We had booked a one-night pre-cruise stay at the Caribe Hilton, but after I read about the resort taxes at PR locations with casinos, I decided to explore less-expensive options. Traveling with two young children and likely exhausted from a long day of travel, I knew that we were primarily after a place to crash. So after reading some rave reviews of the Hampton Inn, we decided to give it a try. The price was still high since we were traveling during peak time, but about $100 cheaper than the Caribe Hilton overall.

The hotel is well-kept, but it is definitely modest and showing its age. The pool area, about which I'd heard raves, is very small and noisy from the nearby airport. We weren't looking for a day in the sun, but just the time we spent on the patio eating dinner was enough to take us back inside for the rest of our stay. Many families seemed to be enjoying the outdoors a great deal. Happily, we really didn't hear any air traffic inside our room.

We had a suite with two queen beds and a study, which was just right for the four of us, giving us a little bit of room to stretch out. The room appeared to be clean, with the nice Hilton linens. The hotel staff was very friendly, even at 3 a.m. when we had to request fresh linens and towels after one of our children was sick. The gentleman who delivered these items refused any kind of tip.

The grill by the pool had been a major selling point for us, and we weren't disappointed. The sandwiches -- burgers, grilled chicken, and others -- were fresh and juicy and delicious and reasonably priced. It was nice to have a tasty, hearty meal without leaving the hotel property. We would have been tempted to try the swim-up bar if not for the airport din. The free breakfast the next day was typical Hampton fare (identical, in fact, to the breakfast we'd had two weeks previously at a Hampton in Frostburg, Md.), but did the job for us quite nicely.

We did not have much of a chance to explore the neighborhood, but we were told that the El San Juan extended casino privileges to Hampton Inn guests, so that could be a selling point for those interested in more of a vacation. A pharmacy across the street proved to be convenient when we needed OTC medication. Next door, however, were cockfighting arenas. Overall, I can't see spending more than one night at the property. It was hardly a vacationer's paradise or more than an appetizer to the beauty of San Juan -- just a convenient place to lay our heads for a night.

Location was perfect. Far enough out of the craziness of San Juan that we could relax but close enough that we could get there for the fun. The hotel was very nice, the pool and lobby areas were beautiful. The rooms were a bit worn down but were very roomy and comfortable. The hotels across the steet had casinos for fun and the beach was about a two minute walk away. The hotel had a nice grill/snack bar at the pool and there were several restaurants within walking distance. The airport is so close that the planes are loud out by the pool but you really couldn't hear them in the room.

Over the last several years, it has been our rather distinct pleasure to spend part of our winter holiday at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Carolina, P.R. The hotel is most appealing from an aesthetic point of view as well as for its optimal location. It is easy to make day trips to various parts of the island. The individual guest rooms are most comfortable and serviceabe, and the common areas are attractive and spotless.
A home away from home is more than just a location or an environment. It is a whole package that leaves a lasting impression. Every person at the Hampton from the owner to the manager to the desk personnel, the maids, the cleaners, maintenance and pool personnel and the breakfast and grill staff are always there to offer service with the proverbial "smile."
We have observed many courtesies extended to guests, over the years of our stay. Most recently, a rather tragic incident which ocurred off property, on a scuba expedition, was handled with great compassion, kindness, understanding and efficiency by the entire staff.
One would have to look far and wide to obtain a "full package" as we have experienced over the years. Manager Gary Wallace and all of the staff are to be commended for all of their efforts. We feel like "family" when we are at the Hampton. We look forward to our continues stays at this most welcoming residence.

Lawrence R. Bolognese
Thomas M. Trevisani, Jr.

I am a Hilton HHonors Diamond Member with more than 100 stays per year at the Hilton Hotels, this hotel was the worst hotel that I have ever stayed at, the place seemed like it was from the 1960's, the beds were horrible, the staff's attitude was very conflictive, this hotel should be priced at around $59 per night and not at $189. What a disgrace to Conrad Hilton; the pool, the carpet, the paint, the beds; were all dilapidated. My family and I decided that after a few days, it was time to move on, at which point we advised the hotel and they were insulting by saying "Well, guess its time to go home, because Puerto Rico is expensive," and I responded with "NO, we are moving to a real hotel, like the Embassy Suites; once we arrived at the Embassy Suites, the hotel manager personally took care of us and gave us the Diamond Member treatment. For a difference of only $20, our family was able to recuperate from the dreadful mistake of staying at the "Worst Hampton in All of the America's." This hotel is probably ok for the flying crew; as they are only in for a night, but not for families. My kids had a wonderful time at the Embassy Suites with a Cascading Waterfall and water toys to pass several hours; also the breakfast and food was far superior to anything served at the Hampton. At the Hampton, the cafeteria or area serving food, closed at around 9p.m., what a disappointment. No more stays at Hampton Inns, neither in Puerto Rico nor anywhere else.