CARIBE HILTON UNVEILS NEW LOBBY MUSEUM CELEBRATING 77 YEARS OF HISTORY AND CULTURAL IMPACT

CARIBE HILTON UNVEILS NEW LOBBY MUSEUM CELEBRATING 77 YEARS OF HISTORY AND CULTURAL IMPACT

The new gallery allows visitors to immerse themselves in Caribe Hilton’s legacy and its pivotal role in shaping Puerto Rico’s tourism and hospitality industry.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – August 25, 2026 – Caribe Hilton, one of Puerto Rico’s most iconic beachfront resorts and a cornerstone of the island’s tourism industry since 1949, has unveiled a new museum offering guests a walking timeline of its 77-year history. Located on the first floor, next to the San Cristobal Ballroom, the museum traces the evolution of the resort from its opening as Hilton’s first international property to its status today as one of Puerto Rico’s most legendary hotels. Throughout its history, Caribe Hilton has been a pinnacle of leisure travel on the island, introducing the piña colada to the world and serving as a Hollywood hideout for celebrities such as Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor and Rita Moreno.

“We’re excited to welcome travelers and visitors to discover this new addition to the resort,” said Mike García, general manager of Caribe Hilton. “For 77 years, Caribe Hilton has been part of Puerto Rico’s tourism story, and this museum gives us an opportunity to celebrate not only the people and moments that have shaped our property, but also the Puerto Rican culture that has influenced our identity from the very beginning. We’re proud to bring that history to life and share it with generations of guests to come.”

Developed through historical research across libraries and donated contributions from team members and guests, the museum serves as a timeline of memories featuring historic artifacts, original menus and uniforms, vintage photographs, postcards and memorabilia. Together, the collection tells the story of a property that has evolved alongside Puerto Rico while preserving the spirit of hospitality that has defined Caribe Hilton.

The museum highlights four distinct chapters of Caribe Hilton’s history:

● A Modernist Milestone: This section explores the architectural vision behind Caribe Hilton. The story begins with the Puerto Rican government’s design competition and the winning proposal from local architects Toro & Ferrer. Their vision, defined by clean lines and open-air terraces, laid the foundation for a style that continues to influence architecture across the island today. Among the artifacts on display is a piece of Italian marble from the hotel’s original 1949 lobby.

● Caribe Hilton’s Culinary Legacy: The gallery honors the resort’s status as a pioneer of Puerto Rican gastronomy, marking its history of elevating fine-dining standards. Guests can view vintage menus from the groundbreaking La Rotisserie and explore artifacts dedicated to Ramón “Monchito” Marrero, whose creation of the piña colada in 1954 became Puerto Rico’s official drink in 1978.

● The Evolution of Service and Hospitality: This chapter pays homage to the dedicated professionals behind every guest experience. It illustrates how hospitality trends and aesthetics have shifted across the decades while the resort’s core commitment to warmth, meticulous care and authentic Puerto Rican connection has remained steadfast.

● Stars, Stages and Entertainment: Reflecting its history as a premier social hub, this section celebrates the resort’s legendary nightlife and celebrity allure. The collection features vibrant memorabilia including a commemorative seat from Luis Miguel’s famed 1993 poolside concert, alongside tributes to the iconic Club Caribe, Juliana’s Discotheque and the hotel’s various roles in cinema and

television.

The museum is open to both hotel guests and the public and can be explored at any time. Visitors are invited to discover the stories that have shaped Caribe Hilton’s legacy and its longstanding connection to Puerto Rico’s evolution as a global tourism

destination.

Travelers visiting the island should not miss a stop at the Caribe Hilton to enjoy an original piña colada at the very bar where it was invented, a bucket-list experience for many, and to explore the resort’s living history. For more information, visit

www.caribehilton.com.

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About Caribe Hilton

Centrally located just minutes from the heart of Historic Old San Juan and 15 minutes

from Luis Muñoz International Airport, Caribe Hilton sits beachfront on an exclusive

peninsula, made up of 17 acres of lush tropical gardens. Famous for being the

birthplace of the piña colada, the resort features a secluded beach, beautiful oceanfront

swimming pools, whirlpools, beachside hammocks and a full-service spa offering a wide

range of relaxing body treatments. The resort is also home to an array of shops and a

peaceful bird sanctuary. For those traveling on business, Caribe Hilton offers the most

complete meeting space and breathtaking outdoor areas for best in class events. Dining

options are plentiful with nine restaurants and lounges featuring everything from local to

international cuisine, including the renowned Morton's The Steakhouse. What's more,

Puerto Rico is a Commonwealth of the United States and does not require U.S. Citizens

to carry a Passport. www.caribehilton.com.

About Hilton Hotels & Resorts

For over a century, Hilton Hotels & Resorts has set the benchmark for hospitality around

the globe, connecting people, cultures and communities. Offering striking design and

vibrant communal spaces – from buzzing lobbies to lively bars, best-in-class

restaurants, and iconic gatherings – Hilton Hotels & Resorts is the place to see and be

seen in the world’s most sought-after destinations. With more than 600 hotels across six

continents, Hilton Hotels & Resorts is where the world comes together, and travelers

are masterfully hosted with expertise and care. Experience a legendary stay at Hilton

Hotels & Resorts by booking at hiltonhotels.com or through the industry leading Hilton

Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton

channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Hilton Hotels & Resorts at

stories.hilton.com/hhr, and follow the brand on Facebook, X and Instagram.

About Hilton

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 28 worldclass

brands comprising more than 9,400 properties and nearly 1.4 million rooms, in

144 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth

with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 4 billion guests in its

more than 100-year history. Named as the No. 1 World’s Best Workplace by Great

Place to Work and Fortune, Hilton aims to create the best culture for its 500,000 team

members around the world. Hilton has introduced 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 more than 260

million Hilton Honors 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 stories.hilton.com for more information, and

connect with Hilton on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.