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{{short description|Luxury beachfront resort in San Juan, Puerto Rico}}
{{Infobox hotel
{{Infobox hotel
| hotel_name = Caribe Hilton
| hotel_name = Caribe Hilton
| logo =
| logo =
|Caption2
</gallery>
| logo_width =
| logo_width =
| image = Caribe Hilton seen from Condado.JPG
| image = Caribe Hilton seen from Condado.JPG
Line 9: Line 8:
| caption = Caribe Hilton Hotel as seen from Condado.
| caption = Caribe Hilton Hotel as seen from Condado.
| location = [[San Juan, Puerto Rico]]
| location = [[San Juan, Puerto Rico]]
| address = 1 San Geronimo Street, San Juan,PR 00901
| address = 1 San Geronimo Street, San Juan, PR 00901
⚫
| chain = [[Hilton Hotels & Resorts]]
| coordinates =
| coordinates =
| opening_date = December 9, 1949
| opening_date = December 9, 1949
| developer =
| developer =
| architect = [[Toro-Ferrer]]
| architect = [[Toro Ferrer]]
| operator = [[Hilton Hotels & Resorts]]
| operator = [[Hilton Worldwide]]
| cost =
| cost =
| owner =
| owner = [[Park Hotels & Resorts]]
⚫
| hotel_chain = [[Hilton Hotels & Resorts]]
| number_of_rooms = 652 rooms, 264 villas
| number_of_rooms = 652 rooms, 264 villas
| number_of_suites =
| number_of_suites =
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| height =
| height =
| parking =
| parking =
| website = [http://www.caribehilton.com/ www.caribehilton.com]
| website = {{URL|caribehilton.com}}
| footnotes =
| footnotes =
}}
}}
The '''Caribe Hilton''', 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]].
The '''Caribe Hilton''' is located in [[San Juan, Puerto Rico]], and is owned by [[Park Hotels & Resorts]] and managed by [[Hilton Worldwide]].


==History==
==History==
In early 1946, as part of the [[Puerto Rico|Puerto Rican]] industrialization effort known as [[Operation Bootstrap]], the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Co. decided to erect a modern luxury hotel. The facility would be owned by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, but leased to the [[multinational corporation|multinational]] hospitality operator that provided the better [[Bid price|bid]]. The hotel would have 300 bedrooms, the necessary ancillary facilities, and be located adjacent to [[Fort San Jerónimo]] in Puerta de Tierra.
In early 1946, as part of the [[Puerto Rico|Puerto Rican]] industrialization effort known as [[Operation Bootstrap]], the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Co. decided to erect a modern luxury hotel. The facility would be owned by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, but leased to the [[multinational corporation|multinational]] hospitality operator that provided the best [[Bid price|bid]]. The hotel would have 300 bedrooms and the necessary ancillary facilities, and be located adjacent to [[Fortín de San Gerónimo]] in Puerta de Tierra.


A competition was held to select the design, with three architectural firms in [[Puerto Rico]] invited: Schimmelpfennig, Ruiz y González; The Office of [[Henry Klumb]]; and [[Toro Ferrer y Torregrosa]]. Two additional firms from Florida were also invited to participate: Frederick G. Seelman from Palm Beach and Robert Swartburg from Miami. These two firms submitted [[Spanish Renaissance]]-style designs, while the three Puerto Rican firms presented modern designs inspired by the International style. The final design chosen was by [[Toro-Ferrer]], who also designed the Modern Movement-style [[Supreme Court Building (Puerto Rico)|Supreme Court Building]] in San Juan.<ref name="nrhpinv3">{{cite web|url=http://pdfhost.focus.nps.gov/docs/NRHP/Text/06000506.pdf |title=National Register of Historic Places Registration: Supreme Court Building |year=2006 |author=Juan Llanos Santos and Karen Gonzalez Jenson |publisher=National Park Service}}</ref>
A competition was held to select the design, with three architectural firms in [[Puerto Rico]] invited: Schimmelpfennig, Ruiz y González; The Office of [[Henry Klumb]]; and [[Toro Ferrer]]. Two additional firms from Florida were also invited to participate: Frederick G. Seelman from Palm Beach and Robert Swartburg from Miami. These two firms submitted [[Spanish Renaissance]]-style designs, while the three Puerto Rican firms presented modern designs inspired by the International style. The final design chosen was by [[Toro Ferrer]], who also designed the Modern Movement-style [[Supreme Court Building (Puerto Rico)|Supreme Court Building]] in San Juan.<ref name="nrhpinv3">{{cite web|url={{NRHP url|id=06000506}} |title=National Register of Historic Places Registration: Supreme Court Building |year=2006 |author=Juan Llanos Santos and Karen Gonzalez Jenson |publisher=National Park Service}}</ref>


