The Best Places to Stay in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
- Naureen Chhipa
- Sep 19
- 10 min read
I love visiting the Dominican Republic, but Santo Domingo (the capital) is very special to me. It is the city where I took my first breath after coming out of my mother's womb and opened my eyes for the first time to see this beautiful world I love exploring so much. So, yes, I was born in Santo Domingo, a city rich in culture with welcoming people, and I lived there on and off till I was about 12 years old. As a child, I didn't get to explore the touristy areas but became intimate with the local neighborhoods, alley streets, and residential communities. As an adult, I often visit Santo Domingo, mostly to dine at up-and-coming restaurants (I love Dominican food!), and to walk around La Zona Colonial (the Colonial Zone), which dates back to the 1400s and makes for a charming stroll. In this blog, I will share my top picks for the best places to stay in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, if you're planning an overnight visit or a few days of exploration. We'll explore a wide range of accommodation options, from budget to luxury, so you can find the perfect place that suits your needs.
If you're looking for accommodations in Santo Domingo, I highly recommend staying in La Zona Colonial. La Zona Colonial is the most lively area of Santo Domingo, boasting old colonial ruins from the 1400s, trendy bars/restaurants, and major historical sites. Another popular area amongst international students is La Zona Universitaria. Still, unless you're studying abroad and looking for an apartment to rent long-term, there's little to do in that area. Boca Chica is another popular destination of Santo Domingo if you want to be near the beach. But, if you're road-tripping the Island, I recommend sticking to the historical sites in Santo Domingo and leaving the beaches for other towns. You'll find epic, secluded, hidden-gem beaches in different parts of the Island that are some of our favorites!
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La Zona Colonial is the most lively area of Santo Domingo, boasting old colonial ruins from the 1400s, trendy bars/restaurants, and major historical
The Best Places to Stay in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Where to Stay in Santo Domingo at a Glance
Hotels in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
I stayed at three hotels from The Oxo House Group in La Zona Colonial. The Oxo House is an excellent option for boutique hotel accommodations in the Colonial Zone. What makes staying at one of the hotels from the Oxo House so great is that they're all in the heart of the city, making the most popular attractions, bars, and restaurants within walking distance. The Oxo House Group also offers a wide range of accommodations for travelers. This post reviews the best budget, mid-range, and upper-mid-range hotel stays at The Oxo House in La Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo. I'll also add a few beachfront and luxury hotel options for those looking to stay outside the Colonial Zone and have a secluded or glamorous stay.
Budget Hotel | Hostal La Colonial by The Oxo House | Hotels in Santo Domingo
When I stayed at Hostal La Colonia, I traveled as a solo female traveler and loved staying there. I felt safe visiting La Zona Colonial and exploring Santo Domingo on foot. Hostal La Colonia was perfect for me, as I was only planning to stay in Santo Domingo for three days and wanted to save money to enjoy eating at fine dining restaurants in the area. I was looking for beautiful views of La Zona Colonial and a hotel near all the spots I wanted to visit, and Hostal La Colonia was perfect for that. Amenities are minimal here, but the rooms are decently sized , but the rooms are decently sized and have shared balconies on every floor, allowing you to take in the breathtaking views of everyday life from a bird's-eye view.
What I loved about staying at Hostal La Colonia in Santo Domingo
Very affordable/budget-friendly hotel starting at $38 per night
Despite the name, all rooms are private. Hostal La Colonia is not a hostel
The rooms have AC
Free complimentary Coffee in the mornings
Breakfast is available for an add-on of $6 at the nearby restaurant, Tribu
Every floor has a shared balcony overlooking La Zona Colonial
Walking distance to all major attractions
Prime location
Free wifi
Clean and spacious rooms
24-hour front desk
What I didn't love about staying at Hostal La Colonia in Santo Domingo
Private parking is not available
No restaurant/bar on-premise
Mid-Range Hotel | Casa Sanchez by The Oxo House| Hotels in Santo Domingo
I stayed at Casa Sanchez by The Oxo House towards the end of my trip. This hotel is overflowing with color-- one of those Instagrammable places in Santo Domingo. What caught my attention, however, was the pool. I loved swimming after a long day of sightseeing in La Zona Colonial (The Colonial Zone), especially during the summer months. Although not as affordable as Hostal La Colonia, Casa Sanchez can still be considered a budget boutique hotel, with prices starting at only $66 per night. If you visit, a small local kiosk is right across the street selling the best hamburgers ever!! Casa Sanchez also has an upstairs bar/restaurant, but it was not open at the time of our visit.
