So to be honest, we didn't fall in love with Santo Domingo, but we DID love the Sofitel Nicolas de Ovando! We stayed here for a long weekend trip to DR, and we are ever so glad we chose this hotel.

The hotel is beautiful -- it was originally a governor's mansion and has been restored with amazing style. The large hotel has clusters of rooms in different locations, and pretty much everything is "outdoors" in a villa like atmosphere around various courtyards. Just walking around the hotel exploring the architecture, plants, and peacefulness is relaxing. It is located in the colonial quarter, within walking distance to everything, but in an area that is a tad quieter (and seemed safer) than what I'd call the center of town.

Upon arrival, we were greeted and welcomed with a tasty cold fruit drink. The service was efficient and professional, what you'd expect from a Sofitel. We were then escorted to our room by the bellman who explained the major features of the room and hotel.

The room was typical Sofitel, but with some character specific to this property. We liked the complimentary welcome cigars and the fresh flowers as well :-) The air conditioning worked well and the bathroom offered both a tub and a shower.

While the room was comfortable, we loved the pool at the center of the hotel. It was a perfect escape to the city of Santo Domingo -- you could almost spend your entire visit relaxing in the hotel. Bar service around the pool, however, wasn't the best. You literally had to flag down the staff to get something.

Our room also included breakfast at the restaurant which had a wide variety of options and was very good.

If you must be in Santo Domingo, this is the place to stay -- for work or pleasure, we highly recommend the place!

PS -- for an authentic DR dinner, try Meson. While the downstairs bar was loud, upstairs was quaint and had great, reasonably priced food.

Drove in from Punta Cana for a 3 night stay. There wasn't any valet parking, though there is a parking lot reserved for hotel guests directly off the street - just keep an eye out for the chickens and roosters that frequent the parking lot!

Check in was without any problems - and we loved the cool towels and fruit juice that was offered to us right at the front desk.

The property is immaculate - and historic. You are actually staying in a building that dates from 1502, and they've managed to preserve the historic details, while adding modern amenities and services.

Our room 4011 was fantastic. Air conditioned, no bugs or mosquitos and extremely comfortable beds.

Complimentary breakfast buffet is top notch. We couldn't believe that it was free! Room service menu is a bit limited compared to the restaurant for dinner, but food is consistently very good across the board.

Staff is friendly, though a bit formal - not that I'm complaining. We were just coming off a stay at the Punta Cana Hotel and Resort and things there were much less formal. (By the way, we loved the Punta Cana Hotel and Resort - read my Trip Advisor review if you are thinking about going there).

Location is perfect for those wanting to explore the Colonial Zone. The few times we ventured out in a taxi, the hotel had one waiting for us with just 5 minutes notice.

Pool is great - and pool area very soothing.

To summarize - great hotel!

First of all, Santo Domingo is not really a tourist destination. It is a very, very poor city and be warned women: you will get harassed. hotel was really pretty, but room 3030 is next to the dish-washing room. After a party that ended at midnight, we had employees yelling and singing right outside our room. The front desk was notified and did nothing. Finally, after an hour, I insisted that we get a new room-but never received an apology. This definitely could have been handled a lot better. Overall, though...the hotel was beautiful, the food was good, and the people were nice.

From the cool moist towel at check in to the turn down service with cookies, this is a place to be pampered with the tremendous plus of being in the very heart of the Zona Colonial. You do not even have to walk out the door to be immersed in history, but if you do, there are historic "firsts" in the Americas to your right, left and even at your feet (first paved street). Rooms were clean, quiet and comfortable with numerous amenities including soft robes, large towels and phones and light switches where they should be. Can't get away completely any more? Cable Internet in the room and Wi-Fi in the common areas. We were one of three couples and all had exactly the same experience right down to the wonderful complimentary breakfast buffet. and delightful al fresco lunch.

There is so much to do within a few hundred yards of the hotel that our two days and nights went by in a flash. The hotel is a block from Columbus Square, a great place to people watch and surrounded by nice shops with what looked to be local crafts, some high quality.