Boutique Hotel Palacio

Though it has an unassuming pink front entrance, the interior of the historic Boutique Hotel Palacio beautifully blends traditional old world class with subtle touches of modern, upscale design. Stone columns, arched entryways, and original brick walls bookend more modern elements like flat-screen TVs, crisp white linens, and a rooftop pool. The property-wide Spanish Colonial decor creates an atmosphere that’s historic, intimate, and romantic.

The lobby and adjacent bar are both small, cozy, and dimly lit with ample dark wood surfaces, distressed leather furniture, dark tile flooring, and cathedral ceilings. A relaxed, outdoor garden terrace serves as the hotel’s prime common area with patio seating and al fresco dining tables for the on-site Taverna Don Quijote restaurant. Kids are welcome here, but the romantic charm mostly draws international couples on vacation. 

Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial is the heart of the city’s tourist district, placing the hotel within easy walking distance of museums, shops, parks, restaurants, and historic monuments like Cathedral Primada of America, Alcazar de Colon, and Parque Colon. For guests arriving by car, Las Americas International Airport is less than 30 minutes away. A small, indoor self-parking garage is also available for free at the hotel.

The city’s public transportation system lacks a centralized hub and can be cumbersome and confusing to navigate. However, hired vans and shuttle buses are available from the airport to downtown Santo Domingo for a fraction of the price of the often sky-high cab fares.

The Colonial design aesthetic continues from the lobby through to every room. Bright white bed linens, dark oak furniture, gothic chandeliers, conquistador-inspired artwork, and distressed wood surfaces all contribute to a stately and slightly upscale decor. However, as a historic property, the overall fit and finish is a bit lacking. Minor details in the rooms -- such as peeling paint, chipped furniture, and non-functional lamps -- clearly require maintenance.

Each of the 44 room types varies widely in size, amenities, and overall luxury. The entry-level Budget, Palacio Classic, and Comfort Rooms are moderately sized and appointed with either one or two queen beds and modern amenities, including air-conditioning, a mini-bar, a flat-screen TV, and a small dining area. Superior King Rooms feature all of the same amenities, but with a king bed, slightly larger floor plan, and patio or street views.

Superior Deluxe Rooms and each of the hotel’s suites offer more space and floor plans that divide the bedroom and living areas. Each of these rooms features additional modern amenities, including a hot tub, multiple flat-screen TVs, microwave, coffeemaker, and a desktop PC computer with dedicated DSL Internet connection.

The bathrooms show the hotel’s age more than in any other space. A stark white design aesthetic carries through from the floors, to the walls, to the shower, and lends a clean but sterile feel. Touches of brass, laminate, and mirror-framed mirrors feel dated and in desperate need of updating.

Additional features common to all rooms include free Wi-Fi, wall safes, and bottled water. The property is largely non-smoking, however, dedicated smoking rooms are also available.

As is typical of many downtown Santo Domingo hotels, the views are quite limited. Entry-level rooms typically face an alley or immediately adjacent building. Upgraded rooms and suites offer slightly better street views or look out onto the lovely garden terrace. Even with a prime downtown location, rooms at the hotel receive generally high marks for being quiet.

The Boutique Hotel Palacio offers a number of modern amenities, including a rooftop pool, free Wi-Fi throughout, and free, secure garage parking.

The hotel’s rooftop pool is clean and amply sized, especially by Santo Domingo standards. The rooftop deck offers good views of the surrounding area while still maintaining a quiet, private feel. Nearby, a sauna is available by reservation with an hourly rate for up to three people.

The onsite Taverna Don Quijote is a Caribbean-meets-Colonial restaurant that serves a continental breakfast buffet (available for a fee) each morning. The dinner menu is Caribbean-inspired and available for indoor dining, al fresco dining on the outdoor garden terrace, or via limited room service. A small bar adjacent to the lobby also serves beer, wine, and a full liquor list with a handful of seats in a relaxed, lounge atmosphere. Free coffee and tea is served throughout the day in the lobby and cold, bottled water -- of particular importance in the Dominican Republic -- is available on request.

On the bottom floor of the hotel, the free fitness center is located in a small, dark, dank room that appears to have suffered minor water damage. It’s clear that some of the workout equipment is dated and in serious need of maintenance.

In an area where street parking is at a premium, the hotel offers a small, connected garage with free self-parking in a secure, private space.