This was the first hotel built in Puerto Rico after World War II. The hotel is credited by historians and industry veterans with starting the modern day tourism business in Puerto Rico. The attached images are two of the hotel and one with Conrad Hilton arriving for the opening festivities with actress Gloria Swanson and Caribe General Manager Frank G. Wangeman. Source: the Massad Family Research Library and Hospitality Industry Archives, Hilton College, University of Houston. — Photo by Hilton
Source: Hilton
Source: Hilton
Hilton Hotels & Resorts®

Caribe Hilton welcomes the addition of the brand new Caribar – a destination bar and lounge that blends Puerto Rico's culinary influences with the resort's heritage to deliver some of the most creative craft cocktails on the island. Bringing the soul of the island to the lobby of Caribe Hilton, Caribar is the newest spot in San Juan to enjoy exquisite tastings, socializing and "being seen."

With an innovative drinks menu, coupled with culinary specialties created by Mario Ferro, Caribe Hilton executive chef, Caribar delivers the ultimate food and drink experience. Cocktails are made to order with fresh ingredients that tantalize the senses, including the piña colada – prepared the same way as the famed original cocktail invented at Caribe Hilton over 60 years ago. Enthusiastic service, tropical music and renowned DJ's complete the experience.

To celebrate the launch, Caribe Hilton welcomes guests with a special Caribar Lounge opening package including accommodation, two welcome piña coladas and one appetizer per stay. Valid now through Dec. 22, 2015, the offer starts at US$204* per night based on double occupancy. Inspired to create a destination experience for hotel guests and local community, Caribar's design blurs the lines between the indoor and outdoor. By replacing a portion of the lobby's façade with operable doors, the design allows the bar's indoor environment to spill into the natural surroundings outdoor creating both architectural depth and contrast. Cascading sculptural elements above the bar are inspired by ocean waves, further enhancing the ambiance.

Gloss and semi-gloss finishes on powder-coated aluminum add a touch of fresh modern style, while an undulating wood slat ceiling adds scale and warmth, making the area even more inviting. Caribe Hilton made history in 1949 when it became the first Hilton hotel outside the Continental U.S. In 1954, it made history again, when it became the birthplace of the piña colada, thanks to then bartender Ramón "Monchito" Marrero and his creation. 60 years later, Caribe Hilton is writing a new page in history with the opening of Caribar.

Caribar is open Monday through Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., and Friday and Saturday from 4:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. For a sneak peek of the new Caribar or to book the Caribar Lounge package, visit caribarsanjuan.com. For hotel reservations or information, visit caribehilton.com or facebook.com/CaribeHilton.

About Hilton

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 18 world-class brands comprising more than 6,800 properties and more than 1 million rooms, in 122 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed more than 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, earned a top spot on the 2021 World's Best Workplaces list and been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for five consecutive years. In 2021, in addition to opening more than one hotel a day, Hilton introduced several industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the nearly 128 million members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit newsroom.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.