Historic Puerto Rico Hotel Returning as a Marriott in $35 Million Revival 

Puerto Rico has launched a $35 million project to restore and reopen the historic Hotel Ponce Intercontinental, which will return under Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio brand as The Continental Hotel.

The project will revitalize the original structure, preserving its tropical modernist design while adding new, modern elements. Plans call for 148 rooms in the main building, a new structure with 32 “swim-out suites” and 20 villas, a convention center, a terrace, a lobby, and parking for 250 vehicles. Once complete, The Continental will be the second-largest hotel in Puerto Rico’s southern region.

The restoration is being financed in part by a $12 million CDBG-DR loan under the Housing Department’s Economic Development Investment Portfolio Program, combined with $17.5 million in private-sector investment and $5.5 million from the property owners. The Puerto Rico Tourism Company is also providing $16 million in tax credits and incentives under the island’s tourism law.

Officials say the project is expected to generate 120 direct jobs and have a major economic impact through increased local employment, tourism growth, and support for area businesses.

Perched on Cerro El Vigía with panoramic views of Ponce, the hotel first opened in 1960 and quickly became one of the island’s most recognizable hospitality landmarks. Designed by noted architect William B. Tabler, it was a symbol of mid-century Caribbean glamour before closing in 1975.

Marriott already has one of the largest hotel portfolios in Puerto Rico, with properties ranging from luxury resorts in San Juan and Dorado to business hotels in metropolitan areas and branded resorts in popular beach destinations. The addition of The Continental will expand Marriott’s reach to Puerto Rico’s southern coast, where the brand already has one hotel in Ponce: the AC Hotel Ponce, which opened in 2021. 

The new Continental Hotel is slated to reopen in May 2027.