13 Best Hotels in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

This unique hotel concept comprises six former colonial residences that date back to the 16th century (hence the name) that have been restored and modernized by celebrity designer Patricia Reid; each house has its own allure. Casa de los Mapas has a pool set in a garden with ancient fruit trees; Casa del Arbol boasts the most exquisite library and salon (book room H-4); Casa Macorís has glorious interiors and a dipping pool in the courtyard; and Casa del Pozo has a pool made from an ancient well found on the property. You can book one room or whole houses. Each casa has a butler, and guests are given their WhatsApp to call them if they need so much as a fork. Your mayordomo also prepares a delicious breakfast and will pour you a nightcap.

A contemporary landmark on the seafront, the former Hilton Santo Domingo property manages to please business people, convention attendees, and leisure travelers (the pool has sea views). Rooms on the six executive floors have multiple phones; corner rooms have large work spaces with imposing desks and ergonomic leather chairs. Suites are geared for longer stays and have kitchenettes. Creature comforts are satisfied with the plush duvets, rain showers, and surround sound in the bathrooms, large flat-screen TVs, and great sea views. Service is laudable, and rates can be surprisingly moderate, particularly on weekends.

It's worth an upgrade to the executive rooms.

Renovation in 2022 has taken what was once an aging hotel and turned it into a familiar, affordable, and more contemporary space. This American chain hotel near the U.S. Consulate is friendly, commodious, and reliable. Dominicans take advantage of the special weekend and holiday packages, and if you do, opt for one that includes the bountiful breakfast buffet. Rooms are cookie-cutter but a good size and have laptop-size safes and coffeemakers; the bedding is high-end. The staff is warm, caring, and efficient—and most are bilingual. Many cruise passengers overnight here or add a weekend post-cruise stay because of the reasonable prices; however, you're still 3 miles (5 km) from the Zona Colonial and the cruise-ship terminals. It has a glamorous sister over in Piantini, the JW Marriott Santo Domingo.

Leisure-minded guests may find little reason to leave this stylish 15-story hotel, especially with the second-story outdoor pool and Jacuzzi that overlook the Caribbean. A quick taxi drive or 30-minute stroll along the Malecón to the Zona Colonial, it's accessible to the modern city, yet removed. If you must get some work done, the staffed business center is quite adequate, but take time to enjoy the second-floor spa that offers massages, facial treatments, and a sauna. The exercise room has sea views and is open 24 hours. Newly renovated sea-view rooms are clean and bright, although not trendy, with Wi-Fi included and a desk; most have balconies. The restaurant overlooks the Caribbean and has notably good breakfast and lunch buffets. Evenings around the lobby bar, Level 1, are convivial. After dinner, catch some live jazz or merengue, perhaps a music concert on the Malecón, or try your luck at the on-site casino.

Go for a higher floor with a balcony overlooking the sea; #717 is a good choice.

This is the capital's new contemporary landmark, sitting atop the Centro Commercial and offering flagship-quality accommodations for reasonable prices. You may say "wow" when you see the lobby; the spacious rooms are similarly clean and slick, all with comfortable bedding, a kitchenette, and sleeper sofa, and geared for extended stays. Wired for business, the full desk and ergonomic chair are ideal. Request a corner suite with a circular bathroom and floor-to-ceiling windows offering a 180-degree view of the city below that gets even better by night. Other obvious perks are the full breakfast buffet and the happy hour, both on the house.

This 16th-century villa, once the first colonial hospital of the Americas, has been restored in ways that honor and highlight the 500-year-old brick and original arches. The decorations from local artists are original and pleasant, mixing edginess with natural beauty. Renters will enjoy the locally crafted chairs juxtaposed against some of owner Jose's rock-and-roll photography and throw blankets from his family's two-hundred-year-old textile company. Outside, the small pool is a pretty picture and the garden, filled with cacti, an avocado tree, and wild parrots, is a cool place to sit. The lofts come complete with small kitchens, high ceilings, and balconies that open onto the busy street, perfect for people watching. Bigger groups can rent the entire villa, which has a maximum capacity of 16 people.