To operate the hotel, the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Co. invited seven leading American hotel firms. [[Conrad Hilton]], being from New Mexico, opened his letter back with "Mi estimado amigo" and won over the Puerto Ricans.<ref name=autogenerated3>[http://www.puertadetierra.info/noticias/caribe_hilton/apertura1949.htm Opening of Caribe Hilton Hotel in 1949<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
To operate the hotel, the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Co. invited seven leading American hotel firms. [[Conrad Hilton]], being from New Mexico, opened his letter back with "Mi estimado amigo" and won over the Puerto Ricans.<ref name=autogenerated3>[http://www.puertadetierra.info/noticias/caribe_hilton/apertura1949.htm Opening of Caribe Hilton Hotel in 1949<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150321082853/http://www.puertadetierra.info/noticias/caribe_hilton/apertura1949.htm |date=March 21, 2015 }}</ref>


The creation of the hotel represented a partnership between the Puerto Rican government and U.S business. Americans viewed the creation of the hotel as a symbol of their power to create material progress. A majority of Puerto Rican citizens did not approve of the decision to build the hotel. They believed that the public funds would have better suited the island inhabitants if they were invested in improving education and social welfare. San Juan's fire chief of the time disapproved the government's decision to "degrade itself by buying tourists." Articles published by ''[[El Mundo (Puerto Rico)|El Mundo]]'' in 1952 saw the American tourists as selfish people who did not care about the island and ones who will in the future convince the Puerto Rican people to serve them.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last=Merrill|first=Dennis|date=2001-03-01|title=Negotiating Cold War Paradise|journal=Diplomatic History|language=en|volume=25|issue=2|pages=179–214|doi=10.1111/0145-2096.00259|issn=0145-2096}}</ref>
⚫
The hotel opened on December 9, 1949.<ref name=autogenerated1>[http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Caribe+Hilton+Celebrates+50+Glamorous+Years+On+Dec.+9.-a058054180 Caribe Hilton Celebrates 50 Glamorous Years On Dec. 9. - Free Online Library<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> It was Hilton's first hotel outside the continental [[United States]] and made Hilton the first international hotel company.<ref name=autogenerated2>http://www.caribehilton.com/location-directions/</ref> The government-backed Puerto Rico Industrial Development Corp. ([[PRIDCO]]) spent $7 million to build and furnish the hotel. After it was built, the government leased the hotel to the Hilton Corp. on a 20-year lease.<ref>[http://www.vitomarcantonio.org/chapter_9.php#81st_35 U.S. House Committee on Public Lands; 81st Congress (1949-1950); Testimony of Congressman Vito Marcantonio (D-NY); March 16, 1960.]</ref> The hotel was the first in Puerto Rico to offer radios in every room and individually controlled air conditioners.<ref name=autogenerated1 />

⚫
The Caribe Hilton opened on December 9, 1949.<ref name=autogenerated1>[http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Caribe+Hilton+Celebrates+50+Glamorous+Years+On+Dec.+9.-a058054180 Caribe Hilton Celebrates 50 Glamorous Years On Dec. 9. - Free Online Library<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref name=autogenerated2>{{cite web |url=http://www.caribehilton.com/location-directions/ |title=Puerto Rico Hotels on the Beach &#124; Caribe Hilton, San Juan, Puerto Rico |accessdate=2013-09-10 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819135153/http://www.caribehilton.com/location-directions/ |archivedate=2012-08-19 }}</ref> The government-backed Puerto Rico Industrial Development Corp. ([[PRIDCO]]) spent $7 million to build and furnish the hotel. After it was built, the government leased the hotel to the Hilton Corp. on a 20-year lease.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.vitomarcantonio.org/chapter_9.php#81st_35 |title=U.S. House Committee on Public Lands; 81st Congress (1949-1950); Testimony of Congressman Vito Marcantonio (D-NY); March 16, 1960. |access-date=March 20, 2014 |archive-date=February 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210014535/http://www.vitomarcantonio.org/chapter_9.php#81st_35 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The hotel was the first in Puerto Rico to offer radios in every room and individually controlled air conditioners.<ref name=autogenerated1 />


