Hotel Ponce Intercontinental, abandoned hotel in Ponce, Puerto Rico
Hotel Ponce Intercontinental is an abandoned hotel set on a hill in Ponce, Puerto Rico, with curved walls and large windows that once looked out toward the Caribbean Sea. The multi-story building has been empty for decades and is one of the most visible abandoned structures in the city.
The hotel was originally planned in 1958 under the name Hotel El Ponceno and opened in February 1960 as the first modern hotel in Ponce. It operated for over 15 years before closing in 1975 due to financial losses, and has remained empty ever since.
The hotel once hosted concerts and celebrations that drew people from across the region, with performers like Celia Cruz taking the stage. The empty shell of the building still carries that memory for many locals who remember its role in the city's social life.
The building is not open to visitors and can only be seen from the outside. The structure is in poor condition, so it is best to stay at a safe distance when viewing it from the street.
The building was designed by New York architect William B. Tabler, who also designed several major hotels across the United States. A 2025 restoration project plans to reopen it under the name The Continental while keeping the original architecture intact.
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