10 Best Hotels in Ponce and the Porta Caribe, Puerto Rico

The most beautiful resort on the southern coast is set on 16 palm-shaded acres facing the Caribbean. Fruit trees and other plants are meticulously groomed, especially around the pair of swimming pools (one popular with kids, the other mostly left to the adults). All guest rooms are generously proportioned, especially in the older building. Plantation shutters, bamboo headboards and ceilings, and other touches lend them a tropical feel. A small spa blends seamlessly with the rest of the hotel. Both the elegant Alexandra and the more casual, alfresco Las Palmas Café serve good food. All-inclusive packages are available.

Located half an hour west of Salina is a recently built Aloft Hotel by Marriott, complete with an on-property Hard Rock Café and free parking for both guests and visitors.

The south coast's biggest resort sits on a black-sand beach about 6 km (4 miles) south of downtown Ponce. Everything on this 80-acre property is massive, beginning with the open-air lobby. Constructed of reinforced concrete, like the rest of the hotel, it requires huge signs to point you in the right direction. All its bright, spacious rooms are decorated in a lush, tropical motif, and most have balconies overlooking the sea. A large pool is surrounded by palm trees and has a spectacular view of the Caribbean. Golf lovers will appreciate the 27-hole course at the adjacent Costa Caribe Golf and Country Club, which has a clubhouse with its own restaurant and lounge.

This five-story hotel has a 24-hour casino, a huge pool, and a restaurant and bar where live music can be heard on weekends. Guest rooms have balconies and views of either the ocean or city; all have refrigerators, and suites also have microwaves. Those looking to catch some rays can relax by the pool or drive 15 minutes to the closest beach.

Near the central square, this hotel dating from 1872 is both comfortable and economical, with rooms featuring hardwood floors, high ceilings, and wrought-iron beds. Those in the front of the building have balconies with wooden-shutter doors. The rooms vary widely in size—Room 19 is one of the largest and has the best view—and some windows open onto an air shaft, so ask to see a few before you decide. The hotel has a reasonably priced on-site restaurant, La Potoroca.

This boutique hotel oozes tranquility in the otherwise busy Parguera area. The name comes from the hammocks scattered across the property and placed on some balconies. There's a spa tub service available, as well as pools, and an on-property restaurant. It's the perfect place for a relaxing and romantic getaway.

In the heart of the city, this family-owned hotel has been a local landmark for more than 125 years; in fact, it claims to be the island's oldest hotel. With a neoclassical facade adorned with flags from a dozen countries waving in the breeze, it's reminiscent of small hotels in Spain. The hotels newest construction phase includes stunning monochrome rooms of yellow, black, and white; perfect for photos and special events. The best rooms have French doors leading out to small balconies; many suites have terrific views of the main square. A waterfall drops into the beautiful tiled swimming pool.

This 1929, colonial-style building is very pretty, with lovely arches adding more character than you usually find along the southern coast, but sadly it's not on the beach. It originally housed executives from the nearby sugar plantation. Despite the lack of beach, there are lovely views of the ocean. The hotel is an official member of Puerto Rico's Parador program and tourism office, ensuring great experiences every time.

On the main square, in a stunningly restored building that dates from 1882, this hotel has six dazzling rooms that preserve a 19th-century design, with black-and-white tiles, hand-carved furniture, and wooden balconies; rooms in the more modern wing are a bit bland by comparison. Lola, serving Latin fusion cuisine and cocktails, is connected via the small pool area. Melao Café is a great place to start your day. On weekends, there's live music on the patio.

The rooms in this gingerbread-trimmed hotel are clustered around small courtyards filled with bright tropical flowers. Many have balconies overlooking the bay, so make sure to look at a few rooms before you decide which to take. A spacious dining room overlooking the pool serves excellent Puerto Rican and international dishes. On Saturday night there's live music and a floor show in the dance club.