Sheraton Santo Domingo Hotel

The Sheraton is set perched on high-traffic George Washington Avenue, though the Caribbean Sea across the road partially diffuses the urban edge. Previously a Melia, the hotel reopened as a Sheraton in 2014 after a $12 million renovation with sleek, contemporary decor. The lobby has trio of brass-gold reception desks and marble plank floors in soft gray set beneath towering square columns and a chandelier. The space connects to a sunlit, atrium-style room at the back, with lush tropical details in the interior palm gardens. The look is modern and the vibe business-like -- corporate spaces are located on a mezzanine, and events can spill over to common areas. While the many corporately dressed patrons may not be here for pleasure, the Sheraton does attract its share of leisure travelers -- but they’re more likely to be lounging on a daybed or sipping a cocktail by the outdoor pool. 

The property has a great Santo Domingo location, across from the Caribbean Sea and close to popular sights, but it's set on a busy main road. The drive from Las Americas International Airport takes about 20 minutes, Don Diegeo Terminal is four minutes by car, and Sans Souci Cruise Terminal is roughly a 10-minute drive. The Colonial Zone is fairly close by, where restaurants, bars, and shops are in abundance. It's a bit of a hike (about 25 minutes on foot) but it's only a five-minute drive. There's a casino a five-minute walk from the hotel, and other nearby highlights include Independencia Park (a 15-minute walk), the National Palace and Larimar Museum (both six minutes by car), and the National Pantheon of the Dominican Republic (a 10-minutes drive). 

Guest rooms are decorated in masculine tones, blending beige walls, dark-wood furniture and headboards, and blue-gray carpeting for a simple, contemporary look. But while spacious and comfortable, the overall effect is a bit lackluster. Rooms are available in Traditional, Standard, Deluxe, and Club Level, all with floor-to-ceiling windows, and many units offer sea views. Beds have plush white bedding, and other in-room features include work desks with ergonomic chairs, flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, well-stocked minibars, and free Wi-Fi. Plenty of charger outlets come in handy, and closets contain robes, slippers, irons, ironing boards, safes, and umbrellas. Bathrooms have beige tiling (marble in some), elegant wallpaper, attractive vanities with tapered legs, and either walk-in showers or shower/tub combos. All come equipped with illuminated mirrors, hairdryers, and toiletries. 

The Sheraton offers a solid range of features for a comfortable stay -- and its highlight is a sundeck that faces the sea, with a large outdoor pool and whirlpool. There are chic daybeds for two, plenty of deck chairs, and an open-air lounge area next to the pool bar. Another plus is the spacious, modern fitness center, with natural light and a good selection of cardio- and weight-training equipment, plus a connecting massage room where facials are also available. Guests can pay extra for a Sheraton Club upgrade, which comes with a range of service perks, discounts, and access to all-day snacks in the Club Lounge. Cafe Casabe Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with buffet and a la carte menus, and food that consistently receives high marks from guests. There’s also a lobby bar, and the property offers extensive meeting and events space. Free Wi-Fi is throughout is provided, and there’s a business center set up in the lobby that's free for guest use. There's also free self and valet parking, and car rental can be arranged on-site.