What I loved about staying at Casa Sanches in Santo Domingo
The pool, the pool, the pool -- Caribbean heat is no joke!
Chic and trendy aesthetic vibes
Rooftop café and bar
Rooftop Jacuzzi
Breakfast is available for an extra charge of $14
Spacious and clean rooms
Air-conditioned rooms
Walking distance to all major attractions
Prime location
Free Wi-fi
24-hour front desk service
Adults-only boutique hotel
What I didn't love about staying at Casa Sanchez in Santo Domingo
Private parking is not available, and the streets are overcrowded
We had to wait a long time to get hot water in our rooms (boiler malfunction)
Despite having a bar and café, these are often open during high season only
Upper-Mid-Range | Luca Hotel by The Oxo House | Hotels in Santo Domingo
While backpacking my favorite Caribbean gem — the Island of the Dominican Republic — I stayed at the Luca Hotel by The Oxo House with my husband. We loved Luca Hotel's architecture, as some of the original walls from the 1400s were still preserved and used by the hotel in some of the rooms. We were so in awe of the experience-- having a piece of history so close to us while we slept! We had one of those walls in our very own room! Luca Hotel is chic and elegant with an undeniable Spanish cultural flair, perfect for couples. Luca Boutique Hotel screams old-school Caribbean vibes. I still consider Luca Hotel, a budget hotel with nights starting at only $62. However, for this blog, as it is the most expensive of the three hotels we're staying at, we'll call Luca Hotel an upper-mid-range boutique hotel. A big perk is that if you have a car when you visit, there's free private parking.
What I loved about staying at Luca Hotel in Santo Domingo
Private parking is available to all guests
Rooftop bar and restaurant
Private jacuzzi available upon request
Old colonial city vibes
The beautiful outdoor garden setting
Welcome Mamá Juana drink (local Dominican drink)
Breakfast is available for an extra charge of $20
Spacious and clean rooms
Air-conditioned rooms
Walking distance to all major attractions
Prime location
Free wifi
24-hour front desk service
What I didn't love about staying at Luca Hotel in Santo Domingo
Old plumbing (to be expected): my clothes got soaked from a leak in the bathroom. Other than that, our stay was marvelous.
The Oxo House Boutique Hotels in La Zona Colonial Vlog Tour
Hostal La Colonia | Casa Sanchez | Luca Hotel | Boutique Hotel Crawl in La Zona
Beach Front Hotels in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Beach Hotels in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
If you're looking for a beachfront stay when visiting Santo Domingo, I have a few recommendations that will offer some of the best Caribbean sea views.
Mid-Range | Sheraton Santo Domingo Hotel | Ocean View Hotels in Santo Domingo
If you want to stay near the beach when you visit the Dominican Republic, then other parts of the Island are ideal for a beachfront stay (like Punta Cana, Samaná, or Punta Rucia) than Santo Domingo. But if you want to take a peek at the ocean from your hotel room when you visit Santo Domingo, then the Sheraton Santo Domingo is a great option.
What I love about the Sheraton Santo Domingo Hotel:
The hotel offers a pool overlooking the Caribbean sea
Free parking is available for those renting a car
There's a Fitness center, so you can get your workout in and stay active
They have a Spa if you want to relax with a deep-tissue massage (my fav.)
On-Premise bar, so you won't have to travel far for a night cap!