Guests for the opening included [[Gloria Swanson]], [[Eastern Air Lines]] President [[Eddie Rickenbacker]], [[David Rockefeller]] and numerous other celebrities and notables.<ref name=autogenerated3 />
Guests for the opening included [[Gloria Swanson]], [[Eastern Air Lines]] President [[Eddie Rickenbacker]], [[David Rockefeller]] and numerous other celebrities and notables.<ref name=autogenerated3 />


The hotel claims to be the birthplace of the Piña Colada. In 1954, bartender Ramón “Monchito” Marrero spent three months creating a mix of rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice. The drink was first served on August 15, 1954.<ref name=autogenerated2 />
The hotel claims to be the birthplace of the [[Piña colada]]. In 1954, bartender Ramón “Monchito” Marrero spent three months creating a mix of rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice. The drink was first served on August 15, 1954.<ref name=autogenerated2 />


The original hotel was expanded over the years from 300 rooms to 646 rooms.<ref name=autogenerated2 /> After managing the hotel for 48 years, Hilton International bought the property in 1998.<ref name=autogenerated2 /> Hilton closed the hotel the following year for a complete renovation, lasting nine months.<ref name=autogenerated2 /> It reopened on December 25, 1999 celebrating its 50th anniversary after $50 million in renovations.<ref name=autogenerated1 />
The original hotel was expanded over the years from 300 rooms to 646 rooms.<ref name=autogenerated2 /> After managing the hotel for 48 years, Hilton International bought the property in 1998.<ref name=autogenerated2 /> Hilton closed the hotel the following year for a complete renovation, lasting nine months.<ref name=autogenerated2 /> It reopened on December 25, 1999 celebrating its 50th anniversary after $50 million in renovations.<ref name=autogenerated1 />
Line 47: Line 48:
In 2005, the hotel was expanded with the huge Paseo Caribe complex, including shops, restaurants, and 264 villas marketed as the Condado Lagoon Villas.<ref name=autogenerated2 />
In 2005, the hotel was expanded with the huge Paseo Caribe complex, including shops, restaurants, and 264 villas marketed as the Condado Lagoon Villas.<ref name=autogenerated2 />


In January 2017, ownership of the hotel was transferred to Park Hotels & Resorts when that company was [[Corporate spin-off|spun off]] from Hilton Worldwide.<ref>{{cite report|title=Form 10-K: Annual Report|publisher=Park Hotels & Resorts|date=March 2, 2017|url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1617406/000156459017003210/pk-10k_20161231.htm|via=EDGAR}}</ref> In September 2017, the hotel was heavily damaged by [[Hurricane Maria]], forcing it to close. It reopened in May 2019, following a US$100 million renovation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article104624.html|title = Caribe Hilton to Reopen This May in Puerto Rico}}</ref><ref name="Caribbean Business 2019">{{cite web | title=Caribe Hilton celebrates grand reopening | website=Caribbean Business | date=18 June 2019 | url=https://caribbeanbusiness.com/caribe-hilton-celebrates-grand-reopening/ | access-date=4 July 2020}}</ref>
⚫
==Famous Guests==

⚫
==Famous guests==
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, including [[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 Games|Olympic]] tournament of the Americas. {{Citation needed|date=January 2010}}
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, including [[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 Games|Olympic]] tournament of the Americas. {{Citation needed|date=January 2010}}


==In Popular Culture==
==In popular culture==
The [[Disney Channel]] [[Disney Channel Original Movie|Original Movie]], [[Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie]] was filmed here during the hotel scenes; the hotel's name in the movie is the "Caribe Paradise Resort". It was also the setting for the initial scenes of [[The Rum Diary]], a 2011 movie starring [[Johnny Depp]] based on a novel by [[Hunter S. Thompson|Hunter S Thompson]]
Part of the television film ''[[Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie]]'' was filmed in the outdoor pool area of the hotel. It is also the setting for [[Hunter S. Thompson]]'s ''[[The Rum Diary (novel)|The Rum Diary]]''. ''[[22 Jump Street]]'' was also filmed in the lobby of the hotel.


