I've stayed at this hotel several times on business. I'd say its a rather average resort. I've never actually ventured to the beach but it never seemed crowded to me. The food is decent but not great. I usually ate dinner every night at one of the hotel restaurants and breakfast at the lounge. I'd say the lounge itself is above average relative to most US Hiltons but the quality of the food is below average.

I have always rented a car since I need it to get to/from work. I have typically flown into San Juan and driven, although did fly into Ponce once and another time into Mayaguez. I prefer to drive from San Juan and then to take the hopper on Cape Air since I have estimated that it is only about 30 mins extra to drive than to wait for another flight and my company saves an extra $200 or so on the short flight. If you get off the main highway and take the local roads (mostly parallel to the highway) from San Juan to Ponce, it is a rather beautiful drive but of course takes 3 times as long.