Caribe Hilton - European Plan

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

1364 reviews

• 

  Heaven

  I traveled with 2 other companions, all above 60 years old (one uses cane). Traveled first week of June 2025. Stayed in Wave wing. We selected this hotel because of the beach. This hotel has a very quiet, clean beach, no waves at all. After reading recent reviews, I told my companions to approach this trip with good humor and low expectations. As long as we had the beach we would not get upset by much. I must say that my experience was completely different than the ones had by most reviewers. I am not saying their experience was a lie. I am saying that my in many areas was excellent. First: the checking was a breeze. Stood on line for maybe 7 minutes. I mentioned to the receptionist how surprised I was at the quick check in after the scary reviews I had read. During check in, receptionist Yoryina was extremely pleasant and provided useful hotel information, such as the schedule of weekly events. She provided free bottled water and said to come back anytime we needed more free water. Yoryina also explained that the hotel charges $50 for use of resort per day. I liked this because I hate to be surprised during check out. The hotel no longer provides keys. Instead, they give you a bracelet with a chip which opens your room door, is used on elevator for security and allows you to make any charges to your room. Lobby area was spotless and cool. Room: I expected to find a dated, old, mold smelling room. Not at all!! spotless room, 2 double beds. Hotel did not have a sofa bed. Balcony with table and 2 chairs overlooking the entry of the hotel as well as the beach. TV with several channels, easy to navigate. Coffee machine, mini fridge (empty), safe, all in perfect working condition. Bathroom spotless, super clean, modern, great lighting, clean towels (no holes!). Hot and cold water available at all times of day. Clean linen. Walls in perfect shape. We did not go looking under the mattress but all seemed in perfect condition. The AC worked perfectly! The beach is just heaven. My mother is afraid of water and she has able to enjoy the beach. You can do snorkling anytime of day and will always find beautiful fish. During our stay there was a global issue with algae covering the shores. The hotel beach was affected, nothing serious, but hotel staff was constantly cleaning up manually to get rid of algae accumulated on shore. Staff was always helpful, courteous, and they worked so hard to let us enjoy the beach. The beach is private because from what I have read, it was built by the hotel. Pool area was always packed. Not one single chair available. It would be great if someone came up with a system that allows to identify if a chair is available or not. Many guests use the chairs, leave their wet hotel towels on them and leave. This makes if difficult to guess which chairs have been abandoned vs the ones that are still being used. The pool looked super clean. Breakfast: we had room service once, a bit pricey, but was in awe at the quality of the dishes. Particular mention to the fruit bowl. Huge, with all fruits tasty and sweet. Food ordered via room service was always perfect. So good. We had breakfast at a little private restaurant next to the hotel, which was very good as well and much better price. We had breakfast once at the hotel restaurant. We were expecting the long lines we saw on pictures online. However, we were seated right away. While we were seated enjoying excellent buffet breakfast we noticed that a line was starting to form by the door. We could not figure out why since there were many tables available. On the third day of our 4 day stay, I asked my companions what rating they would give the hotel. They said 9. But then they said they do not dare to give a 10 because there is always something that could be improved. I agree. I now remember one area of the hotel that did not impress us at all: the bell boys, the guys standing at a desk right by the entrance where cars drop you off to enter the hotel. There were always at least 3 men at that station, they always talked with each other, laughing. When we first arrived, they did not open the door to the car even though they did not look busy. When I passed by them I said good afternoon, I had to repeat myself louder because they had completely ignored me. During our entire stay we took several cabs and when we arrived in the hotel, these guys always ignored us. If we passed by them, they would look a me and not even greet me, just looked elsewhere. Definitely an area to improve. Speaking of taxis, there is an issue with Uber, and maybe other taxi apps. I first called my Uber and was waiting for it at the lobby. When my taxi showed as arrived on the app and I did not see it at the lobby, I asked the front desk where would my cab be. They explained that for pick up, I had to walk all the way to the other end of the property, right on san geronimo street, go down a few steps and wait for the taxi on a sidewalk with no awnings or protection from sun or rain. Being that my mother is disabled, this was a huge problem. If we are paying guests at the hotel, I could not understand why I would have to go to a different area, an inconvenient area of the hotel to catch my cab. However, the Puerto Rican cabs were allowed in with no problem. Uber can drop you off at the lobby when you return, but not when you first take it. Aside from this, we had a wonderful stay. Great hotel with first class accomodations. Can't wait to go back.

