Barcelo Santo Domingo

Barcelo is a logical choice for business travelers who seem to make up most of the clientele here. Its dated terra-cotta-toned facade screams '80s, but its interiors take a more contemporary turn, commencing in the expansive lobby where retro velvet seating in olive green, reflective round pillars, and futuristic LED-lit ceilings add some flash to the otherwise conservative space. Barcelo is primarily a business hotel, reflected in the mood and the clientele, but it doesn’t feel stuffy in any way. Two restaurants (Kyoto and B Delicious), a cigar room, and a moody piano bar are all located off the lobby -- each space bringing its own urban style elements to the table. By weekday, the vibe is low key, catering largely to the business set. Weekends, however, attract a more energetic crowd for the piano bar’s live music. Outside, the beautiful big pool with its submerged sunbeds, should please leisure travelers with its surrounding alfresco spaces, and chic open-air lounge bar that provide a resort-like spot and prove this place isn’t all business.

Barcelo is located in the hectic heart of downtown Santo Domingo, a good 30 minutes by car from Las Americas International Airport, and a 15-minute drive from the Colonial Zone. But plenty of attractions can be reached on foot here including Teatro Nacional Eduardo Brito (six minutes), Plaza de la Cultura (nine minutes), Museo Nacional de Historia Natural (11 minutes), and Museo del Hombre Dominicano (nine minutes). Taxis can easily be arranged in the lobby. 

Unlike the more exuberant public spaces, guest rooms take on a reserved, masculine look with taupe and dark brown textiles and timber furniture offset with white bedding and soft gray walls. The style and the amenities match the business-focused clientele -- work stations with ergonomic chairs and round table settings for two are also provided. Suites upgrade the basic layout with separate living rooms, and Premium Level Rooms come with VIP perks like private check-in and all-day access to an executive lounge and terrace with a whirlpool hot tub. All rooms are equipped with minibars, flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, irons, ironing boards, and hairdryers. Bathrooms are fully tiled in red and beige marble and feature lovely big vanities, large glass walk-in showers, and a selection of toiletry items. Big plastic pump dispensers are mounted to shower walls, and while eco-friendly, they seam somewhat cheap. Note that street-side rooms can be affected by road noise, so light sleepers should book accordingly. 

While Barcelo is primarily a business hotel -- as reflected in its eight meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 1,500 people -- it's also focused on post-work relaxation. As such, the pool is a major highlight. It’s huge, elegant, and neatly lined with loungers beneath shade umbrellas, in addition to submerged sunbeds at one end. The Pool Lounge Bar serves an array of drinks and snacks from morning to late night, with plenty of alfresco seating. A second, much smaller pool suited to kids, also shares the space, and there's a playground for kids as well. For dining, B-Delicious restaurant serves extensive buffet feasts for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The dishes are many and varied and the quality is top-notch. Open for lunch and dinner, Kyoto serves upscale a la carte Japanese. The Piano Bar is a dimly lit lounge space featuring live music plus happy hour, and it stays open until the wee hours. The Cigar Lounge invites guests to puff away with a cocktail in their own designated sitting area. Those looking to add a little gambling to their good times can also hit the casino that connects to the hotel. Another adjoining business is the Patisserie Lina, serving espresso coffee in addition to a range of cakes and baked delights. The Wellness Center provides another spot for pampering with a range of spa treatments in addition to a hair and beauty salon. Those in Premium Level Rooms get extra pampering by default in the form of VIP services including access to a club lounge, a terrace with a whirlpool, and private check-in. Other features include free parking, on-site car rental, babysitting (at extra cost), and laundry/dry cleaning (also at extra cost). The hotel can provide a meet and greet service at the airport and assist with group transportation. Free Wi-Fi is provided, but some guests find the system annoying.