Ports of Call Resort: a Budget Hotel in Turks and Caicos

With stunning, turquoise waters and soft, white sands, Turks and Caicos has become one of the hottest travel destinations in the world. The islands even claim to have the best beach in the world. To capitalize on this gorgeous real estate, a number of amazing, luxury resorts have been built. But for those that want a budget hotel in Turks and Caicos, Ports of Call Resort may be your best choice.

Luxury hotels boast sleek style, a wealth of amenities, and expansive suites. But what good is a chic and palatial room if you’re going to spend all day on the beach? Save your money for delicious dinners and unforgettable travel experiences. Ports of Call Resort lets you do just that while satisfying all your basic needs and then some.

Ports of Call Resort

Just a 15-minute drive from the Providenciales airport, Ports of Call is a newly renovated resort set on the gorgeous Grace Bay Beach. Like its more expensive competitors, the hotel features a large variety of amenities. Not to mention, the staff is also incredibly friendly and professional.

The property is located next to some of the island’s best stores and restaurants. But it also has its own plaza of shops and restaurants for your convenience. And best of all, Ports of Call is within walking distance from the most beautiful beach in the world. That means you get to share the same stretch of sand with all the hoity-toity, luxe guests.

About the Rooms

Ports of Call offers three basic accommodations: rooms, one-bedroom apartments, and three-bedroom villas. Each of these options comes with all the same amenities of the resort.

Solo travelers like myself usually opt for the standard rooms, which come with all the basic necessities you expect from a hotel. To name a few, you get a fan, AC, flat-screen TV, walk-in shower, mini-fridge, and WiFi. As of the date of publication, these rooms start at $359. For a resort with access to Grace Bay Beach, that price is virtually impossible to find anywhere else.

To spice up your standard room, you can choose to stay somewhere with a balcony, terrace, or view of the garden or pool. But if you really want an upgrade, consider booking the one bedroom executive suite. For one, the style and furnishings are more modern. For another, you have more space and extra rooms, such as a full kitchen and furnished living room. All this for a competitive $599, and that’s during the busiest tourist season.

Villas are best suited for families and groups thanks to their multiple bedrooms. Like the executive suite, they have a sleek, updated look and lots of space. Moreover, the villas are located in a more secluded section of the resort with its own on-site villa manager, staff, and security patrol. You’re guaranteed a quiet, safe, and relaxing vacation.

Amenities

The Ports of Call Resort has everything you’d expect from a quality hotel: 24/7 concierge services, daily maid services, continental breakfast, free guest parking, and WiFi. And naturally, this vacation spot has a stunning pool open year round.

Given its proximity to Grace Bay, Ports of Call also guarantees all your beach necessities. Think free chaises, towels, umbrellas, paddle boards, kayaks, and floats. Beach attendants are also there at the ready to help you with anything and everything. They also happen to be the friendliest people I met during my stay at Turks and Caicos.

Ports of Call Dining Options

For food and drink, you have six options. The poolside bar will probably be your first stop since you are offered a free rum punch on arrival. But you should also stop by for happy hour when you get two drinks for the price of one.

If you want something sweet, you can head to Giggles or Sweet Fix. As an ice cream and candy parlor, Giggles has some great treats to help you cool down from the hot sun. Sweet Fix has a bit more variety. They’ve got everything from cinnamon rolls to milkshakes to lattes to boba.

As for an actual meal, Skull Rock Mexican Cantina is probably the most popular option. This casual, all-day eatery is no fuss. Just simple classics. I can also say they are pretty liberal with the alcohol in their cocktails, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

If you want a vibrant night out, Cielo is the place to go. Local DJs keep the vibe upbeat and engaging. Drinks and hookah also contribute to a fun evening. Try the spicy watermelon margarita. It’s their signature drink.

The final dining option (my favorite) is Tribe. Although Tribe also serves dinner, they’re known mostly for breakfast and lunch. With fresh bread and pastries the size of your head, you are guaranteed a satisfying meal. I’ll admit I visited nearly every day for their chicken curry sandwich. Simply delicious!

Booking the Ports of Call Resort

If you want to book a stay, make sure you do so ahead of time. Turks and Caicos is one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean, and Ports of Call is the best budget hotel in the best location. Get your room quick or you will be forced to pay top dollar for one of the luxury resorts.

I should also mention that Ports of Call has its own loyalty program. So if you want to come back, consider joining. And you should come back because Turks and Caicos has tons of fun things to do. One trip isn’t enough.