by Brian Major
Last updated: 12:38 PM ET, Mon March 18, 2019
Puerto Rico's iconic Caribe Hilton hotel will re-open on May 15 following its September 2017 closure due to heavy damage suffered in hurricanes Irma and Maria.
The beachfront hotel received a $100 million renovation and will celebrate its 70th year in operation in 2019.
The Caribe Hilton renovation incudes re-vamped guest rooms and suites; eight new dining options; and a renovated fitness center, spa and tennis center, plus new exterior landscaping. Located on a peninsula minutes from historic Old San Juan, the resort also offers 65,000 square feet of renovated indoor and outdoor event space.
The 652-room property also features 17 acres of tropical gardens, a secluded beach, oceanfront swimming pools and a children's club.
The Caribe Hilton is a San Juan landmark. Completed in "tropical modernist" style in 1949 by Puerto Rico's Toro y Ferrer architectural firm, the hotel "really introduced American travelers to the island of Puerto Rico and the whole Caribbean," said Danny Hughes, executive vice president and president, Americas for Hilton Hotels & Resorts.
The property was Hilton Hotels' first outside of the continental United States and its grand opening ceremony was attended by American celebrities including film star Gloria Swanson and hero World War I pilot Eddie Rickenbacker. The Caribe Hilton is also recognized as the birthplace of the pina colada cocktail, created by bartender Ramon "Monchito" Marrero, who originated the mixture of rum, coconut cream and pineapple juice in 1954.
"The opening of Caribe Hilton in 1949 was a genesis of tourism that introduced travelers to the island of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean," said Hughes. "The revitalization of this emblematic property is a continuation of that genesis, inspiring much anticipation and pride among the Hilton family, locals, guests and all who have an enduring affinity for this cherished San Juan hotel."
The Caribe Hilton is among several major Caribbean hotels just now re-opening following the fall 2017 hurricanes. The revamped resort's décor is "deeply influenced by the vibrant culture, lively colors and rich history of San Juan, while complemented by the warmth and charm" of Puerto Rico's residents, added company officials in a statement.
"We have had the pleasure of creating milestone memories for our local and international guests for nearly 70 years," said Pablo Torres, the hotel's longtime general manager. "Now we are ready to welcome travelers and our island family to create new ones."
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