Saint domingue | We tested this beautiful boutique hotel in the colonial quarter

 

Where to stay in Santo Domingo? We put down our suitcases for one night at the Hotel Casa del XVI, a five-star boutique hotel in the heart of the colonial quarter. A look back at our experience in this charming place.

 

It’s easy to fall under the spell of Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic and one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean, with its colorful colonial quarter, lively alleyways, small markets and bustling central square.

During my stay in Santo Domingo, I tried out this magnificent restaurant in the heart of the colonial quarter. boutique hotel Casas Del XVI, just a stone’s throw from the most beautiful sites, the central plaza “El Zocalo” and restaurants. A prime location, as you can easily visit the whole district on foot from these upscale accommodations.

I invite you to consult all our other articles on the Dominican Republic to help you prepare for your trip:

• The Samana Peninsula
• Where to sleep in Las Terrenas
• Top 7 of the peninsula’s most beautiful beaches
• What to do in Santo Domingo
• Our practical guide to planning your trip

 

| HOTEL PRESENTATION

Several small colonial houses, located next to each other, have been meticulously restored to form the Casas del XVI : Casa de los Mapas, Casa Macoris, Casa del Diseñador (the chicest residence in town) and Casa Del Arbol, the beautiful house where we stayed, planted with mango trees in the central patio. This group of colonial houses boasts a total of ten spacious, bright, fully-equipped rooms, ranging from the superior room to the deluxe room and finally the royal suite, located in a private house – a dream come true!

Each has its own style and personality, and is decorated with great taste and elegance in the colonial style. It’s hard not to fall under the spell of wooden furniture, colourful tiles, warm colors and vintage objects! They immerse you in the ambience of the era with their elegant decor: large outdoor patios with flowers, shutters, vintage tiles, art pieces, original hand-carved furniture, contemporary crafts by local and international artists, wicker terraces, palm trees, bathrooms in warm tonesds, some with swimming pools. Vin Diesiel is said to have stayed at Casa del Diseñador.

Luxury means the services that go with it:

• Wifi
• Iphone provided in each room for you to call the concierge! (I’ve never seen this before).
• Qualified, multilingual, attentive and smiling staff to satisfy even the most demanding travellers
• Cool off in small pools at Casas de los Mapas and Casa Macorís
• Organized excursions and reserved restaurants
• Airport transfer included
• Average rate for one night: $200 to $300, according to the season.

 

 

 

I slept in the magnificent Casa del Arbol de Hotel Casa del XVI . I loved the ebony-colored louvered doors opening onto a quiet, wooded courtyard. It’s really a little haven of peace that you don’t want to leave because it makes you feel so good.
My room was very spacious, especially the bathroom, very well laid out and very elegant, still in the colonial style. A cosy little nest

The Tree House, was only 400 metres from the cathedral and 200 metres from the famous rue Condé, designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its colonial buildings, cultural and architectural treasures, and lined with shops and cafés with terraces. Hotel Casa del XVI is a new luxury concept in boutique hotels. Located in a historic setting much appreciated by travelers, it combines the romantic essence of a bygone era with the most modern amenities offering the best service. This unique hotel combines modernity with the charm of colonial times. Staying here is like stepping back in time to the Spanish aristocracy of the 16th century.

 

 

| BREAKFAST AND DINNER AT HOTEL CASA DEL XVI

Arriving late in Santo Domingo, we tried a light but very good tapas dinner on the outside patio of Casa del Arbol on the evening of our arrival: cheese croquettes, meat brochettes, mini burgers, marinated shrimps, accompanied by a good glass of wine. Breakfast was à la carte, with choices ranging from continental and healthy to local and Dominican. There was something for everyone. I really liked the place where we had it in the Casas de los Mapas, a sort of flowery pergola right next to the pool offering a hearty, tasty breakfast served in pretty bluish-toned crockery. We already felt like we were on vacation in this peaceful place.

 

 

 

| HOW TO GET TO THE HOTEL

The hotel is 29km from the international airport of Santo Domingo de Las Americas. Private or group transfers can be booked in advance. Expect to pay between $30USD and $45USD for the one-way trip.

➡️ Book a private airport-hotel shuttle

 

➡️ Book a shared airport-hotel shuttle

 

| WHAT TO DO IN THE COLONIAL QUARTER

Thanks to the hotel’s location, you can visit the colonial district on foot, including the following historic sites:

• Dominican Convent
• Alcazar of Columbus
• Colón Park
• Pantheon National

But also Chinatown, Plaza España, Museo de las Casas Reales, the Mercado Modelo market, a perfect market to buy your souvenirs and local crafts like the Mamajuana, the country’s must-have spirit! For an atypical and vintage visit, I invite you for a few hours to visit Santo Domingo in a vintage car, 50’s Buick with driver please!

 

 

The hotel is quite upmarket, so overnight stays can be expensive, but consider treating yourself for one night only. Here you’ll find a complete change of scenery and a privileged location. You won’t be disappointed by this unique experience. Thank you to the whole team for this warm welcome and much appreciated experience.

Please note that as an accredited bespoke travel designer, I offer to accompany you in the creation of your tailor-made trip to the Dominican Republic and create a personalized itinerary tailored to your needs. Please send me an email at : contact@mademoiselle-voyage.fr

 

Before you leave, I also invite you to read our various articles to prepare your trip to the Dominican Republic:

• The Samana Peninsula
• Where to sleep in Las Terrenas
• Top 7 of the peninsula’s most beautiful beaches
• What to do in Santo Domingo
• Our practical guide to planning your trip

 

 

 

 

 

This article is our experience. It was made possible thanks to a collaboration with the Dominican Republic Tourist Office, whom we thank for their invitation and this discovery.