Drove in from Punta Cana for a 3 night stay. There wasn't any valet parking, though there is a parking lot reserved for hotel guests directly off the street - just keep an eye out for the chickens and roosters that frequent the parking lot!

Check in was without any problems - and we loved the cool towels and fruit juice that was offered to us right at the front desk.

The property is immaculate - and historic. You are actually staying in a building that dates from 1502, and they've managed to preserve the historic details, while adding modern amenities and services.

Our room 4011 was fantastic. Air conditioned, no bugs or mosquitos and extremely comfortable beds.

Complimentary breakfast buffet is top notch. We couldn't believe that it was free! Room service menu is a bit limited compared to the restaurant for dinner, but food is consistently very good across the board.

Staff is friendly, though a bit formal - not that I'm complaining. We were just coming off a stay at the Punta Cana Hotel and Resort and things there were much less formal. (By the way, we loved the Punta Cana Hotel and Resort - read my Trip Advisor review if you are thinking about going there).

Location is perfect for those wanting to explore the Colonial Zone. The few times we ventured out in a taxi, the hotel had one waiting for us with just 5 minutes notice.

Pool is great - and pool area very soothing.

To summarize - great hotel!

First of all, Santo Domingo is not really a tourist destination. It is a very, very poor city and be warned women: you will get harassed. hotel was really pretty, but room 3030 is next to the dish-washing room. After a party that ended at midnight, we had employees yelling and singing right outside our room. The front desk was notified and did nothing. Finally, after an hour, I insisted that we get a new room-but never received an apology. This definitely could have been handled a lot better. Overall, though...the hotel was beautiful, the food was good, and the people were nice.

From the cool moist towel at check in to the turn down service with cookies, this is a place to be pampered with the tremendous plus of being in the very heart of the Zona Colonial. You do not even have to walk out the door to be immersed in history, but if you do, there are historic "firsts" in the Americas to your right, left and even at your feet (first paved street). Rooms were clean, quiet and comfortable with numerous amenities including soft robes, large towels and phones and light switches where they should be. Can't get away completely any more? Cable Internet in the room and Wi-Fi in the common areas. We were one of three couples and all had exactly the same experience right down to the wonderful complimentary breakfast buffet. and delightful al fresco lunch.

There is so much to do within a few hundred yards of the hotel that our two days and nights went by in a flash. The hotel is a block from Columbus Square, a great place to people watch and surrounded by nice shops with what looked to be local crafts, some high quality.

Actually booked a room at the Sofitel Frances but it was overbooked and I got moved to Nicolas de Ovando. I had no problem wih this as Nicols de Ovando is supposed to be the more upscale of the 2 and is only a few blocks away.

Staff was as friendly and helpful as could be though our room did have a mosquito problem and my wife and I suffered more than a few mosquito bites.

Outsid eof the mosquito issue, the hoel is beautiful and in a wonderful location in the colonial zone. We had breakfast on day and it was pretty good.

Overall, this hotel occupies the coolest building of all hotels in Santo Domingo. The Hilton ay be new and sleek but I doubtit can match the charm of Nicolas de Ovando