According to Discover Puerto Rico, the tourism industry in Puerto Rico is booming. Air arrivals are up 21 percent from a year earlier for the first three months of 2023. It’s not surprising that the hospitality industry in Puerto Rico is also growing, with new hotels opening and renovations to existing properties.
Hilton plans to double their presence in Puerto Rico before 2025. Hilton is opening 10 new hotels in San Juan, Ponce, and Dorado. This represents the company’s biggest growth market in Caribbean in terms of number of hotels.
This investment will see the debut of five Hilton brands in Puerto Rico, including the island’s first Curio Collection, Tapestry Collection, Hilton Garden Inn and Tru by Hilton.
The Condado palm Inn San Juan Tapestry Collection By Hilton is one of the first new brands to debut in 2023. It will be a rebranding from the former Best Western Plus Condado palm Inn. The 186 rooms are located centrally in the Condado area and have two restaurants, two swimming pools, as well as a beach attendant who is available at Condado Beach.
The existing Hilton Condado Plaza will undergo a major reimagining. It currently operates in two buildings that are connected by a Skybridge. The architect Morris Lapidus designed the north building on the Atlantic Coast side. It was opened in 1963. Hilton’s strategy is to bring back the two buildings that were originally separate properties in 1960s to their original two-hotel concept. This will appeal to a wider range of travelers.
Hilton Garden Inn San Juan, rendered
Before reopening their doors in 2025, both structures will undergo extensive renovations and updates. The Lapidus designed building will reopen as the Curio Collection San Juan Condado Plaza with 332-rooms, while the building opposite, which faces the Condado Lagoon, and was originally opened as the Flamboyan Hotel & Casino in the late 1960s, will reopen as the Hilton Garden Inn San Juan Condado, with 240 rooms.
The 138-room Hampton By Hilton San Juan City Center as well as the 120-room Hampton By Hilton Ponce are also scheduled to open by 2025.
There are more new hotels in Puerto Rico
Hilton is not the only hotelier looking to expand in Puerto Rico. One of the most ambitious new projects is the $500 million Hard Rock Hotel, which will open in Old San Juan next year, near the San Juan Cruise Port and the Department of Finance.
Renderings of guestrooms at the Hotel Rumbao
The existing Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel, located nearby, is set to undergo a major transformation. Owner Driftwood Capital will begin renovations in order to relaunch the property as Hotel Rumbao, Tribute Portfolio By Marriott, by January 2024. The renovated hotel will include new restaurant concepts, new guest rooms, and a relocated fitness room and lobby. It will also be a major part of The Landing Old San Juan – a multi-use complex that spans several blocks and includes over 70,000 square foot of retail space.
Don Rafa Boutique & Residences, a 36-room boutique in the upscale Miramar neighborhood, is already open. The property is decorated with over two dozen pieces of art created by Puerto Rican artist. It also has a rooftop dining restaurant called Canvas that combines French, Asian, and Puerto Rican culinary tradition.
Nayara Resorts is a luxury brand that focuses on nature and wellness. They plan to open their new property in Toro Verde in Orocovis, an eco-adventure resort.
Renovated Hotels
The Ritz-Carlton San Juan is set to reopen in 2024 after a major renovation. It has been closed ever since Hurricane Maria struck the island. DoubleTree By Hilton San Juan is also sporting a new look. It is located in Condado, the hip district of the city, and is ideally situated to explore the nearby Loiza Street, with its trendy restaurants, shops and nightlife. DoubleTree updated their guest rooms and public spaces with a modern, attractive style. Decor elements such as photography of the island’s beauty are also included.
Wyndham Palmas Golf & Beach Resort
The hotelier described the new style as “boho-chic” for travelers looking to experience new things outside the city.
Parguera Plaza is an adults-only hotel located in the popular waterfront La Parguera area in southwest Puerto Rico. The 25-room hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant.