Acuarium Suite Hotel

Set on a corner of a low key residential street setting, and within eyeshot of the Malecon, the Acuarium stands out with its original retro structure, marked by an almost campy castle tower. Inside, its three levels envelop a lovely big courtyard with a jellybean-shaped pool, cushioned sun loungers, and umbrella-shaded plastic dining sets. Beautiful, tall palm trees scatter the scene with tropical flavor that fits the island locale. The pool and neighboring open-air restaurant/ bar are the heart of this place, and a decent sound system fills these areas with upbeat (but not pounding) music well into the evening. Beyond the restaurant, a covered walkway leads the place in a more modern direction, to the second newer building containing more modern rooms -- and a lush expanse of grass and palms surrounding the hotel's whirlpool. During Oyster’s visit, a large American sporting group moved in and dominated the restaurant, but there was still plenty of space to find tranquil nooks -- around the pool or at the bar. However, guests are often merely using Acuarium as a home base between excursions; as such, it's more of a hotel than a destination resort.

The hotel is located in the Santo Domingo pocket of Ensanche Isabelita, just off the Malecon del Este which runs along the city’s southern coastline. It’s a 20-minute drive to the Colonial Zone, and Boca Chica and its beach are a 22-minute drive in the opposite direction. Nearby highlights include the Dominican Republic National Aquarium and the Three Eyes National Park, both a five-minute drive. There are some low-key eateries in the local vicinity, but nighttime wandering is not recommended in this neighborhood for safety reasons. There’s usually a taxi on hand to take guests from point to point. Budget 20 to 25 minutes to reach Las Americas International Airport by car. 

Divided across two wings, Acuarium's one- and two-bedroom apartments can sleep up to six people, helpful for families or groups of friends. The original building offers units over three levels surrounding the pool, although interiors are pretty dated and in need of maintenance. Matching medium-toned wood furniture provides the basics alongside beige and coffee-colored fabrics brightened by some artwork here and there. Kitchens are equally basic but serve their purpose with mini-fridges and gas stoves. These units open onto one or two balconies, but the balconies are not furnished and their views can be disappointing. Late afternoon/evening music around the pool creates a lively atmosphere, and it’s generally over by 10 pm, but those looking for tranquility should request a room at the back. The newer wing toward the rear of the hotel houses more contemporary rooms which many guests prefer for their updated decor and quiet ambience -- away from the pool, restaurant, and bar. These units have open-plan living/dining/kitchen areas flowing onto furnished balconies -- many overlooking garden views. Outfitted in matching cane furniture and boldly colored textiles and artwork, these rooms are certainly newer and fresher compared to the others. But they, too, feel trapped in the past.All rooms have TVs (though some are older tube style), air-conditioning, stocked kitchens, phones, and ancient safes. Plain bathrooms feature showers and a selection of free toiletries.

Acuarium’s standout feature is its jellybean-shaped pool, which acts as the epicenter of the hotel. It neighbors a handful of cushioned deck chairs, and plenty of shaded outdoor dining sets are at the ready for guests to use. Separate from this in the garden, the property also offers a whirlpool surrounded by a hodgepodge of sun loungers. Those that want to take their pampering to the next level could arrange for massage treatments on site, and a table games area provides more diversions. For meals, Restaurant Bologne serves a mix of Italian, international and local flavors for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We enjoyed a straightforward dish of grilled chicken and vegetables on our visit, which was great quality, as were the cocktails. And everything here is inexpensively priced compared to local hotel norms. A free buffet breakfast is included, although it’s fairly basic fare. A communal lounge area located next to the bar offers an extra space for guests to chill out in. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout, but it’s strongest signal is in the lobby/ pool area. Free parking is available, too, and there’s generally a taxi on hand to transport guests.