Although, it's been two years since I first stayed in the capital, I wasn't aware of this site and wanted to reflect my experience at Mercure. I don't have any major complaints about the hotel. Everything was clean and the staff was very courteous. The only caveat that I found was that they supposedly wanted you to pay for guests to come up to the room, if one hadn't listed two guests upon book the reservation. I have several friends from the area that wanted to come by and hang out so at times, I to negotiate with the front desk regarding this, as it was not stated in writing when I booked the reservation.

The hotel is situated perfectly En El Conde, in the Colonial zone. I was great to see the everyday hustle and bustle of Dominican life first hand. My girlfriend is from there so it was great to see things for myself.

The breakfast, that's included was good as well as the restaurant prepared dinner items that I took part in from time to time. This will most likely be the place that I frequent the most as it has a perfect blend of economy and location.

I stayed at the Mercure Santo Domingo for a week in early February. The hotel itself is not exactly what I would expect of a Accor hotel but I got a great deal online and heard that it was in a great location.

The hotel itself is quite old despite renovations a few years ago. The rooms (not the suites) are quite small, are relatively clean, have cable TV, A/C and just the basic necessities including a small fridge.

The hotel restaurant was really good. The food was excellent but it was difficult to nab one of the 3 patio tables in front of the restaurant...though if you got one it would be a perfect place to have a Presidente and people watch but be prepared to be hassled by all the vendors and shoe shine boys.

The best part of this hotel is its location. Its right on El Conde, just steps away from numerous tourist attractions including the Catedral Primada de América, Calle Las Damas, Parque Independencia, restaurants and shopping. BUT keep in mind that because it is in the heart of all the action on El Conde, you get A LOT of noise as well. There is a disco right across the street from the hotel and if you're a light sleeper, the music can keep you up until midnight on the weekdays and 2am on weekends.

I also wanted to quickly mention the outstanding service of Santos at the front desk. I found, like previous reviews of this hotel on this site, that most of the hotel staff were indifferent and sometimes difficult to deal with but Santos was incredible! He always went out of his way for me and greeted me with a smile every day despite how busy he was.

When I make it to Santo Domingo again, I would check out the Coco Boutique Hotel (see review on that) or the Sofitel (another Accor Hotel). The Mercure would probably be a 3rd for 4th choice accomodation wise but if you find a great deal online, it may be worth it if its your first trip to SD and you're only staying a few nights.

Happy travelling!

I've stayed at Hotel Mercure 4 times in 2007. (27 days) Always greeted with a smile and quick check-in. ROOMS are adequate but small, bath water is HOT and there's a lot of it. Rooms are cleaned daily and the AC blows COLD. CABLE TV.

The BREAKFAST BUFFET (included with the room) is a good selection...
omelets by request, scrambled eggs,bacon, fruits, cereals, breads, pastries, meats, cheeses, coffee and juice....

STAFF treats me (and my guest) like royalty, most likely because I tip them for good service...generosity goes a long way in the DR. MANAGEMENT is top notch and the desk help recognizes it's guests as you pass to the elevator. Great SECURITY as well.

The RESTAURANT is one of convienience. DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS are priced below most places in the CZ making lunches a value....lunch is always EXCELLENTand well presented. Dinners are fine if you are pressed for time, or the weather makes walking impossible. (rain)

The Mercure PATIO AREA with tables on CONDE is second only to the Cafeteria de Penalba for people watching. EZ place to drink a few Presidentes and meet friends old and new!

The LOCATION can't be beat...close to a dozen GOOD RESTAURANTS....
right across the street from Meson de Luis and 100 yards from Meson de Bari in the heart of the Colonial Zone.

Comparetively, I've stayed at Hotel Palacio ($100USD+/- no breakfast but upscale) and Discovery ($65USD+/- no breakfast and rooms = to Mercure) ......MERCURE is the place I return to.....

I'm a world traveller and I usually stay in hotels with very good reviews but this time I didn't have the time. Why? Accorhotels (name of the chain), are always good, clean, boutique with a very, very nice staff but The Mercure Comercial SUCKS!!! When I checked in, the front desk clerk did not even say welcome. My room was very smelly due to the age of the hotel + the area is full of prostitutes (men and women), all the time. There is plenty of hotels in Zona Colonial. AVOID THIS PIECE OF... Sofitel Frances, Nicolas de Ovando (Accorhotels), are very nice, chic, clean and elegant.