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In Santo Domingo, several hotels have casinos, including the Catalonia Santo Domingo (formerly the Hilton Santo Domingo), which houses the Casino Presidente with the latest slots and tables. There’s also Occidental El Embajador Hotel and Casino; Barcelo Hotel & Casino (which although no longer in vogue, has a piano bar and nightclub, too); Diamante Casino (adjacent to the Sheraton Santo Domingo); and Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino, which reopened in 2015 and has all been contemporized.
The crowd here covers all walks of Dominican life, from old men playing dominoes on the plastic tables on up to a wealthy and well-dressed group stopping by after an art opening. It's as funky and real a slice of life as it was before the neighborhood became so gentrified. When the traditional dancing begins, you’ll see all ages moving to the Cuban beat, with many seriously proficient in their merengue moves.
