Holiday Inn Mayaguez & Tropical Casino

Everything about the property -- including the dated, featureless exterior and forgettable, mid-range hotel decor -- feels ordinary and typical of the Holiday Inn brand. Some of the public areas have old-school patterned carpets, others are set with an abundance of soft-hued vinyl seating, though everything is clean and well kept. Still, even with those indisputable facts, the property feels like a distinct step above other area hotels. The resort-like amenities -- particularly around the 24-hour Tropical Casino and Fat Tuesday Daiquiri Bar at night -- create an atmosphere that’s adult-oriented and lively (though not raucous). Outside, the main pool and adjacent kiddy pool create a single, family-friendly space. The broad list of amenities and mid-range nature of the property attracts just as many families as adult couples.

The surrounding Route 2 strip is choked with traffic day and night and won’t win any awards for charm. However, travelers looking for a convenient location near dozens of restaurants, stores, and other services will find everything they need within a five-minute drive. Notable tourist attractions in the area include Zoologico de Mayaguez, University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez, and Mayaguez’s city center -- all less than 10 minutes from the hotel by car. Eugenio Maria De Hostos Airport (MAZ) is only eight minutes away by car and taxi service is ubiquitous and inexpensive. Alternatively, Aguadilla’s Rafael Hernandez Airport (BQN) is 45 minutes away but offers more international flight options. Car rental is available from several brand name providers in the terminal of both airports, and weekly rates are reasonable.

Overall room decor is safe and modern, a fact that makes this one of the nicer options in the Mayaguez area. Carpeting and soft furnishings are done in neutral tones. Dark blue accent walls keep things sharp, and are hung with Impressionistic prints, while overstuffed chairs lend a bit of homey appeal. Dark wood furniture is handsome and in good condition, if not entirely memorable from a style perspective.

The hotel’s inventory includes three room categories: Superior, Junior Suite, and Executive Club Level. Entry-level Superior Rooms feature a one-room floor plan with square footage comparable to other mid-range chain hotels. Junior Suites offer a substantially larger layout with separate living and sleeping quarters. Executive Club Level rooms are available in both of the aforementioned configurations, but offer minor perks like free continental breakfast. Technology amenities include flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Mini-fridges are promised in every category, however, there was none in our Superior Room. Double-glazed windows help minimize the road noise from nearby Route 2. However, they do little to deaden the crowing of the many wild roosters who freely roam the area.

Bathrooms are clean, bright, and mostly modern with shower/tub combos and large granite vanities. They are quite clean, and toiletries and hairdryers are provided.

There are a number of features on offer at this hotel, making it one of the more popular in the Mayaguez area. The pool and adjacent kiddy pool were both clean and well-maintained during our visit. The surrounding terrace offers plenty of chairs, but no umbrellas, leaving the entire space exposed to the sun. A nearby bar seasonally provides beer, wine, and spirits.

The hotel’s only restaurant, Holly’s Cafe, offers all-day service in a dark, relaxed space. Breakfast is served buffet-style or a la carte, and includes typical Western favorites likes scrambled eggs, pancakes, and a coffee/tea station. The single lunch/dinner menu includes mostly American dishes like sandwiches, seafood entrees, and vegetarian options. A limited selection of local, Puerto Rican dishes like mofongo is also available. All-day room service is offered for a nominal fee.

The attached Tropical Casino is among the largest in Mayaguez. The modern, 24-hour venue offers a handful of table games and dozens of slot machines and attracts a steady stream of locals and hotel guests. Nearby, Fat Tuesday Daiquiri Bar serves frozen cocktails and has live music until late most nights of the week.

The hotel’s tiny fitness room offers a handful of mostly modern machines in a cramped room that feels like an afterthought. Self-parking is available in a large, secure lot with 24-hour security. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.