This historic boutique hotel now owned by Hodelpa Hotels was sculpted from the residence of the first governor of the Americas, and it just might be the best thing to happen in the Zona Colonial since Diego Columbus's palace was finished in 1517. Colonial-style rooms have tall ceilings, original stone window benches, and shutters. Some guests prefer the sunny, less expensive (albeit smaller) rooms in the contemporary annex—with river views, they're smart examples of French minimalist style. Overlooking the river, trees and tropical plantings shade the pool, and swimmers leave the sun for a fitness break in the gym. The bar is a social scene, and a DJ comes on around 10 pm. Special rates are available for cruise-ship passengers who want a pre- or postcruise stay. Staffers are professionals, especially the concierge.

The hotel books up early, so make reservations as soon as you can.

This contemporary marvel in fashionable Piantini is the Caribbean prototype for Holiday Inn's new line of upscale properties meant for central urban zones, more upscale and more expensive than comparable hotels in the U.S. The edgy, industrial-metal style wows with splashes of purple in the lobby, juxtaposed with paper art and chrome sculptures. A business center, with laptops and a printer, is conveniently located in the Level 2 Bar, which also serves a creative tapas menu. The rooftop pool is dazzling after dark when the city lights up. Guest rooms are chic, with digitally controlled lights. A good spirit prevails: on your way down, the carpet in the elevator says "Good Morning"; at night the carpet's changed to "Good Evening." Rates drop on weekends, and a hearty breakfast is always included.

Owner Lionel Biseau turned this circa-1920s town house into a lovely boutique hotel, keeping as much of the original structure as possible, including a second-floor verandah and old-timey, patterned tile floors. Room 8 has the most beautiful mustard-color replica tiles, which were fabricated by a Dominican artist, based on the damaged originals. The reception area features contemporary art, and a Balinese sun bed provides a comfort zone. Each room is unique, with minimalist good taste, colorful bedspreads matching the tile floors and modern bathrooms with fluffy, plush towels. Room rates include breakfast, Wi-Fi, cable TV, tax, and service.

Simply put, this property belonging to Marriott’s luxury brand is a charmer and may be the best hotel in the capital, with stunning lobby decor, a great restaurant, and a wonderful pool area. Service throughout is admirable, as if the staff were handpicked. And of course, the hotel sits atop the upscale Blue Mall, a destination itself. The main drawback is that some guest rooms—standard and above—are as narrow as the bathrooms are petite, though the mattresses and bedding as just as comfortable as anything you'll find in a luxury hotel back home; ask for one of the oversized rooms on the 16th floor. But where else can you can watch the TV news in the mirror as you shave? The hotel has become a destination for locals, who come to party and conduct business. Vertygo101 Lounge remains very popular, and the hotel is a common venue for local weddings. Even if you aren't staying here, a day-pass will allow you to enjoy the lavish buffet (on Sunday) and spend the day at the infinity pool.

This jaw-dropping oceanfront hotel stuns with its dreamy pool, contemporary decor, large guest rooms, and its casino, the largest in the Caribbean. Rooms have high-quality mattresses and luxurious bedding. Tower rooms are more popular (avoid the standard rooms with garden views) and have desks; you can even request an ergonomic office chair if you're working. The stunning pool is on an incline and set apart, giving it a trendy resort feel. The casino has live Latin bands to keep things fun. Service is generally good, the concierge and front desk staff efficient and welcoming.

This deluxe, best-value-for-dollar Malecón high-rise has rooms that feature Sheraton’s Sweet Sleeper beds, plush robes, desk phones, and free laptop-size safes. One can enjoy the Club Level for about $35 above the cost of a standard room, which includes breakfast in the sea-view lounge and two free beers or glasses of wine during happy hour. The “Social Hour” (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) features fine wines at a discount at the bar. The impressive rooftop pool has new Euro-furnishings and Bali sun beds. The hotel has a casino and bar not subject to the city’s normal curfew.