Although not much of a looker from the street, the hotel once inside was absolutely teeming with old-world charm. Our room, although up a slightly steep stairwell, was immaculate, the bathroom was surprisingly large, the A/C cold, and the location made walking to the historic sites very easy.

The only downside would be that the desk receptionist gave recommendations to restaurants that were probably over-priced and geared towards tourists. So if you want simple, cheap, authentic Dominican food don't go with what they tell you. Also, I believe I saw complimentary airport shuttle somewhere on a website when it was in fact $35 taxi ride to the airport. Other than that-- would definitely stay here again!

The Hotel Palacio was an excellent value for the price. The rooms are comfortable and clean, and the staff was professional and courteous. Beginning with a first class breakfast, a business traveler has the combined convenience of being centrally located to commercial areas, as well as being one block away from Calle Conde, a tourist destination in the Colonial District of Santo Domingo. There you will find shopping, restaurants and entertainment. The unique Spanish style inner courtyard, ample greenery, and many patio tables throughout the hotel, make this a most pleasant and unique place for the business traveler to choose as his base for business stays.

I been visiting Santo Domingo for over 5 years and use to stay at another hotel until one visit I walked by this boutique hotel, Hotel Palacio, and discovered this hidden gem in the middle of Colonial Zone. It has become my new home for my visits to Santo Domingo. The spacious rooms (and bathroom) and the uniqueness of being in a colonial buiding is just a small part that makes this hotel worth it. The staff is nice and very helpful and the best secret is the hidden rooftop pool that you can't find in any other hotel in the Colonial Zone....and over the years I've tried about all the hotels in the area. This one is my favorite...I guess that's why I return about every 4/5months to get away from my busy NYC life!

My husband's family is from Santo Domingo so we've visited quite a few times and usually stay at one of the big hotels on El Malecon (Jaragua, Marriot, Intercontinental - I wouldn't recommend any of them). I finally decided to stay at The Hotel Palacio in the Zona Colonial and this is by far the best hotel in Santo Domingo. The staff and front desk is excellent. They are very helpful, polite and professional.

The place is very clean, beautiful, old-world, and very comfortable. (I only wish the bedding was better/nicer - but it was perfectly adequate and clean). We had a great balcony off of our room where I would read while the kids were inside for their afternoon nap. It was so relaxing, the view amazing. And we really enjoyed the small rooftop pool after breakfast. It was just a great. We felt very comfortable and safe while we were there. Love the secure garage where we left our rental every day. And the included breakfast was a life-saver for us with our small children because I don't know where I would have gone in the area to take them for breakfast; the cook was kind enough to prepare pancakes for them every morning and will cook fresh eggs if you ask her (nicely, please).

The area around the hotel is a big tourist attraction during the day, we don't spend too much time around there because we are usually off visiting family, but in the evening (especially weekends) it can get pretty rowdy - well, you know, 'rowdy' when you're visiting with a 2 year old & 4 year old. There are crowds of people in the side streets hanging out, drinking, playing cards, lots of little clubs/bars, and tons of people gathering/partying in the squares. I probably wouldn't recommend walking around after dark with children. We drove to the restaurant we wanted to go to for dinner and drove right back to the garage at the hotel. But if I was there with my husband to hang out (without the kids) then I might enjoy that kind of atmosphere.

Oh and the wi-fi worked perfectly! Was able to stay connected on my iPad! :) Happy about that.

My favorite restaurant in the area is Pat'e Palo. The food is excellent. The service is perfect, atmosphere is beautiful, festive, and they serve amazing wines. I highly recommend it. Not usually a 'kid' place but they were so accommodating and sweet to my kids. The chef made them spaghetti one night and grilled chicken with french fries another night (neither was on the menu) - and my kids were happy not to have to eat rice & beans again (which they do love). it is more expensive than your average restaurant in the area, but for me, totally worth it. Highly recommend the risotto with lobster & shrimp, the bucatini limone, and sea bass. Yummmm.