Santo Domingo Hotel Tips by alloallo3

We recently spent three nights at the Conde Penalba. It's in the perfect location, sitting smack on the corner of the Calle de Conde and Parque Colon. If you've been to the Colonial Zone, you've probably seen it -- the hotel has a very popular cafe on the bottom floor that spills into the street. For some reason, however, there is no sign for the hotel. Because the check-in desk is on the second floor, you won't know there's a hotel there unless you've read about it somewhere else -- like here.

The rooms are slightly run down, but we found that charming rather than off-putting. The staff is very friendly, and very professional. Ask for room 302 or 402. They have balconies with spectacular views. Note too that the rooms are air-conditioned. That's a must in hot and noisy Santo Domingo.

Drawbacks: no elevator, which would present a serious problem for the elderly or the handicapped. And it's perhaps slightly overpriced -- but what isn't in Santo Domingo?

We would go back in a heartbeat. Loved it.

Unique Qualities: Every place of interest in the Zona Colonial is in walking distance of the hotel. The market, the Columbus house, the ruins of the hospital and the monastery, etc. The Parque Colon, just across the street, is a popular gathering spot for locals. This is where they come to talk and play chess. Really nice atmosphere.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$40-80  » Currency Converter
Address: Calle El Conde esq. Arzobispo MeriÃ’o, Colonial zo
Directions: Tell your cab driver it's on the Parque Colon. That's enough to get you there.
Website: www.condepenalba.com