Hotel Boutique Dona Elvira

Built as a private residence in 1550, Dona Elvira sits on a relatively calm Zona Colonial street with other cute 16th century dwellings. Its white-and-black lantern-topped facade point to its history, as do its interiors. Soaring exposed beam ceilings, whitewashed walls trimmed in exposed brick, and colorful heritage floor tiles are hallmarks of the lobby. Wood furniture in dark teak accompany little religious artifacts and historic scenes hung on the walls. The lobby is followed by the cozy restaurant dining room and flows out to the open-air patio, where a towering century-old mango tree shades the sky-blue pool below. A wide green net protects the pool from debris, though its a bit of an eyesore in an otherwise charming space. Rooms unfold over three levels circling the pool that culminate in a little rooftop sundeck on one side and a whirlpool cabana on the other. The property is owned and run by a Belgian-American duo, so those that struggle with Spanish will be understood here.

Hotel Dona Elvira is located in the Colonial Zone, a short walk from many restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, and historic sites. A number of the Colonial Zone’s best restaurants are placed within an easy stroll. Other walkable highlights include Plaza de Espagna (13 minutes), Alcazar de Colon (14 minutes), Museo de las Casas Reales (11 minutes), Independencia Park (10 minutes), Larimar Museum (six minutes), and Catedral Primada de America -- the oldest church in the new world (six minutes). Las Americas International Airport is about a 20-minute drive away, and Don Diego Cruise Terminal is 17 minutes on foot or four minutes by car. 

Far from the uniform look of chain hotels, guest rooms at Dona Elvira are quaint, homey, and furnished in Andalusian-inspired decor that gives each space a cottage-like feel. Walls in soft pastels with terra-cotta-tiled floors, and exposed beams overhead set the stage for an eclectic mix of timber furniture that includes armoires, work desks, bedside tables, and wood-framed beds. Bedding is often patterned with florals, and cute little artwork and faux flowers add a shot of color. Air-conditioning, satellite flat-screen TVs, safes, and hairdryers are standard features. Ground-floor rooms add a pair of chairs and a little table outside each entrance, ideal for guests looking for their own spot to lounge. Rooms are available in a range of sleeping configurations and sizes that include kings, queens, doubles, and bi-level lofts with sleeper sofas and double beds. Bathrooms are compact, with colorful tiles, shower stalls, hairdryers, and toiletries dispensed from big pump packs. Some bathrooms have double sink basins. Given that the property is so small, it's easy for noise to infiltrate rooms and hard to insulate yourself. Those who’d like to sleep in could try requesting rooms that are removed from the restaurant and lobby.

Dona Elvira is a small-scale property, and its features are also petite. Its little rectangular pool anchors the open-air courtyard behind the lobby. Although it’s on the small side, it’s perfectly adequate for taking a cooling dip. Up on the rooftop sits a mosaic-tiled whirlpool and the hotel's "solarium," which is really just a covered alfresco lounge space. In terms of food, the on-site restaurant serves all meals including free daily breakfast consisting of fresh fruit, toast, eggs, and coffee. Meals are otherwise a la carte and very well priced, with an emphasis on Dominican flavors, along with Indian -- inspired by Trinidad and Tobago cuisine. The hotel has a small exercise corner with an aging spin bike and a pair of dumbbells, though it hardly covers the basics for a workout. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.