Accommodations

Under US$50

Hostal del Cibao (Calle Benito Monción 40, tel. 809/581-7775, US$12 d) is the place to rest the heads of the weary backpackers and budget travelers. Located just a short walk from the Parque Central, there are 14 rooms available. All are spacious with private bath (no hot water), cable TV, and fan. Enjoy early evenings watching Santiago [1] on your private balcony.

Hotel Colonial (Salvador Cucurullo 115, tel. 809/247-3122, US$13 d) is between Calle 30 de Marzo and España. It offers clean rooms that are a bit small and simple with cable TV, fan, and private bathroom. The staff here is very hospitable and friendly. Next to Hotel Colonial is the Colonial Deluxe, which charges a little more since the building and its rooms are newer.

Camp David (Carretera Luperón Km 7 1/2, tel. 809/276-6400, www.campdavidranch.com [2], US$41–US$50 d) is located along the Carretera Turística on a mountainside filled with huge homes, overlooking a breathtaking view of the valley. It was opened in 1987 by a Trujillo fan and is decorated with some of the dictator’s personal belongings, like books, photos, and license plates, and a few of his old cars are parked in the lobby. The immortalization of a brutal dictator seems a bit strange for a hotel theme.

Nevertheless, the rest of the decor is tastefully sparse throughout the hotel’s bar and restaurant (which is also quite good), making it a suitable choice for accommodation, especially if you want to get out of the city. The rooms are big and have hot water. Room number 5 (sleeps two) has the best view, but the whole place is starting to show its age. You don’t come here for modernity; you come for the wide sweeping view of the Cibao Valley. When booking a room, make sure to mention “room with a view” because all rooms cost the same amount.

US$50–100

Hotel Aloha Sol (Calle del Sol 50, tel. 809/583-0090, www.alohasol.com [3], US$55–75 d) is close to shopping and other services. There is Internet service, a restaurant, and a piano bar (4 p.m.–midnight). The rooms are very clean and have air-conditioning, cable TV, and a minibar, but you’ll be billed if you use anything from it. You can request a room with a fax machine in it if you are here on business. The rooms are all a bit cramped, even the suites.

Hodelpa Centro Plaza Hotel (Calle Mella 54 and Calle del Sol, tel. 809/581-7000, www.hodelpa.com [4], US$75) was recently renovated, and that is great news because now it not only has a phenomenal location, but also it has very comfortable carpeted rooms with air-conditioning, goose down pillows, cable TV, mini-bars, a gym, and a great restaurant on the top floor that will give you panoramic views of the city as you dine.

US$100 and Up

Hodelpa Gran Almirante (Av. Estrella Sadhalá and Calle 10, tel. 809/580-1992, www.hodelpa.com [4], US$200–290) is Vegas in Santiago [1], baby! Complete with casino till the wee hours and rooms with all the trimmings (air-conditioning, hair dryers, wireless Internet access, minibar, cable TV, etc.), four restaurants, pool and Jacuzzi, and fitness center. It’s only 15 minutes from the airport.