  Jun 16, 2025
• 

  Worst Hilton Experience

  Worse Hilton experience I honestly think ever.... some details.... they stop all food service at 10:30am so if your hungry for lunch, even though they have 5 restaurants and bars... no food until 12pm or 1pm the day we were there.... Rude security.... so you will get stopped at the pool, at shops, at the beach and out front randomly and frankly all the time asking to scan your room key. This led me to constantly ask am I at a resort or a prison. I'm the one paying to be there and this is how you treat your guest. EVERYTHING closed at dusk (around 7pm) no beach, no pool, no outdoor seating... none of it, all closed and forced out by security. No sitting by the ocean, no walking on the beach... no resort relaxation. Now the rooms, actually are quite modernized. Make sure you use the safe but housekeeping did do their job well. Needless to say, will not be returning.

  Jun 15, 2025
• 

  Birthday weekend!

  Excellent 5 day stay, we have been looking to find our next winter vacation spot and after our visit here we think we found it. The hotel felt like a resort and all of the staff were amazing and friendly. The beach area felt very secluded and peaceful, the pool was fun and lively. We were made to feel right at home here. I want to shout out Patricia at the front desk for each time we visited the front desk for water or ask a question she always met us with a huge smile and addressed us by name. Those kind smiles and hello’s really make you feel welcome. Thank you Patricia for your kindness and helpfulness. We will be back for another stay! Highly recommended!!

  Jun 10, 2025
• 

  A Disheartening Stay at the Caribe Hilton

  A Disheartening Stay at the Caribe Hilton I don’t write reviews often, but I feel compelled to share our experience—less out of frustration and more in the hope that future travelers might make an informed decision. Upon arrival at the Caribe Hilton in Puerto Rico, it became immediately apparent that the hotel did not match the images portrayed online. The “ocean view” that had been a major draw for us was largely obstructed by an unsightly industrial roof. Inside, the living room felt sterile and dimly lit, resembling something closer to a cell than a place of leisure. The blinds were difficult to operate, letting in neither breeze nor light easily. Our troubles didn’t end there. The bathroom door was difficult to open and loud, an annoyance by day and a full-blown disruption by night, waking the entire family whenever it was used. The living room TV failed shortly after our arrival. After a two-hour wait, a kind maintenance worker arrived only to inform us that the connection was faulty and that we’d need to manually jiggle a wire at thr back of the tv if it happened again—hardly the seamless hospitality one expects from a Hilton property. By the next morning, I made my first formal complaint around 8 a.m. about the door. When we returned at 3 p.m., it remained untouched. We escalated our request, asking for it to be expedited. Hours later, at 6 p.m., we discovered that our refrigerator had stopped working. Still trying to salvage our day, we prepared for a quick shower—only to find out our shower didn’t work. NO HOT WATER AT ALL. Frustrated and exhausted, I called the front desk at 6:30 p.m. requesting that a manager visit our room immediately. I was assured one would. By 7:10 p.m., with no sign of anyone, I walked to the front desk myself to follow up. I also added that the front door to our room was sticking and loud. The manager offered little more than a vague promise that someone would “take a look.” So there we were—my entire family, wet from the pool, grimy from a day at the beach, no cold drinks, no shower, and no idea when help might arrive. We missed our evening plans waiting in vain. Eventually, maintenance came to inspect the room. The TV issue was disregarded entirely. He informed us the bathroom door would need to be removed the following day and shaved down and the hot water issue would be looked into—promising a follow up phone call. Only, once again, to be left waiting with no response. Despite the myriad of issues, the manager confirmed there was no other room available to move us to. Our front door was now sticking a lot also, maintenance informed us it would need new screws and they were unable to do that either at this time. Emotionally depleted, I gave up and went to bed early—only to be disturbed after 9 p.m. by housekeeping arriving to replace the broken refrigerator. This was not the relaxing, family-friendly vacation we had imagined. It was an endless series of maintenance issues, miscommunications, and unmet expectations. I understand no hotel is perfect, but the lack of responsiveness and accountability was deeply disappointing. I will add the daytime manager escalated our concerns on the 3rd day and brought solutions.

  Jun 03, 2025
• 

  Snorkeling Worth It!

  Made the mistake of choosing the Memorial Day weekend, and they were also hosting two proms and a wedding, so the first day was crazy. Our room was not ready at 6:00, though check-in was 4:00. However, Jose at the front desk was able to get us another room. That was one of the pros, the amazing staff at all levels--the lead housekeeper on the 5th floor thanked us for visiting every day, the bell hops, consierge, bartenders, lobby staff were all super helpful and friendly even during a busy holiday weekend. Cons: rooms are older, the restaurants on site are $$$ (better to go across street for breakfast), and the pool/beach area is tightly controlled so that you can't bring your own beverages or snacks. However, you are just a short cab or Uber to Old San Juan or Isle Verde for attractions and great meals. And the best part was the snorkeling. We brought our own ordered online for around $30, but they have rentals available. And it was like snorkeling in a giant fish aquarium! So many varieties of fish and protected by stone barriers, so you feel safe. Families with kids who are not on a tight budget would enjoy this resort. And this 57 and 58 year old couple did too.

  Jun 02, 2025