they will indeed enforce the "no HH benefits for priceline stays". Anyone been recently (since Jan 1 2004)?
Thanks for any assistance!
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Randy
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HH Gold; SPG Gold; NW Gold; UA PremEx
Mar 7, 2004, 5:57 pm
#99
Join Date: May 2000
Location: HH Gold, Marriott Gold, PC Plat, Emirates Silver
Posts: 2,678
More Caribe Hilton Questions
I've read the reviews about the Caribe Hilton and still don't know if we should stay there. Some people like the property and others do not. If it is busy it appears the service is worse. Some people like the beach and others do not.
It is a nicer stay if you are a Diamond and get lounge access but I am Silver so I won't get the lounge. We may be going the weekend after Easter with a 7 yr old. It may be busy but rates are still $150 so it shouldn't be packed. Since we will have the 7yr old, we won't be looking to light up the town.
We are looking for a relaxing place where we don't have to leave the property if we don't have to. The 7 yr old likes the ocean and the pool. My wife and I like a good beach.
I'm nervous after reading some of the reviews and don't know if I should be. If I was going on spring break or looking for action then this wouldn't be a good choice. However, that is not my case.
Anything you can add would be appreciated.
It is a nicer stay if you are a Diamond and get lounge access but I am Silver so I won't get the lounge. We may be going the weekend after Easter with a 7 yr old. It may be busy but rates are still $150 so it shouldn't be packed. Since we will have the 7yr old, we won't be looking to light up the town.
We are looking for a relaxing place where we don't have to leave the property if we don't have to. The 7 yr old likes the ocean and the pool. My wife and I like a good beach.
I'm nervous after reading some of the reviews and don't know if I should be. If I was going on spring break or looking for action then this wouldn't be a good choice. However, that is not my case.
Anything you can add would be appreciated.
Mar 7, 2004, 8:34 pm
#100
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Pennsylvania
Programs: HHonors Silver
Posts: 4,030
What are your alternatives? Would you have any status at any other SJ hotel?
I didn't see it but the Caribe has an HHonors lounge in addition to the Diamond lounge. I think you should have access there.
The Caribe beach is very nice for kids, IMO. Plus you can feed the fish off of the dock at the end of the breakwater.
I didn't see it but the Caribe has an HHonors lounge in addition to the Diamond lounge. I think you should have access there.
The Caribe beach is very nice for kids, IMO. Plus you can feed the fish off of the dock at the end of the breakwater.
Mar 8, 2004, 8:40 am
#101
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Saint Louis. American EXP 4.6MM - Hilton Diamond
Posts: 137
I was going to St. Thomas year before last for a week or R&R, and because I had to fly through San Juan, decided to spend 3 days at this hotel. I was traveling alone.
I am Diamond, so I was upgraded.
Personally, I didn't care for the hotel. One night, there was some large social function, and the parking garage was completly full. There was a beach, but not much of one. It is located not too far away from the main tourist area (if this is what you want).
Some travelers like this hotel, some don't.
If you do decide to stay here however, there is a great deli on the corner as you enter the Hilton with the best Cubano sandwich in the world. Good luck!
I am Diamond, so I was upgraded.
Personally, I didn't care for the hotel. One night, there was some large social function, and the parking garage was completly full. There was a beach, but not much of one. It is located not too far away from the main tourist area (if this is what you want).
Some travelers like this hotel, some don't.
If you do decide to stay here however, there is a great deli on the corner as you enter the Hilton with the best Cubano sandwich in the world. Good luck!
Mar 8, 2004, 8:55 am
#102
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Toronto, ON
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Titanium, AA Plat MM
Posts: 3,582
I have been planning a trip to San Juan and have found this thread helpful. It includes a comparison between the Caribe Hilton and another hotel.
Mar 8, 2004, 12:33 pm
#103
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Sunny SYDNEY!
Programs: UA Million Miler. (1.9M) Virgin Platinum. HH Diamond + SPG Gold
Posts: 32,330
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by pdhenry:
What are your alternatives? Would you have any status at any other SJ hotel?
I didn't see it but the Caribe has an HHonors lounge in addition to the Diamond lounge. I think you should have access there. </font>
What are your alternatives? Would you have any status at any other SJ hotel?
I didn't see it but the Caribe has an HHonors lounge in addition to the Diamond lounge. I think you should have access there. </font>
There are in fact at least two lounges, one for HH elites, the other a real Executive lounge, and there may well be a Diamond one as well in the Towers .. I recall there was.
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Try and make it down to SYD for "OZ FEST 2004" - May 21-23
~ Glen ~ sipping bubbly from UA 747-400 exit row 15A near you SOON!
Mar 8, 2004, 5:36 pm
#104
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Butler, PA. USA
Posts: 245
The "beach" is ideal for children in that it really isn't a part of the beach. The property has a breakwater between the actual ocean and it's "beach". So relatively calm and no waves to speak of (there is an 8x8 platform in the middle of the water for sunning, diving, etc.
Location- well not ideal, but it depends. Walking to Condado requires walking along some construction and traversing a bridge that crosses the lagoon (appr 3/4 mile to the beginning of the Condado (and not anywhere near the "good" part IMO).
To Old San Juan is appr. 1 mile in the other direction and not a walk I would reccomend.
If your going to cab it all the time, the locatioon lies nicely within reason of almost everything.
The pool area is very nice with multiple pools- infinity, bar, volleyball, etc.
Landscaping is relatively nice.
The lobby is an experience. Open air with two birds- (say "hi" to Pancho and Coco for me.
The silver "lounge" is pathetic! The room is not much larger than a hotel room and the breakfast is VERY unspecial- most Comfort Inns do a better job.
All in all- with a child, not wanting to leave the property very often, and just looking to relax- its basically good for the price,
Note: Eating options on grounds are limited-
Italian restaurant, Morton's steak house, one more restaurant, and an outside (near poll and bar) burger type place.
Location- well not ideal, but it depends. Walking to Condado requires walking along some construction and traversing a bridge that crosses the lagoon (appr 3/4 mile to the beginning of the Condado (and not anywhere near the "good" part IMO).
To Old San Juan is appr. 1 mile in the other direction and not a walk I would reccomend.
If your going to cab it all the time, the locatioon lies nicely within reason of almost everything.
The pool area is very nice with multiple pools- infinity, bar, volleyball, etc.
Landscaping is relatively nice.
The lobby is an experience. Open air with two birds- (say "hi" to Pancho and Coco for me.
The silver "lounge" is pathetic! The room is not much larger than a hotel room and the breakfast is VERY unspecial- most Comfort Inns do a better job.
All in all- with a child, not wanting to leave the property very often, and just looking to relax- its basically good for the price,
Note: Eating options on grounds are limited-
Italian restaurant, Morton's steak house, one more restaurant, and an outside (near poll and bar) burger type place.
Mar 8, 2004, 11:45 pm
#105
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: CH-3823 Wengen Switzerland
Programs: miles&more, MileagePlus
Posts: 27,041
Walking to Condado requires walking along some construction and traversing a bridge that crosses the lagoon (appr 3/4 mile to the beginning of the Condado (and not anywhere near the "good" part IMO).
To Old San Juan is appr. 1 mile in the other direction and not a walk I would reccomend.
I love the very frequent running local bus (feeling like a real local then) for just 25cents a ride.
To Old San Juan is appr. 1 mile in the other direction and not a walk I would reccomend.
I love the very frequent running local bus (feeling like a real local then) for just 25cents a ride.