Fun at the Family Friendly Caribe Hilton San Juan

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Puerto Rico is a great destination for a family vacation. The island has great Caribbean beaches, a stunning rainforest and bioluminescent bays best explored in a kayak under the faintest glow of moonlight. One family-friendly resort in San Juan, Puerto Rico, kept coming up as the best: the iconic Caribe Hilton. Although it is best known as the place where an innovative bartender created the Pina Colada, the resort is now one of the most family-friendly places in Puerto Rico. My family decided to give it a try and had one of our best vacations.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Because Puerto Rico is a US territory, Americans don’t need a passport to visit.

Editor’s Note: Portions of this trip were hosted.

What Families Love About the Caribe Hilton

A blackboard showing activities available at the Caribe Hilton with the pool in the background. — A sign at the Caribe Hilton showing available activities at the resort. Photo credit: Jamie Davis Smith

As soon as I set foot in the Caribe Hilton, I knew my family would have a great time. My children love the free activities families can choose from in the daily schedule. Activities include sandcastle-building contests, bracelet-making and more.

Resort Amenities

Giant chessboard at the Caribe Hilton in Puerto Rico — A giant chessboard at the Caribe Hilton with the beach in the background. Photo credit: Jamie Davis Smith

My kids love the beach toys and pool floats available to borrow at no extra cost. Finding free, fun amenities is always a pleasant surprise. My kids also enjoy the resort’s peaceful Hammock Garden and Tropical Garden with free-roaming animals.

Additionally, the Caribe Hilton has a playground near the beach and a giant chessboard. The on-site Aqua Adventure shop can help book scuba diving, snorkeling, boat charters and other family-friendly water-based activities. Grown-ups can visit the on-site gym and spa.

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Multiple Resort Pools = Family Fun

A man and children playing basketball in a poo. There are plan trees and a hotel in the background. — My husband and children are playing basketball in a pool at the Caribe Hilton. Photo credit: Jamie Davis Smith

The Caribe Hilton’s four pools are designed for families, each with a different vibe. My family spent the most time in the large Tropical Pool. Shaded by the pool’s palm trees, we swam, lounged and played aqua basketball. With a depth of only 3’6”, even my youngest can stand in the pool with ease.

I also recommend the resort’s infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean Ocean. Little ones can swim and splash in the 1’6” Kids’ Fountain Pool. Additionally, it makes sense that Pina Coladas would never be far away and the resort also has a pool with a swim-up bar.

Private, Family-Friendly Resort Beach

Woman in a hat and sunglasses on a secluded beach with palm trees in the background. — Me on the Caribe Hilton’s secluded beach. Photo credit: Jamie Davis Smith

The secluded beach at the Caribe Hilton is only open to resort guests. That’s a rarity in Puerto Rico. Lighter crowds allow parents to keep a closer eye on their children when they go into the ocean. It’s also great not to have to fight over beach chairs or a place to build sandcastles.

I also recommend renting a cabana. Relaxing in the shade and enjoying the fresh fruit is a great way to spend an afternoon.

Are you ready to explore off the beaten path? Let us inspire you!

Mandatory Experience: Try a Pina Colada

A hand holding a Pina Colada in a glass with a bar in the background. — A Pina Colada at the bar where the drink was invented. Photo credit Jamie Davis Smith

It’s practically mandatory to try at least one Pina Colada while staying at the Caribe Hilton. Head to the resort’s large bar just off the lobby to experience a Pina Colada where it all started. Treat the kids to a virgin.

While sipping on your cocktail, wander around the bar to read about the history of the Pina Colada. If you have any questions or want tips for making your own at home, one of the bar’s friendly bartenders will gladly share their extensive knowledge. Spoiler: For an authentic Pina Colada, use Coco Lopez coconut milk.

Note to parents of teens: In Puerto Rico, teens can legally drink starting at age 18.

Things to Do On Property

Father and son shredding lettuce to feed to manatees in Puerto Rico. — My husband and son preparing food for manatees. Photo credit: Jamie Davis Smith

The concierge at the Caribe Hilton is a great resource for finding activities on and off the resort. For families who want to stay on-property, try tennis lessons at the resort’s tennis courts. Or, arrange a visit to the nearby Caribbean Manatee Conservation Center. This is a great way to get up close and personal with manatees, help prepare their food and learn all about how Puerto Rico’s efforts are protecting the adorable sea creatures. It’s a unique experience that families can only have in Puerto Rico!

Things to Do Near the Caribe Hilton

Young boy in short and a t-shirt in front of a sign that says — My son in Old Town San Juan which is walking distance from the Caribe Hilton. Photo credit: Jamie Davis Smith

The Caribe Hilton has an ideal location in Puerto Rico’s capital of San Juan, within walking distance to the city’s historic old town. Yet it feels like its own world, a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The resort is a great jumping-off point for exploring Puerto Rico’s other attractions, including El Yunque Rainforest, bioluminescent bays and colonial forts.

However, families who prefer to stay at the resort for their Caribbean vacation will find plenty to do without ever leaving the property.

Dining at the Caribe Hilton

Food in white dishes at a breakfast buffet. — Part of the breakfast buffet at the Caribe Hilton. Photo credit: Jamie Davis Smith

Puerto Rico does not have any all-inclusive resorts and that includes the Caribe Hilton. However, the resort has several restaurants on-site. They include Morton’s The Steakhouse, an Italian restaurant, a seafood restaurant and a Puerto Rican restaurant.

For casual dining, visit the on-site Starbucks or ice cream shop that also serves acai bowls and sandwiches. Salads, quesadillas, wraps, nachos, sandwiches and other quick bites are available by the pool or on the beach.

Complimentary breakfast isn’t included in all stays, but the resort frequently offers packages that include breakfast. Hilton Honors Gold and Silver members also receive complimentary breakfast.

Rooms at the Caribe Hilton

Woman in sunglasses with a view of an ocean and an island with buildings in the background. — View from my room at the Caribe Hilton. Photo credit: Jamie Davis Smith

Like most resorts, the Caribe Hilton, which is owned by Hilton, has a variety of room types for all kinds of families and budgets.

My family has elite status with Hilton. We wound up in a stunning two-bedroom, two-level suite ideal for my family of five. However, we would have been happy in any of the resort’s spacious and comfortable rooms.

Getting There

A woman in a hat and sunglasses by the pool. There are bushes and palm trees in the background. — Me by the pool at the Caribe Hilton. Photo credit: Jamie Davis Smith

The Caribe Hilton is very close to the San Juan airport so it’s easy to get from the luggage carousel to enjoying a pina colada on the beach in no time. My family’s trip to the resort from the airport took less than 15 minutes. I love that we spent more time at the resort and less time commuting.

My family used Uber to get all over the island. However, some families prefer to rent a car while in Puerto Rico. The Caribe Hilton has parking available for an extra fee per night.