Hotel Conde de Penalba offers classic Dominican charm in a small, relatively basic package in the heart of Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial. Each of the 20 rooms offers plenty of vintage appeal with contemporary touches, though they can be a bit worn. All do feature modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen cable TVs, air-conditioning, and (optional) balconies -- some overlooking Parque Colon and the Palacio Consistorial. There's also a popular cafe and bar on the street level. The hotel stays true to its Spanish Colonial roots in every respect, although some guests may find common areas to be a bit more dowdy than vintage. While its nightly rates are higher, it's worth considering Hodelpa Caribe Colonial as well, which has more contemporary rooms and amenities.
Hotel Conde de Penalba offers classic Dominican charm in a small, relatively basic package in the heart of Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial. Each of the 20 rooms offers plenty of vintage appeal with contemporary touches, though they can be a bit worn. All do feature modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen cable TVs, air-conditioning, and (optional) balconies -- some overlooking Parque Colon and the Palacio Consistorial. There's also a popular cafe and bar on the street level. The hotel stays true to its Spanish Colonial roots in every respect, although some guests may find common areas to be a bit more dowdy than vintage. While its nightly rates are higher, it's worth considering Hodelpa Caribe Colonial as well, which has more contemporary rooms and amenities.
Situated in the heart of Santo Domingo, the four-pearl Occidental El Embajador is within a short drive of the city’s main financial, cultural, and historic districts. The dated, '80s-era architecture and decor detract from the hotel's grandeur and solid list of resort-like amenities, particularly for a downtown city hotel. Although it lacks a beach, the lovely pool area, well-manicured grounds, a small casino, and several restaurants and bars tick many of the essential boxes for a Caribbean getaway. Each of the hotel’s 286 rooms are clean and include free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and private balconies. Guests looking for a boutique alternative may wish to consider the Billini Hotel.
Situated in the heart of Santo Domingo, the four-pearl Occidental El Embajador is within a short drive of the city’s main financial, cultural, and historic districts. The dated, '80s-era architecture and decor detract from the hotel's grandeur and solid list of resort-like amenities, particularly for a downtown city hotel. Although it lacks a beach, the lovely pool area, well-manicured grounds, a small casino, and several restaurants and bars tick many of the essential boxes for a Caribbean getaway. Each of the hotel’s 286 rooms are clean and include free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and private balconies. Guests looking for a boutique alternative may wish to consider the Billini Hotel.
Let's clear up one misnomer right off the bat: There is no casino at the three-pearl Dominican Fiesta Hotel and Casino. This 298-room property in western Santo Domingo does have plenty of other features, like a massive pool, spa, and a handful of bars with live music and panoramic city views -- but the look throughout the hotel is dated. It's a decent fit for businesspeople, offering nine meeting rooms, a proper business center, and a large gym. However, Wi-Fi is painfully slow, and the style of rooms ranges from pleasantly modern to more traditional. There's a lovely park next door, but it's a 25-minute drive to the colonial district, so vacationers might want to compare with the more modern Crowne Plaza Santo Domingo, with its casino and nearby nightlife.
Let's clear up one misnomer right off the bat: There is no casino at the three-pearl Dominican Fiesta Hotel and Casino. This 298-room property in western Santo Domingo does have plenty of other features, like a massive pool, spa, and a handful of bars with live music and panoramic city views -- but the look throughout the hotel is dated. It's a decent fit for businesspeople, offering nine meeting rooms, a proper business center, and a large gym. However, Wi-Fi is painfully slow, and the style of rooms ranges from pleasantly modern to more traditional. There's a lovely park next door, but it's a 25-minute drive to the colonial district, so vacationers might want to compare with the more modern Crowne Plaza Santo Domingo, with its casino and nearby nightlife.