I booked the Hilton Ponce Golf and Casino Resort hotel for 9,200 with American Airlines miles. I recently wrote a guide on “How To Use American Airlines AAdvantage Miles And Elite Status For Hotel Rooms”. The going rate at the hotel was $199+taxes and resort fee (which is a % of the room rate in Puerto Rico). Since I booked an award room, I was not charged a resort fee since it’s included with the rate. I had the hotel add my Hilton HHonors Gold Elite number to my reservation so I could gain stay credit and benefits.
Introduction to Puerto Rico
Sheraton JFK Airport Hotel Review
mini NYC DO at City Lobster Manhattan
The Sights and Sounds of New York City
Hilton Ponce Golf and Casino Resort Hotel Review
The Sights and Sounds of Plaza Las Delicias in Ponce Puerto Rico
The Sights and Sounds of El Centro Ponce Puerto Rico
The Various Eats in Ponce Puerto Rico
I rented a car from Sixt for $30 and drove 90 minutes from SJU Airport to Ponce. It was a smooth ride over hills and mountains, but some of the lanes were under construction. There were tolls, so I had Sixt activate the car’s toll pass so I didn’t have to manually stop at the toll booths to pay. In the end, the tolls were $6 for a round-trip ride which wasn’t too bad.
I self-parked at the hotel for $8.00 (room charged) and went to the front desk to check in.
The front desk agent acknowledged me as a Gold elite member and upgraded me to the Executive Tower which has been recently renovated. She also advised me that I had access to the Executive Lounge for complimentary evening appetizers and breakfast.
I went up to the room and was pleasantly surprised with its spaciousness and an ocean view balcony.
I headed downstairs to the Executive Lounge and had evening appetizers which consisted of meatballs, various cubed cheeses, and chips with salsa and guacamole.
Water and complimentary soft drinks were also available, but beer and liquor were for sale.
After the quick snack, I went to check out the grounds. There is a tennis court, miniature golf, kids play area, and beach volleyball courts.
There was also a small private beach area just for guests of the hotel boasting sweeping views of the Caribbean sea. Be aware that the beach closes early at 6pm.
Afterwards, I headed to the pool area of the resort which also contained a nearby sports bar.
I had breakfast at the Executive Lounge, but the offerings were paltry. Breakfast was continental and consisted of bread, ham, cheese, and pastries. Milk, juices, and water were available in terms of beverages. Needless to say, I was disappointed at the breakfast offerings but I wasn’t really hungry.
Overall, I had a great time at the resort and would not hesitate to come back. It’s also boasted as the best hotel resort in the Ponce area of Puerto Rico.