My wife and I stayed at the Sofitel Frances in mid-June 2007 and had a fine stay. We loved the historical details and charming feel of the place.
After the relative chaos of the surrounding Santo Domingo, walking into the Frances was a cool relief. It might sound sort of cheesy, but the hotel was an oasis in the heat, and well-located in the colonial city. Everything worked well in our room, though the floor could have used a good mopping. The included breakfast was excellent- we loved the coffee. We enjoyed drinks in the lovely courtyard, despite the high prices.We were a little annoyed that we had to pay an extra-person fee of $15 a day. While the hotel may not be the biggest or most well equipped, we loved the historical feel and charm. The staff was great too.

This hotel is a 2 star hotel selling at 4 star prices. The ambiance is quite quaint overall if you like an authentic colonial look and feel... however be prepared for the rest. The street noise is terrible! Like to sleep, forget it. Want internet in your room, forget that also. The have wireless in the lobby (works sometimes), does not work in the room. Care to work in the lobby, prepare to sit on 100 year old style chairs that are far from comfortable. Need a business center, be prepared to take a hike to the sister Sofitel hotel about 5 blocks away, this hotel does not have one. No pool either, no fitness center, also at the other hotel. Oh... want to then have a meeting with a business associate in your room? Let me tell you about this: The treat everyone as a potential prostitute. ID at the front desk por favor!!! Also $30 for a "room visit". I was meeting with my customers, they were embarrassed (as was I) and I had to fork over additional visitor fees for each visit. I am not sure if they have a jailhouse or kindergarten mentality but certainly not that of an upscale hotel. My driver was not allowed to the room to fetch my luggage on checkout... without an additional fee. Preposterous! Without a conference room or business center available there is little choice as to where to have a meeting in private, so if you expect a visitor, be prepared to fork over US $30 per visit. I called the manager (not in) wrote the manager a note and asked for a call to my mobile, never received an answer. There is no elevator either, if you have difficulty with stairs. TV in the room (which I don't watch) is an old small tube thing). The dining and bar fees are mainland, full service standard, very high relative to Dominican standards, not what one would expect in a non-full service hotel. As I said, 4 star prices for 2 star amenities. For this level of service I would find a B&B at half the price and without the lockdown mentality.

I visited Santo Domingo in November, 2005 with two other women, long time friends. We adored the Sofitel! S.D. is a wonderful experience and the historic district is most interesting. After the loud hustle bustle of the city, it was a great pleasure to step into the cool, comfortable lobby. I can't say enough about the beauty of this place at night. The open air courtyard is lit by twinkling white lights and you can see the stars. It feels like stepping into the 1600's. The staff was charming and friendly, even remembering our names. The food at the restaurant was excellent and the breakfast buffet was plentiful and delicious. Our room was small, especially with a roll away bed for the third person, and it was layed out rather strangely, but considering its age, it was fine. It was comfortable with a nice modern bathroom. Our time there was a memory I will treasure. I would love to return for a romantic stay with my husband someday.

Great location, really neat hotel. Beautiful courtyard for eating breakfast and hanging out. Service was great - drinks are very pricey at the bar downstairs.

**Request a room that does not face the street. It was VERY loud in the mornings.