Doubletree by Hilton San Juan

This Doubletree Hilton was established as the brand's first Caribbean’s outpost, catering primarily to business travelers, yet it's proven to be a hit with vacationers, too. Although it's located on a less-than-pretty main thoroughfare with a hectic suburban supermarket over the road, the Hilton is nevertheless in good company with the Gallery Plaza (a luxury condo development) located right next door. Both properties happen to operate under the IHE group which translates to a string of extra on-site features for Hilton hotel guests who can utilize Plaza facilities and charge them all back to their hotel room (aside from the fitness center, which requires direct payment). Past the landscaped entrance, Doubletree offers stylish marble interiors, lush tropical gardens, and an oasis-like pool area out the back. Multiple skylights illuminate the lobby, where a choice of seating caters to many guest moods -- there’s a formal living room-like area; bar-height, laptop-ready work tables; and a landscaped Zen space that could inspire a spontaneous meeting, or just act as a quiet chill-out spot. The front desk (complete with cookie warmers for check-in treats) is located at the lobby rear, from where rooms are divided into two rectangular eight-story buildings -- each accessed with its own elevators. The terraced pool and garden area is nestled in between, where families splash around, couples bask in the sun, and business travelers often take their computers and coffees outside, or simply take a break.

The hotel is centrally located on a main Condado thoroughfare that’s about a five-minute drive from the beach. The nearest cross street, Calle Loiza, is a happening hub of restaurants and bars catering to many tastes and cravings. The hotel neighbors the Gallery Plaza, where Starbucks, Silk Asian restaurant, YeloSpa, and LIV Fitness Club are all located. SuperMax supermarket and liquor store is right over the road. Other nearby walkable highlights include the dining and nightlife hub La Placita (11 minutes) and Museo De Arte De Puerto Rico (13 minutes). The hotel provides free shuttle transportation to Ocean Beach, and other nearby beaches include Condado (a seven-minute drive) and Isla Verde (a 10-minute drive). Reaching Old San Juan is just an eight-minute drive, and the Luis Munoz International Airport can be reached in 10 minutes.

Available in a range of categories with king or queen beds -- some with additional Murphy bed options -- rooms are spacious, quiet, and modern. They're handsomely decorated with dark modular furniture and tomato-red textiles and accent walls. Details like slat-wood benches and chrome-leg work desk bump up their style factor. Platform beds are incredibly comfortable and come with hypo-allergenic pillows. The Murphy bed rooms are a savvy alternative to rollaways -- helpful for groups or families -- although rooms can get a little cramped when beds are down. Wall-to-wall windows frame views, which in many cases overlook the lush garden and/or pool. Higher-level rooms take in scenic district views, and ground-floor rooms open onto spacious terraces. All rooms are well equipped with work desks, ergonomic chairs, cable flat-screen TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, free Wi-Fi, and MP3 player clock radios. Bathrobes, safes, irons, ironing boards, and hairdryers are also included. Bathrooms are equally stylish with brick-red mosaic tiling, frameless glass step-in showers, vessel sinks (with minimal vanity space), and a selection of Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries. 

Features at this Doubletree could be reason alone to stay here, with plenty on offer for all types of guests. The terraced outdoor pool and whirlpool is a crowd-pleaser with a rock waterfall feature cascading over three levels of sun-bathing areas, with plenty of deck chairs and outdoor seating provided. Free service shuttles (via a golf buggy) can also take guests to and from the beach, where deck chairs and drinks/food service are provided by the hotel. There’s also a public park with a great playground for the kids right off the beach. For dining, the Doubletree has a few options on hand. Located in the lobby, Café Pierre restaurant and bar serves buffet breakfast, plus a la carte lunch and dinner. On our stay, we dined here for lunch and the food was outstanding. There’s an on-site chocolate shop, and the Gallery Plaza right next door boasts a Starbucks; upscale Asian restaurant, Silk; and impressive YeloSpa and Salon. Any charges made at these establishments can be charged to your hotel room. Yelo Spa and Salon offer slick contemporary spaces providing a range of spa and hair salon services that include a saltwater flotarium and vapor room. There's a basic on-site fitness center that's free and available to guests, but LIV Fitness Club (next door in the Gallery Plaza) is a state-of-the-art alternative, although guests must pay to use it. Extensive business services are on the premises, warm delicious cookies are offered on check-in, and other services include babysitting, coin-operated laundry, room service, and bike rental. Self and valet parking is available, but each incurs a daily fee. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout.