Destination: Santo Domingo | Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo is the Capitol and largest city in the Dominican Republic (DR), and the largest city on Hispanola the Island the DR shares with Haiti.

There is a great deal of culture to be found in Santo Domingo, essentially the first major Spanish City in the New World. And the care and restoration that has been done to their “Colonial Zone” makes a great place to explore. And with a major waterfront and the main government locations, there is a good amount to see and do. But the traffic can be crazy and without a major mass transit system, getting around the city can be a chore, so plan your adventures accordingly. But no trip to the Dominican Republic should be without a bit of time spent in Santo Domingo, it is a charming city and makes the DR a standout destination in the Caribbean.

One thing to make clear, is that the Dominican Republic does not have the same problems which Haiti suffers from, and there is actually little contact between the two nations. Though they share the same island, the issues that plague Haiti have little effect in the DR.

The main airport SDQ Las Américas International Airport, is the main airport for Santo Domingo, and therefore the country. My one time through was at night, and everything happened rather smoothly. I do recommend having someone to greet you and get you to your hotel or destination, espeically if you have been flying a long flight. Just a bit hectic once you get past the baggage claim.

From LAX, you can fly into Santo Domingo, with a very early departure, otherwise it is an overnight flight / stopover in Miami.

Casas del XVI
Calle Padre Billini No. 252
My favorite hotel in the Colonial Zone, and would be my first choice for a stay in the area. Slowly the owners are purchasing the older large homes in the area, and converting them to additional Casa space. The rooms themselves are quite nice, but it is the Suites, which are 2-bedroom, is where you want to stay if available. An SLH property.

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Hodelpa Nicolás de Ovando
Cuidad Colonial, Calle Las Damas
Located in the heart of the Colonial Zone. A great hotel with a superb kitchen. The contemporary Rooms are a bit disspointing, but the Inperial Rooms have an updated Old World charm… and if possible try to get a room in the Imperial Club. And even if you are not staying here, a dinner at Dos Mundos is a must.

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Billini Hotel
Calle Padre Billini 256-258
Located next door to Casas del XVI. This is a newer and really great little hotel to stay. With a rooftop pool and bar and the main lobby bar makes a great little place to meet. Only down side is, they were breaking in a new kitchen staff, so dining was a bit off. But I would stay here again anytime.

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El Embajador, a Royal Hideaway Hotel
Avenida Sarasota 65 Ensanche
This is the big grand daddy hotel in Santo Domingo. Lacated close to the Central Government offices, dignataries are housed here in the rooftop suites. Major high society weddings are hosted here as well. Old-School High-Society abounds.

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There are plenty of other hotel options,
but the above were what I thought the best the city had to offer.

But wait! There is more!

Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge
Bahoruco, Barahona Region
Though not in Santo Domingo at all, I wanted to include this lovely boutique hotel someplace. Located about a 2-hour drive west down the coast in Bahoruco. My next time in the DR, this is most definitely on my list of places to go.

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Dos Mundos at Hodelpa Nicolás de Ovando
Hodelpa Nicolás de Ovando
Not expensive and close to many things in Mitte and Alexander Platz. Member of the Design Hotels, so it has new and modern styling and great staffing.

Adrian Tropical
Avenida George Washington 1 – along the waterfront
A great place to get your introduction to Dominican Food… open 24 hours.

WEBSITE

Lulú Tasting Bar
Parque Billini, Colonial ZOne
Part of several restaurants at Parque Belini, a great area to get modern food in the Colonial Zone.

Botanical Garden Jardín Botánico
Av República de Colombia
Quite a lovely place, and the Butterfly Garden is not to be misssed. Sadly I don’t think the locals come here that much, but it dos make for a few hours of quiet from the bustle of Santo Domingo.

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Pantheon of the Fatherland
Calle Las Damas
One of the many historical sites in the Colonial Zone. 18th-century Jesuit church, now a mausoleum for honored citizens.

Museo de Ámbar
Calle El Conde – Colonial Zone
Basically this is an Amber store with a museum upstairs. A good reputable source for Amber and other minerals from then DR. ANd they have a great little workshop in the back.

WEBSITE

Santo Domingo has Uber which makes life for the tourist so much more pleasant. You can even book an uberMOTO, but for the safest ride, book the uberXL.

And make sure to enjoy some MamaJuana. A premium blend of Rum and Spices and Wood Chips.