San Juan, Puerto Rico: An Undiscovered Paradise

We are probably a little bias towards Hilton (as it is our favorite hotel chain), but we love the Hilton Curio Collection.

"Some are well known. Some are local legends. But each hotel in the Curio Collection is a masterpiece that reflects the best of its surroundings." That's how Hilton describes the hotels in the Curio Collection.

The Location

The El San Juan Hotel in Carolina, Puerto Rico (Isla Verda) first opened in 1958. The historical hotel has been a centerpiece of the Isla Verda coastline for over 50 years! The El San Juan Hotel reopened in February of this year as a Curio Collection property. And it fits the description as it truly is a masterpiece that reflects the best of its surroundings.

The property did an incredible job renovating the hotel and grounds while maintaining the history and incredible luxury that has been part of the El San Juan since it's inception.

As soon as we saw the El San Juan was becoming a Curio Collection property, we couldn't get reservations quick enough. We spent three nights (definitely not long enough) in a two bedroom ocean view suite. The room was luxurious and comfortable, the view was incredible and the property and pool area were gorgeous. But what stood out most of all at the El San Juan hotel was the service. Definitely five star service across the board. From check-in, to the restaurants and pool attendants, the service at the El San Juan hotel was nearly as good as it gets. The staff at this property enjoy their job and they want to ensure that you have a great stay at the El San Juan hotel.

The Food

We enjoyed meals at several hotel restaurants including dinner at the Meat Market Miami. Followed by dessert at Trattoria Napoles (delicious gelato). Lastly a delicious breakfast buffet each day (complimentary for Gold & Diamond Guests - an exceptional value) at the Cana by Juliana Gonzalez.

The Pool

Of course our favorite activity at the El San Juan was probably laying by their beautiful pools and soaking up the sunshine. The pool bar and friendly staff made ordering cocktails a breeze. We recommend sipping on a mojito (one of the best mojitos we've ever had).

While we didn't get to try the new poolside restaurant, since our visit the Aquarelle on the Beach has opened at the El San Juan, a french inspired poolside cafe.

Also one last tip. Enjoy, as you know we are coffee snobs. So enjoy some coffee at the El Cafecito in the lobby of the El San Juan. The coffee, locally roasted Alto Grande, was absolutely delicious.

If it tells you how much we enjoyed our stay at the El San Juan, we have already booked another trip back to Puerto Rico!  To stay at the El San Juan in September for our one year wedding anniversary!

Stay for free!

You can use your Hilton Honors points to stay for free at the El San Juan hotel. You can redeem points for 45,000 - 50,000 points per night and remember if you stay five nights on points, the fifth night is free. And Hilton Honors Gold and Diamond members get free breakfast and free room upgrades!

And for a limited of time, you can get the Hilton Honors Surpass Credit Card from American Express and earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months. The Hilton Honors Surpass Credit Card also comes with complimentary Hilton Gold Status, so you'll automatically get that free breakfast and room upgrade!

You can apply for the Hilton Honors Surpass Card by clicking on this link.