==Photo gallery==
==Photo gallery==
<gallery mode="packed" heights="130px">
<center>
<gallery>
Image:Caribe-Hilton-Beachside.jpg|A view of the private beach at the Caribe Hilton.
Image:Caribe-Hilton-Beachside.jpg|A view of the private beach at the Caribe Hilton.
Image:Caribe-Hilton-Fort-San-Jerónimo.jpg|Fort San Jerónimo sits on the same exclusive property managed by Hilton.
Image:Caribe-Hilton-Fort-San-Jerónimo.jpg|Fortín de San Gerónimo sits on the same exclusive property managed by Hilton.
Image:Caribe-Hilton-Lagoon.jpg|The lagoons at the Hilton are natural habitats for local fish and birds.
Image:Caribe-Hilton-Lagoon.jpg|The lagoons at the Hilton are natural habitats for local fish and birds.
Image:Tropical-Garden-at-the-Caribe-Hilton.JPG|The Tropical Gardens.
Image:Tropical-Garden-at-the-Caribe-Hilton.JPG|The Tropical Gardens.
</gallery>
</gallery>
</center>


==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal|Puerto Rico}}
{{Portal|Puerto Rico}}
* [[List of hotels in Puerto Rico]]
* [[List of hotels in Puerto Rico]]
* [[Harry Fraticelli]] - who used to sing at Caribe Hilton early in his musical career


==References==
==References==
Line 71: Line 73:


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.caribehilton.com/ Caribe Hilton Hotel Website]
* [http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/puerto-rico/caribe-hilton-SJNHIHH/index.html Caribe Hilton Hotel Website]
* [http://www.hiltoncaribbean.com/sanjuan Caribe Hilton, part of the Hilton Caribbean Hotels & Resorts]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20091022064059/http://hiltoncaribbean.com/sanjuan/ Caribe Hilton, part of the Hilton Caribbean Hotels & Resorts]
* [http://www.periferia.org/architecture/tf2.html Periferia: Caribe Hilton Hotel]
* [http://www.periferia.org/architecture/tf2.html Periferia: Caribe Hilton Hotel]


{{Coord|18|27|50|N|66|5|6|W|display=title}}
{{Coord|18|27|50|N|66|5|6|W|display=title}}


[[Category:1949 establishments in Puerto Rico]]
[[Category:Hotels in San Juan, Puerto Rico]]
[[Category:Hotels in San Juan, Puerto Rico]]
[[Category:Hilton Hotels & Resorts hotels]]
[[Category:Hilton Hotels & Resorts hotels]]
[[Category:Hotels established in 1949]]
[[Category:Hotel buildings completed in 1949]]

Latest revision as of 11:38, 15 November 2023

Caribe Hilton
Caribe Hilton Hotel as seen from Condado.
Map
Hotel chainHilton Hotels & Resorts
General information
LocationSan Juan, Puerto Rico
Address1 San Geronimo Street, San Juan, PR 00901
OpeningDecember 9, 1949
OwnerPark Hotels & Resorts
ManagementHilton Worldwide
Design and construction
Architect(s)Toro Ferrer
Other information
Number of rooms652 rooms, 264 villas
Website
caribehilton.com

The Caribe Hilton is located in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and is owned by Park Hotels & Resorts and managed by Hilton Worldwide.

History

[edit]

In early 1946, as part of the Puerto Rican industrialization effort known as Operation Bootstrap, the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Co. decided to erect a modern luxury hotel. The facility would be owned by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, but leased to the multinational hospitality operator that provided the best bid. The hotel would have 300 bedrooms and the necessary ancillary facilities, and be located adjacent to Fortín de San Gerónimo in Puerta de Tierra.

A competition was held to select the design, with three architectural firms in Puerto Rico invited: Schimmelpfennig, Ruiz y González; The Office of Henry Klumb; and Toro Ferrer. Two additional firms from Florida were also invited to participate: Frederick G. Seelman from Palm Beach and Robert Swartburg from Miami. These two firms submitted Spanish Renaissance-style designs, while the three Puerto Rican firms presented modern designs inspired by the International style. The final design chosen was by Toro Ferrer, who also designed the Modern Movement-style Supreme Court Building in San Juan.[1]

To operate the hotel, the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Co. invited seven leading American hotel firms. Conrad Hilton, being from New Mexico, opened his letter back with "Mi estimado amigo" and won over the Puerto Ricans.[2]