Breakfast is included with your stay
Great for families or groups
Some rooms have balcony/terrace
What I don't love about the Sheraton Santo Domingo Hotel:
Some of the rooms/amenities are in need of renovations
Basic breakfast options with not a lot of variety
Mid-Range | Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino | Santo Domingo Hotels
The Renaissance Santo Domingo offers a more secluded ambiance with nightlife options, perfect for couples. The hotel is centrally located within the city, yet still provides stunning ocean views, making it the ideal location for hosting events and meetings.
What I love about the Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino
Great hotel for hosting events, reunions, or meetings
Decor feels luxurious without the price tag
Excellent central location
Spacious rooms
On-premise restaurant with room service available as well
Fitness center for those wanting a work out
Stunning pool featuring a man made waterfall and ocean views
Restaurants/bakery has fantastic food
A great value hotel
What I don't love about the Renaissance Santo Domingo Hotel & Casino
Walls are thin, so depending on the room you might be a lot of noise
5 Star Hotels in Santo Domingo (Luxury Hotels Santo Domingo)
Santo Domingo is the city where I love splurging on a luxurious stay! The whole vibe and setting of Colonial era times, cobblestone streets, and vintage-looking street signs, transport me to an era where horses were used instead of cars, women would walk up and down the streets wearing gloves and carrying a delicate lace umbrella to cover up the sunlight, and monuments stood the test of time. Consider adding a luxury stay in Santo Domingo to your itinerary! Pssst: Some rooms even have butler service!
Mid-Range/ Upscale | Hodelpa Nicolas de Ovando | Luxury Hotels Santo Domingo
I stayed here overnight once when I had to wait to catch an early flight out of Santo Domingo's international airport. Although having a very brief stay, I found the hotel to be charming with plenty of common areas for guests to mingle and socialize. Here's a warning-- they keep the rooms at very low temperatures! I remember I was coming from the beach with wet clothes and hair, and I had to go for a walk before settling in... my room was freezing! If this is a deal breaker for you, you can always leave a note with your booking asking for your desired temperature or pop a window open when you get there-- I did!
What I loved about staying at Hodelpa Nicolas de Ovando in Santo Domingo
The common areas are modern yet luxurious without feeling outdated
Colonia era houses/ walls
Location: On calle "las damas" the oldest paved street in the Americas
Scenic area to take a walk
Unesco World Heritage Site / Area
Only a 25-minute drive from the airport
Swimming pool, fitness area, & on-site restaurant offering traditional Dominican dishes
What I didn't love about staying at Holdepa Nicolas de Ovando in Santo Domingo
The rooms are kept at really low temperatures
Upscale/Luxury | Casas Del XVI | Luxury Hotels in Santo Domingo
I love Casas Del XVI because instead of a big hotel with separate individual rooms, these are luxurious apartment-style accommodations catering to solo travelers, couples, families, and even big groups! Casas Del XVI is my favorite place to stay in Santo Domingo when I want to pamper myself and have a secluded yet luxurious experience.
What I love about Casas Del XVI
Apartment style accommodations (16th century restored Colonial houses)
Having privacy and seclusion
Butler service available for an extra fee
Luxurious-chic Colonial style decor
Location: In the historic center of Santo Domingo
What I didn't love about Casas Del XVI
Nothings! I love it all!
Mid-Range | Bellini Hotel | Hotels in Santo Domingo
Bellini Hotel is a four-star hotel that still features many luxury amenities with a more modern take. I specifically love the rooftop chair loungers where you can overlook the city and soak up some sun rays to perfect your holiday tan. Bellini offers excellent value for money for those seeking an upscale stay without breaking the bank.
What I love about Bellini Hotel
Rooftop views and pool overlooking the Colonial zone
Modern-chic decor accommodations
Great value for money
Excellent location, in the heart of La Zona Colonial
Breakfast Included with made to order omelets... yum!
Perfect for couples
What I didn't love about Bellini Hotel
Rooftop pool closes too early (6 pm)
I hope you found this hotel guide helpful. If you visit any of these, leave a comment below and share your experience with other readers. Till next time!
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