Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
pictures on the wall for a look at Ponce in its prime - and the manager/co-owner will hap-
pily tell you its history.
Ramada Ponce
HOTEL $$
( 787-813-5050;
www.ramadaponce.com
;
cnr Reina Esquina & Unión; d incl con-
tinental breakfast $135-200; )
Standing grandly over a corner of the plaza,
this historic facade emerged from the scaffolding after years of preservationist dispute un-
der the Ramada banner. Even though it doesn't escape the bland feel of a chain (cardboard
waffles), the historic building, location and clutch of amenities makes it the best option
in town. Of the two connected buildings, the best rooms face the square, with black-and-
white-tiled floors and balconies; those in the back are clean but have little by way of at-
mosphere. The courtyard pool is tiny, but hip design elements and an open-air bar make it
worth a drink.
Hotel Bélgica
HOTEL $
( 787-844-3255;
www.hotelbelgica.com
;
122Villa;r$70-90; )
A traveler fa-
vorite for years, the Bélgica, a 20-room hotel bearing a creaking colonial ambience with
15ft ceilings and wrought-iron balconies, is just off the southwest corner of Plaza Las Deli-
cias. The hallways are a bit of a maze and dimly lit, but the place is charming. The basic
rooms are strictly functional; ones near the front allow you to stare out over the plaza from
a private balcony, but be prepared for noise on weekend nights. The wi-fi is spotty, and
works only in the lobby.
Ponce Hilton & Casino
RESORT $$$
( 787-259-7676;
www.hilton.com
;
1150 Av Caribe; r $210-280; )
This
153-room Hilton stands within a gated area 6km south of town, near La Guancha board-
walk on the Caribbean. It's the most deluxe place in town, with well-manicured grounds,
on-site golf, a nightclub, restaurants and a casino. It suffers from a lack of local flavor; sun-
pink golfers and wealthy Americans are wont to gripe about their last round and the quality
of the buffet. Even so, it can be the only place in town to catch live music and it's the only
hotel in Ponce with ocean views.
Casa del Sol Guest House
GUESTHOUSE $
( 787-812-2995;97Unión;rinclbreakfast$60-90; )
Take your chances with
this nine-room guesthouse, where the quality of rooms vary greatly. Within steps of the
