The Hotel Santo Domingo is the westernmost of a number of up-market hotels along the Malecón, west of Santo Domingo’s centre and is more economical than most of the others. These hotels target business travelers and participants of conferences, symposia and special events (business as well as private functions) held on their premises. The generous size of rooms, equipped with two double beds, render the rooms at the Hotel Santo Domingo suitable for small families too.

There is a large, but also very deep pool. Children and any non-swimmer should be supervised at all times, as this service is not provided. Overall, the hotel is not too well-equipped to cater for children or teenagers: neither high chairs in the restaurant, nor age-appropriate entertainment are available. The common area are well maintained, although a bit more effort at landscaping the very spacious out-door areas could render the complex much more attractive. And if the pool bar stayed open late, this would have been my spot after hours.

Meeting facilities were good. I’ve not tried the business centre, but there was no phone book in the rooms and even the most helpful reception staff cannot possibly assist with more than the occasional call. The restaurant was perfectly acceptable in its price class, but nothing outstanding. Food is good, wines way overpriced. Full breakfast starts punctually at 6:30am.

The main asset of the hotel is the friendly and helpful staff! I forgot my cellular charger in the socket of my room and found it carefully stored and entered into a log book upon enquiry.

The rooms show their age and vary considerably in the state of repair. I had a chance to compare three standard rooms in one week, and #2 was the reason I requested #3 after finding shower, door lock and light malfunctioning. My request was attended to professionally and my room changed within a few hours, but I had been deprived of a shower for one night. The combination safe worked fine for me, the internet most of the time and the TV about 50% of time (best at night and when internet was off). On average, I found the rooms too dark. The interior design is somewhat dated, but adequate. The minibar selection was poor: no beer in two of the three rooms I stayed in and no bottle opener in any. A main weakness was the air conditioning: in two of the three rooms I stayed in, AC units were invariable blowing very cold air – or I had to turn them off altogether, but the temperature could not be regulated. Windows could be opened, but the large windows with low sills render this risky, particularly if you have children in the room.

There is easy access and ample parking for those travelling by car. The large distance from colonial Santo Domingo and even the commercial centre oblige visitors without their own transport to spend regularly on taxis. There are only very few restaurants within 10-15 minutes walking distance and it’s a lonely walk that I would not recommend for single women.

In summary: Tourists and families are better advised to stay closer to attractions in small hotels with more relevant value for money. The Hotel Santo Domingo is best suited for substantial professional meetings in this or nearby hotels. Unless you have your own vehicle, savings in accommodation may be reduced or even cancelled out by increased taxi fares. Excellent staff make a big difference, but hotel management will have to seriously prioritize room maintenance to stay competitive - just about scraping 4 stars: not “very good”, but still above average.

I am considering a trip to Santo Domingo, a city I haven't visited in 25 years. I used to vacation in the city several times a year; Hotel Santo Domingo, then a brand new property owned by Gulf + Western, was my favorite hotel. It was one of the first hotels built in "native decor" and the staff was charming. Sounds like, while the building itself can maybe use a bit of an update, the staff and the property is just as charming as ever. I am looking forward to returning to this lovely spot.

I stayed at the hotel twice and I have to admit I enjoyed my stays both times. The staff were very kind, besides that the hotel has a charm I don't have admired in other hotels, only at the Hispaniola that doesn't exist anymore. Last year i didn't feel well, and I have to stay everybody was anxious and very helpful, something pretty at such moments. I love the hotel

The hotel is beautiful it has an old charm and the staff was friendly. There, the porters have assistants and the assistants have assistants in other words to open a door you have to go through at least to 3 different people but then I realized that this happens everywhere in the Dominican Republic.
Our rooms were old but this time without the charm but the price was reasonable for good internet connections and good breakfast and specially great staff made the difference.