Boutique Hotel Palacio

“Great location and value”

It’s been a few years since we last stayed here, nothing much has changed. The location is great, the hotel itself has become a bit rundown. It needs a bit of updating, but for the price you pay and the location , it is well worth it. The breakfast included with your stay is satisfying. The patio … more

It’s been a few years since we last stayed here, nothing much has changed. The location is great, the hotel itself has become a bit rundown. It needs a bit of updating, but for the price you pay and the location , it is well worth it. The breakfast included with your stay is satisfying. The patio is welcoming and spacious. The staff could be more welcoming. But as an overall, it’s a good place to stay.

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“Recommended for location and comfort”

The location is excellent, just a few steps from the main pedestrianised street of El Conde and all the sights within the Zona Colonial, as well as multiple restaurants. The staff were really welcoming and helpful, especially when we had some administrative issues to resolve at short notice. The … more

The location is excellent, just a few steps from the main pedestrianised street of El Conde and all the sights within the Zona Colonial, as well as multiple restaurants. The staff were really welcoming and helpful, especially when we had some administrative issues to resolve at short notice. The bedroom was located behind the staircase (I had a requested a quiet room) so was modest in size, but the bathroom was generous and the shower excellent (very important if you have long hair!). Everything was very clean, and we appreciated the good air-conditioning and the fridge. We didn't make use of the pool, but it was a nice size and a private space, not overlooked. The only down side was that most of the hot food at breakfast cost extra, which was disappointing. However, there was some delicious brown seeded bread, which was a real treat for the week we were there. The lady providing the food was very helpful, and always replenished quickly any items that appeared to have run out (cheese being the usual suspect). Overall I think it was good value for money.

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“Recently tried 3 different hotel options near El Conde - this is the one I am returning to”

Over the last three months, I spent three weekends in Santo Domingo, a short flight or 12 hour ferry ride from San Juan, Puerto Rico, my home base. Stayed at a different hotel each stay (each no more than $100 per night), every hotel a 2 to 5 minute walk to El Conde (a pedestrian street and cente… more

Over the last three months, I spent three weekends in Santo Domingo, a short flight or 12 hour ferry ride from San Juan, Puerto Rico, my home base. Stayed at a different hotel each stay (each no more than $100 per night), every hotel a 2 to 5 minute walk to El Conde (a pedestrian street and center of the colonial zone, very close to a huge variety of restaurant, nightlife and cultural options). The room had a bit of a moldy smell, but the weekend I was there, Santo Domingo was flooded by rain storm after rain storm - so maybe not anything you would notice under normal weather conditions. The building is not as "newly renovated" as the other hotels I stayed in, but when it comes to an ambiance and architecture that is a perfect fit for a stay in the colonial sector, this is the place to be. The restaurant onsite is a bit of a joke - a menu where a $12 tuna sandwich was the highlight (surprise, surprise, I never saw a customer or employee in the restaurant area other than for the limited breakfast included in some room price options), the glass of wine I ordered in the small lobby bar came from a bottle probably opened 3 months earlier, but who cares, there are dozens of bars and restaurants within spitting distance. The room itself (I opted for the cheapest room available) was generous in size, accessible by elevator or steps, and had all the basics (safe, nice bathroom, decent bed, and cable TV). The Queen of England would probably pick a more sterile and modern option, but if you are an Indiana Jones type of person, this may become your favorite place to stay in the colonial zone. And if you are single, and you meet someone you may want to invite to your room, the hotel offers you the option to do so. For a $25 fee. Most other hotels do not permit anyone other than registered guests in the rooms. Guests leave their ID with the reception, so its not a policy that impacts your or the other guests' safety. In conclusion, a perfect location, a historic building and an ambiance that perfectly matches the surroundings. BTW, Uber is the absolute best choice for a return trip to the airport from any hotel in Santo Domingo - if you prefer a taxi, the hotel can arrange that as another safe but slightly pricier option as well. (The hotel offers some higher priced rooms/suites as well, some with very large balcony terraces - a somewhat unique option in this area for those who really needs a lot of space.)

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“Fading grandeur”

The property is a redeveloped old town house of palacial size right at the centre of the Zona Colonial. My room was rather small, but there are more palacial and more expensive rooms available. There is a small pool on the roof, but its water is murky and the water exchange system is broken. As are… more

The property is a redeveloped old town house of palacial size right at the centre of the Zona Colonial. My room was rather small, but there are more palacial and more expensive rooms available. There is a small pool on the roof, but its water is murky and the water exchange system is broken. As are the sauna and gym the property markets agressively on their website. Breakfast is dismal with no choices and super-grumpy staff. Internet is largely unavailable in room, but ok in the reception area. They also advertise a restaurant, which is not open. In stark contrast to the breakfast staff, the receptionists and the bell hops were great, especially Ledia (sp.?) was very friendly and helpful. Overall, the place needs a thoroughhmake-over and it would be nice if the partially German-owned hotel would live up to the promises made on their website.

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