Hotel Melia Ponce

Known for being the oldest hotel in Puerto Rico, Hotel Melia was built in four different stages -- 1895, 1915, 1949, and 1960 -- with architecture and decor that represents nearly all of those eras. This is both a blessing and a curse. From the outside, the hotel is a sharp and lovely example of colonial architecture right off Ponce's main square. Stepping inside, the lobby has a period look, with chandeliers, striped and floral couches, and a grand staircase leading up to the next floor. However, there's nothing consistent or convincing about any of it, and while some of the older fixtures -- like the creaky, old-world elevator -- are a nice novelty, much of the decor just looks outdated rather than antique. 

In any case, the hotel is a local landmark, and has a few spaces where guests can socialize -- including some that are quite popular with those who've stayed here. The Panorama Sky Lounge, in particular, scores high marks from previous guests, and there's also Mocha Coffee Bar and Bistro. Both are freshly painted, modern, and spacious. Open to the public, Mocha Coffee Bar is busy during the day serving local workers, enjoying some of the Puerto Rican breakfast and lunch specials. The sleek and sophisticated Panorama Sky Lounge is open for an international eclectic dinner a few nights a week. With concerts, events, and a busy bar scene late into the night, Panorama is a popular spot for guests and locals. Most of those staying at the hotel are couples, though some families pass through as well.

Hotel Melia has an enviable location in Ponce's historic center, just off the city's main square. The hotel is just a couple minutes on foot from the city's historic City Hall, Guadalupe Cathedral, and the Old Fire House Museum, all of which are right in the main plaza. Along the streets of the square, vendors sell classic Puerto Rican dishes like pinchos, tostones, and piraguas, and the surrounding streets have plenty of shops and striking Art Deco architectural gems. The Museo de Arte de Ponce -- a striking modernist building that houses a truly impressive collection of Western and Caribbean art -- is a 15-minute walk from the hotel. To explore the surrounding area, a rental car will come in handy. La Guancha, the closest beach, is a 15-minute drive from the hotel. Kayaks, live music, and plenty of restaurants and food kiosks are available there. Mercedita Airport is a 20-minute drive away, though there are more flight options at Luis Munoz Marin Airport in San Juan, which is at least 90 minutes away by car.  

There’s a bit of disparity between the rooms at this historic property, as some of the rooms are spacious and relatively modern while others are tiny and outdated. The hotel's entry-level rooms are compact and have no views. Space and amenities are bare bones in these rooms -- like the Standard One Full that we visited -- with some only offering enough space to walk around the bed. Fabrics come in outdated floral prints, wallpaper is held over from a previous decade, and everything from rattan furniture to chipped baseboards to window-unit air-conditioning gives them a decidedly budget feel. The tube TVs don't help matters, either. Bathrooms in standard rooms are similarly compact, with small walk-in showers and limited counter space.

Thankfully, there are some larger, marginally more modern rooms here as well, with handsome dark mahogany details, fresher bedding, and more interesting fabrics used in the soft furnishings. Many of these rooms have small balconies overlooking the cobblestone streets below (though this can translate to noise, especially on weekends). Mini-fridges, powerful air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs are welcome upgrades in these rooms as well. Rooms have king and queen-size beds flanked by wooden side tables and plenty of outlets for the charging needs of guests. Bathrooms in higher-category rooms are adequately sized. Walk-in showers or shower/tub combos come standard, as do wall-mounted hairdryers, toiletries, and plenty of towels.

There are a decent number of features at this hotel, some of which are quite popular with previous guests and locals alike. The open-air Mocha Coffee Bar and Bistro serves a French-Italian influenced breakfast and lunch -- expect pancakes, croissant sandwiches, panini, and eggs -- as well as a few Puerto Rican lunch specials. The modern cafe has a relaxed vibe created by wrought iron tables and chairs, bright yellow walls and seat cushions, and a wall-mounted flat-screen TV. Panorama Sky Lounge is the other dining option that's open a few nights for an international eclectic dinner. It offers Peruvian jalea, Argentinian grilled fare, Italian antipasti, Persian chicken kebabs, and conch croquettes, among other dishes. The spacious and sophisticated space has indoor and outdoor areas with black wicker chairs, white couches, and glass-top tables. Live events and entertainment are frequently hosted at the bar as well.

The small, private pool is situated at the back of the hotel. A stone wall separates the parking area from the pool, and has a small waterfall. There are a handful of modern striped lounge chairs around the pool and a few black wrought iron tables and chairs. A spacious parking lot, 24-hour front desk, large event space, and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel are nice extras. However, guests should note that there is a fee for parking.