I stayed here for only a few days in June with some unfortunate weather but had a good time. I had booked through RCI and paid for a week but it's such a good deal that checking out early with paid days was still very economical. My room had a mini-kitchen that allowed us to go to some of the supermarkets nearby (very nice..big!). I had just completed a week of all-inclusive in Las Terrenas which was super nice, but it was nice to cook for ourselves to save some cash. It allowed us to go on the town for dinner. there are super good restaurants in the city on the Malecon and in Zona Colonial. The room had a dinning room and sitting room, with a separate bedroom, and a huge bathroom that was quite nice. The bedroom left a little to be desired and it had a leak in the window but my bed was comfortable and there was extra furniture for clothes. I'd suggest some new sheets but they were always clean. The TV and sitting room could use some new furniture but again...always clean. I enjoyed the gas range and fridge and all the pots and pans and utensils we needed were available. Air-conditioning only in the bedroom but with a fan in the rest of the room we were comfortable.

The staff were very nice, the hotel was very tranquil. The pool was small but very clean and very relaxing. You have to buy drinks from them at the pool, but they were inexpensive. I never ate at the restaurant but it was very affordable and the food looked good from what I "saw". It had a real personal touch because there aren't many people at one time. It is a cute little place once inside. True, not the greatest neighborhood and at night it's a little rowdy but it's a great base half way between the beach at Boca Chica and the Zona Colonial of the city and a lot more economically than staying directly in Zona Colonial. It is very tranquil inside with good security and nice people. A nice check-in, a safe, nice towels, free wifi, good parking DR style with someone watching your car, etc etc. If they fixed up the little things here and there I would give it a much higher rating.

I would say if you want to experience more of the culture and see the city versus what you'd get in all-inclusive then this is a great place to have as a base. Doing some of your own cooking allows one to spend more on nice dinners and see the city. While it's got some rough edges, it's safe and clean and very spacious. Very convenient for larger groups and more flexible than the resort hotels for guests and such. It offers a shuttle to the beach and a cheap cab ride the center of the city. I will most likely return given the opportunity.

At first sight you might have second thoughts about staying here, judging from the outside ruckus that you will see on the weekends. Once inside, you're in another dimension. This hotel is a nice, quaint, comfortable and clean place to sleep overnight or have an extended stay. If you are looking for expensive sheets, towels and luxury soaps, skip it. It is a no-frills place but very comfortable and most important, very clean.
Front desk and security guard in front are very pleasant and welcoming. Check in will be very smooth. The rooms itself are big - it has a living/dining area, kitchen, bedroom and bath. Only thing though - I wish they had a TV in the bedroom and not only in the living room.
Breakfast is not included but for around $6 you can enjoy a variety of "continental" fare. They do provide morning coffee and tea on the house.
Overall, I give it a 2 thumbs up!

I have use the hotel so many times since 2005 when my friend Henry decided to buy there. He purchase a two bedroom two bath, the apt/room is great especially when you have guest. I love Chris, she makes me and my friends feel right at home. I was sorry to hear that Chris no longer works there. My trip this time was not up to par, the room I usually use everytime I visit was molding smelling and the televison get not work. I ask to move to another room which was four stories up and the air only work in the bedrooms which was not pleasant.and my friend had a fit because our two bedroom two bath is in the newer building very modern. The service was ok but I understand it was taken over by new management so hopefully when I return this July everything will be working and the service top rate again.

My family and I recently stay for approximately five days at this hotel. I must say I was pleasantly surprised by the accomodations; spacious and tropically decorated room. The room did have a small mold problem in the bathroom and no AC in the livingroom/diningroom/additional room aread, but okay. The staff was really helpful and friendly. The restaurant on site mainly serves italian fare, but I must say that the food was quite good and affordable. Now..having said all of that...I was really taken aback by the amount of single man staying at the hotel and shocked by the amount of them that were accompanied by what were very apparently local prostitutes. Furthermore there is what appears to be a bordello just accross the street (my husband got propositioned when we passed the place in our car with our kid in the back). This really took away from the hotel, which is generally lovely and nicer than the pictures posted on line. I would not recommend this place for a family nor would I recommend it for someone who wants to be near city attractions unless you are renting a car or feel very comfortable traveling around Santo Domingo. The hotel is about a block away from the sea, however, it is not waterfront nor can you or should you safely walk this area at night. Acuarium is fine for the price, but I don't recommended for families looking for a tropical getaway.