Last weekend I spent two nights at this hotel. It has an enviable location just steps from Plaza Las Delicias but in an quiet part of Cristina Street. My room was comparable to those on South Beach hotels I've been to. The only downside was that it did not have a personal safe box, which is provided at the front desk. My room was on the third floor which afforded partial views of the Cathedral, the historic firehouse, the La Perla theater, El Vigía and Serrallés Castle. Dining and nightlife options are around the square, and nearby as well, most notably just steps away on Mayor @ Cristina. The hotel's parking fills up at night and closes so if you go out in your car and arrive late you'll most likely have to park on the street but it's relatively safe since Plaza Las Delicias and its environs usually have plenty of car and pedestrian traffic. Continental breakfast is provided but it should have more variety in my opinion but it's still better than having to pay for it. Overall I was very satisfied with my stay.

The Hotel Melia is located right in the center of Ponce, across the street from the main plaza where the Parque de Bombas and Cathedral are. It has parking for a minimal charge of $3 per night just up the block. The old hotel that I remember from my childhood in the 1960s has been remodeled and added on to a couple of times, so there are three sections to the hotel. I stayed in the newest section which had generic Best Western type of rooms with two double beds, a private bath, TV, closet, sitting chair, dresser. No wi-fi in the room. The window is one of those that doesn't open and the room faced an outside corridor, so you had to keep the A/C on all night. I'm not a fan of A/C when there's a nice breeze, so this was a disappointment. I didn't get to see the other rooms, so cannot comment on them. The bed was comfortable enough, but the room was dated and the carpet and bedspreads a bit dirty. Lots of hot water in the shower. The hotel lobby is lovely and well restored. There is a guest computer lounge with 2 computers. Around the corner on the main square is a great ice cream shop with local flavors. It's popular and there's a line out the door. Ponce is a tourist destination for Puerto Ricans. There were some hard luck types walking around the plaza, and a big police presence on foot, bike, in cars and on segways. Not sure if crime is a problem. When we were there, a children's volleyball tournament was in town. The kids ran up and down the halls a lot, and adults sat outside the room chatting till 10:15 p.m. The Melia is family friendly! There is a continental breakfast up on the rooftop each morning with basic fare of donuts, dry cereal and coffee, good Puerto Rican coffee. Although comfortable enough, I would not stay at this hotel again. The desk staff was great.

Lovely & Charming old hotel next to towm central plaza.Excellent and friendly staff, very clean and coizy

This old hotel has been well-restored. It is located 1/2 block from the central square in old Ponce. The area has been well kept as well and offer excellent opportunites for night time dining and day time snacks. Several of the restaurants have outstanding cuisine. The staff of the hotel were more than accomodating. We arrived just before the high season, but during the festival of the Virgin of Guadalupe, without reservations, and were lucky enough to get the last remaining room. The room was small, but management forewarned us and insisted we see it first before taking it. It was small, but the air-conditioning worked, and we had no complaints. Other rooms are much more accomodating and all rooms are reasonable. The staff was extremely helpful with advice and making arrangements for us. In a conversation with one of the owners we learned that the restoration and improvements are an on-going project.