Hotel Conde de Penalba

With a mostly original stucco exterior, arched entryways, and stylish wrought iron balconies, the hotel is a fine complement to the Spanish Colonial charm for which Santo Domingo is known. Inside, much of the original mahogany woodwork, carpeting, and (it would seem) wall decor also remain. Overall, the property is well-maintained, but the dark common areas and somewhat outmoded furnishings detract from its vintage romanticism. The ground-level alfresco cafe and bar is equally popular with guests and other tourists, making the hotel something of a social hub that buzzes from early afternoon until well after dinner. The hotel’s clientele is evenly split between families and couples, all seeking an authentic but affordable place to bed down in the heart of the city’s Colonial Zone.

Located in the heart of Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone, the hotel is a short walk from dozens of local restaurants, bars, and shops. The property is adjacent to Parque Colon and sits directly on the popular Conde Pedestrian Mall. Farther afield, the National Pantheon of the Dominican Republic is a five-minute walk away, while Columbus Lighthouse (Faro a Colon) is reachable in 15 minutes by car.

A 35-minute drive along a relatively modern highway will take guests to and from Las Americas International Airport (SDQ). The area’s taxi and shuttle services are ubiquitous and easy to arrange at the airport and most hotels. They are not only a cheaper but far safer option compared to renting a car, especially given the country's notoriously dangerous and ill-maintained roads.

While most rooms retain some original design elements, all have seen substantial modernized since the hotel first opened its doors. The traditional furnishings are mostly dark wood, however, neutral toned flooring, wall decor, and accents add a calming, slightly contemporary touch. Yes, there is a bit of wear on some of the furniture, but most rooms are thankfully bright and cheerful.

All include air-conditioning and flat-screen TVs with cable service. Some feature mini-fridges and balconies, the best of which have Colonial Zone views. Entry-level Petite Comfort rooms feel a bit like the interior room on a cruise ship and are indeed little more than a place for guests to rest their heads on the full-size beds. Colonial Rooms are available in two different bed configurations and offer one-room floor plans with square footage typical of most three-pearl hotel rooms. Junior Suites have the largest layouts, with a small two-seat dining area, plus a balcony with lovely views to the Colonial Zone. Keep in mind that street-side rooms will pick up noise.

Bathrooms in all rooms are small -- bordering on cramped -- and only as large as they need to be to allow guests to move around. Most feature shower/tub combos, while Junior Suites only feature a walk-in shower stall. Generic bath amenities are standard in every category.

Like most budget and mid-range options in the Colonial Zone, features here are slim, though what's on offer is a welcome addition. The ground-level Hotel Restaurant El Conde has casual indoor and alfresco dining on a tree-shaded patio adjacent to Parque Colon. The all-day menus offer mostly Dominican fare like mangu with a few international dishes as well. It's a popular space for tourists who gather for hours to people-watch along the Conde, and food gets solid marks from previous guests. An open rooftop sundeck has panoramic views of the Colonial Zone, including picturesque glimpses to the historic Palacio Consistorial. Lounge chairs and patio sets provide seating for approximately a dozen guests. However, with limited shade, the space is completely exposed to the sun throughout the day. The hotel offers no parking and finding a space on the streets of the Colonial Zone is nearly impossible. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and we found the service mostly fast and reliable.