The creation of the hotel represented a partnership between the Puerto Rican government and U.S business. Americans viewed the creation of the hotel as a symbol of their power to create material progress. A majority of Puerto Rican citizens did not approve of the decision to build the hotel. They believed that the public funds would have better suited the island inhabitants if they were invested in improving education and social welfare. San Juan's fire chief of the time disapproved the government's decision to "degrade itself by buying tourists." Articles published by El Mundo in 1952 saw the American tourists as selfish people who did not care about the island and ones who will in the future convince the Puerto Rican people to serve them.[3]

The Caribe Hilton opened on December 9, 1949.[4][5] The government-backed Puerto Rico Industrial Development Corp. (PRIDCO) spent $7 million to build and furnish the hotel. After it was built, the government leased the hotel to the Hilton Corp. on a 20-year lease.[6] The hotel was the first in Puerto Rico to offer radios in every room and individually controlled air conditioners.[4]

Guests for the opening included Gloria Swanson, Eastern Air Lines President Eddie Rickenbacker, David Rockefeller and numerous other celebrities and notables.[2]

The hotel claims to be the birthplace of the Piña colada. In 1954, bartender Ramón “Monchito” Marrero spent three months creating a mix of rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice. The drink was first served on August 15, 1954.[5]

The original hotel was expanded over the years from 300 rooms to 646 rooms.[5] After managing the hotel for 48 years, Hilton International bought the property in 1998.[5] Hilton closed the hotel the following year for a complete renovation, lasting nine months.[5] It reopened on December 25, 1999 celebrating its 50th anniversary after $50 million in renovations.[4]

In 2005, the hotel was expanded with the huge Paseo Caribe complex, including shops, restaurants, and 264 villas marketed as the Condado Lagoon Villas.[5]

In January 2017, ownership of the hotel was transferred to Park Hotels & Resorts when that company was spun off from Hilton Worldwide.[7] In September 2017, the hotel was heavily damaged by Hurricane Maria, forcing it to close. It reopened in May 2019, following a US$100 million renovation.[8][9]

Famous guests

[edit]

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, including 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. [citation needed]

[edit]

Part of the television film Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie was filmed in the outdoor pool area of the hotel. It is also the setting for Hunter S. Thompson's The Rum Diary. 22 Jump Street was also filmed in the lobby of the hotel.

[edit]
  • A view of the private beach at the Caribe Hilton.
    A view of the private beach at the Caribe Hilton.
  • Fortín de San Gerónimo sits on the same exclusive property managed by Hilton.
    Fortín de San Gerónimo sits on the same exclusive property managed by Hilton.
  • The lagoons at the Hilton are natural habitats for local fish and birds.
    The lagoons at the Hilton are natural habitats for local fish and birds.
  • The Tropical Gardens.
    The Tropical Gardens.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Juan Llanos Santos and Karen Gonzalez Jenson (2006). "National Register of Historic Places Registration: Supreme Court Building". National Park Service.
  2. ^ a b Opening of Caribe Hilton Hotel in 1949 Archived March 21, 2015, at the Wayback Machine
  3. ^ Merrill, Dennis (2001-03-01). "Negotiating Cold War Paradise". Diplomatic History. 25 (2): 179–214. doi:10.1111/0145-2096.00259. ISSN 0145-2096.
  4. ^ a b c Caribe Hilton Celebrates 50 Glamorous Years On Dec. 9. - Free Online Library
  5. ^ a b c d e f "Puerto Rico Hotels on the Beach | Caribe Hilton, San Juan, Puerto Rico". Archived from the original on 2012-08-19. Retrieved 2013-09-10.
  6. ^ "U.S. House Committee on Public Lands; 81st Congress (1949-1950); Testimony of Congressman Vito Marcantonio (D-NY); March 16, 1960". Archived from the original on February 10, 2012. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
  7. ^ Form 10-K: Annual Report (Report). Park Hotels & Resorts. March 2, 2017 – via EDGAR.
  8. ^ "Caribe Hilton to Reopen This May in Puerto Rico".
  9. ^ "Caribe Hilton celebrates grand reopening". Caribbean Business. 18 June 2019. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
[edit]

18°27′50″N 66°5′6″W / 18.46389°N 66.08500°W / 18.46389; -66.08500

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