We stayed at the "Nicolas" from Mar. 20 to 24 (2006) after researching Santo Domingo hotels extensively. Let me first state we had just completed a week in the Boca Chica region. Large, busy hi-rise type hotels were, preferably, not on our agenda.
From the moment we arrived we were impressed with the attention to detail - especially our personal needs. From the cool towelettes and tropic drinks to the friendly "Dominican" front-office staff, our check-in was pleasant and professional.
After reading the previous review I'd just like to add we experienced no complications regarding credit card deposits. In our case, there was no requirement for a deposit other than the standard card imprint at check-in. We experienced no billing errors or suspect charges for the entire stay. Nor were we given any impression this may occur - all employees were professional, helpful, courteous and thorough at all times.
Our room was a fabulous modern-type with king bed and a beautiful bathroom with sunken tub, large marble vanity and a positively "huge" circular, marble shower. We had a beautiful view of one of the many tropical courtyards within the property. Fresh hand-rolled cigars (though I do not indulge), fresh chocolates daily before bedtime as well as more warm, clean towels added to our appreciation of the attentive service at all times.
The ACCOR Hotel group has done a tremendous job at blending the historical and new structures into a hotel that, at times, took our breath away. The "Nicholas" is in the heart of the historical district. Step out the front door and turn right and walk across the street to the home of "Christopher Columbus". It's that close. There are many fine restaurants, shops and historical sites all within easy, safe walking distance.
Our stay included the buffet breakfast daily. Take our advise - should you decide to stay here, the breakfast is a no-brainer. Incredible selection of fresh fruits, juices, any type of omelette or egg preparation and a healthy choice of heated meats ie. Dominican sausage (my personal favorite), bacon, etc. as well as a choice selection of baked goods, jams, cold meats, cheeses - all enjoyed in a wonderful dining courtyard just off the main dining room (primarily only used when the heat is overwhelming). There are both covered and sunny areas for any exposure preference.
We could go on extensively about this beautiful hotel. If you'd like to treat yourself to deserved indulgence . . . don't hesitate to stay here. The room rates will seem like a bargain. We could easily have stayed another 3 or 4 days and wiled away midday around the gorgeous swimming pool and lush, large sunning area. Go ahead . . . treat yourself, you deserve it!

I have stayed at either Frances or Nicolas de Ovando every time in DR and although they are charming there are quite a few annoying problems such as lack of hot water and the normal DR hassles. However, by far the most concerning is their insistance that you sign a 20, 000 pesos amount on your credit card on arrival and this on top of signed credit card form when booking on line. In theory, when you check out you should agree a final amount with the hotel but in my last case , although I signed a final account on departure my Amex card was debited with a far greater amount and I have never seen any account from Nicolas de Ovando justifying or showing what was in the account ...for that reason alone I will not be returning when the only redeeming feature in the hotel is the ambience ..Richard

We stayed at the Sofitel De Nicholas in Santo Domingo because we had read the reviews and it really appealed to what we wanted. The Hotel itself was beautiful, very clean and the Dominican workers except the front desk, were very pleasant, nice and accommodating.
The two women at the front desk, were very rude, discourteous, and ignorant. I am not sure if they were Dominican or not because usually D.R. people are very pleasant. One had blonde hair and the other darker hair.
They treated us with disrespect and acted as though they were better than us. Now when we are paying good money to stay at a nice Hotel, better than the others in the area, we expect to be treated well and with dignity. My nieces who live part time in D.R. ended up joining us so we asked if we could book another room when we arrived. You would have thought we were asking to travel to the moon. When they finally decided that they did have a room available, they wanted us to almost pay double and they had one less person than us! When we asked why it would be that price, they rolled their eyes, acted like we were low lifes, and made quite a display over it, going back and forth to the back room to ask someone. They really tried to embarrass us and make us feel stupid and they did.
We ended up getting another room for our nieces just a few blocks away and it was a very nice Hotel. Actually I would imagine, most of the Hotels in the Zona Colonial area are nice and have character.
So, will we stay at Sofitel again? No! Being treated the way we were, was awful and demeaning. We loved the other workers at the Hotel and the Hotel itself is gorgeous and clean. But, to go on vacation to "get away from it all" and be treated like that was uncalled for and unexceptable.

The hotel, staff and location are excellent and the free breakest is much better than I would have ever managed.