Callaloo

I've got plane tickets to Puerto Rico for a long weekend in February. My priority is to go somewhere near the sea with tennis courts, to pay less than $300/night for the privilege, and to be not more than about a 2 hour drive from San Juan. I'll be in San Juan in April, so staying in town is not a priority.

I've narrowed my choices down to the Four Points Sheraton Palmas del Mar in Humacao (formerly the Hotel Candeloro), and the Hilton Resort and Casino in Ponce. Has anyone stayed at either of these? Any alternative suggestions? Any thoughts or comments?

Marianna

Callaloo,

We stayed at the villas at Palmas del Mar years ago but I don't think there was a Sheraton there at that time so I can't help you with that. The hotel part of the complex was called something else when we were there. It was a very large complex.

However, we just returned from a week at the Ponce Hilton Resort and Casino and can tell you that we have enjoyed staying there for the past 5 years during the holiday week. They have recently completed the new Executive Tower and made major improvements to the beach and nearby grounds. In the past, the beach was littered with trash and other things (we once came upon a dead wild boar, a police chief's jacket, broken furnture, etc.), but they have cleaned up most of the beach area and extended the beach back onto the property with the addition of beautiful white sand. The long closed fence has been replaced with a series of posts and gates which are fully opened all day long providing for a beautiful expansive view of the sea and numerous access points when, in the past, there was only one way onto or off the beach. They did some lovely landscaping and extended the play area for children.

They have also completed the golf course and villas which are part of the Hilton and Costa Caribe property. You can walk (20 minutes) or drive (2 minutes) there and use the beautiful pool there. We preferred the hotel pool because of the palm shaded spots around the pool.

The buffet breakfasts are fabulous! The people are wonderful! The casino is small but fun to go to if you don't want to go to the one at the Holiday Inn which is much kinder to us.

Hope this helps. Have a great time in Puerto Rico!

padams421

We stayed at Palmas del Mar and I wouldn't go back. The beach is not that great- there are many better ones in PR. It's isolated and there are not many dining options. Palmas del Mar is an area that is inhabited mostly on weekends as the villas and homes are 2nd homes for PR residents. It is very residential oriented. I would only stay at the Sheraton there if I had friends or family who lived in the area. The Hilton in Ponce is a better resort.

pinkfloyd18

I wouldn't stay at Palmas del Mar because the beach isn't that great. There is a strong current which could be dangerous. It's been years since I visited the Ponce Hilton, so I can't give a reliable opinion.

Instead, I would stay at the Westin Río Mar (30 minutes east of SJ), Wyndham El Conquistador (45 minutes east of SJ), Hyatt Dorado Beach (30 minutes west of SJ) or the Starwood Martineau Bay on the island of Vieques. My favorites are El Conquistador and the Martineau Bay. To visit Vieques you would have to a) Travel by ferry off San Juan, b) Drive to Fajardo and take the ferry there or c) Fly from either the San Juan Int'l Airport or The Isla Grande Airport in SJ.

At El Conquistador you will enjoy terrific views of the Caribbean Sea and you will have your own private beach on Palomino Island, which the hotel provides a complimentary 10 minute ferry ride. You can also go to Icacos, a chain of tiny islands near Palomino. The hard-surface tennis courts are excellent as well. You can book this hotel easily for under $300/night.

Hope this helps. Enjoy Puerto Rico!

Callaloo

Thanks for your advice. We have opted for El Conquistador after all. I made my first foray into Priceline and got an amazing rate (although my husband is convinced we'll be staying in broom closet as a result... but even a broom closet in PR in February beats the alternative!).