Radisson Hotel Santo Domingo

Set just off a busy main road in Santo Domingo’s financial district, the Radisson presents itself as a fairly traditional business-oriented hotel, with a bland '80s-era blocky facade bearing the Radisson's black-and-lime-green signage under the entrance. Inside, beige marble interiors decked out in typical chain-hotel furniture echo the brand’s aesthetic, but shiny clean surfaces and a seamless check-in highlight this property's appeal. The chain's signature lime green adds on-brand splashes of color to common areas -- on placemats and walls in the Tropical restaurant, and on deck chairs by the pool. The lobby bar and lounge can attract its fair share of guests in the evenings -- many claim their free welcome drink and choose to linger longer to watch a game on the bar TV, catch up on some laptop work, or simply chill to the classic love songs playing from the speakers. A business crowd tends to crash here, but travelers of all stripes, including vacationing couples and big tour groups, also make this hotel their home base. Plenty of meeting rooms mean there’s pretty much always corporate activity of some nature taking place, though the overall vibe remains calm and fairly casual. 

The Radisson is located in the heart of Santo Domingo’s financial and commercial district -- a helpful spot for business travelers. A number of shopping malls, supermarkets, bars, and restaurants are within close walking proximity, however most of the city's sites require hopping in a car. It’s about 20 minutes by car from the Colonial Zone, with all of its more tourist-oriented attractions. Beaches also require a drive, and Boca Chica's beach scene is a 48-minute drive away. Reaching Las Americas International Airport takes about 40 to 50 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Taxis are easily arranged in the lobby.

Available in Standard, Deluxe, and Suite categories, rooms and suites are all generously sized with plenty of natural light streaming in through huge picture windows -- several of which showcase well-elevated city views (the higher the better). Standard and Deluxe Room types are identical, but the latter has better views. Interiors feel fresh, clean, and modern with a blend of light and dark wood finishes, tiled marble floors, crisp white walls, and incredibly comfortable beds topped in fluffy white bedding. Suites add living areas, small kitchens (with double hot plates and microwaves), and pull-out sofas into the mix. All rooms include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, work desks, stocked minibars, coffeemakers, free water, safes, irons, and ironing boards. Big marble bathrooms are equally attractive with walk-in, frameless glass showers, huge mirrors, individual toiletries, and hairdryers.

The Radisson isn’t huge, but it packs in a good array of features that appeal to both business travelers and vacationers. Both crowds can appreciate the property's two restaurants. Open for breakfast and lunch, Tropical Restaurant is where the free buffet breakfast is served, offering a good selection of fruit, breads, pastries, and hot options including chef-made eggs and omelettes. Festival Restaurant, open for lunch and dinner, offers top-notch a la carte options in more formal surroundings. Room service is on offer 24 hours, too. The lobby bar offers plenty of table, bar, and lounge seating. A free check-in drink can be claimed here, and snacks are also available. Neighboring the entrance, Suspiros Bakery serves fresh baked pastries and good espresso coffee. For those looking to get some poolside lounging, the Radisson has an outdoor pool with plenty of loungers, although it’s on the small side -- more suited to small kids swimming about than adults doing laps. Guests also have free access to a gym and athletic club that’s located nearby and run by an outside company. For business travelers, a choice of nine meeting rooms are on offer, and these can accommodate gatherings of up to 600. Other on-site amenities include a spa, beauty salon, and laundromat/dry cleaner. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the hotel.