The Atarazana isn't really a hotel but a Guest House. Staying there is like being a guest in a good friend's home. And your good friend while you stay there is Susanna. She, or the (handsome) co-owner, the creative end of the enterprise, Bernard are likely to join you for breakfast, offer you a drink later in the day, take you to the supermarket or out for tourist shopping, or, if you ask, as we did, to a really down-n-dirty totally wonderful nightclub for a night of merengue dancing that you would never, ever find on your own.

The rooms are lovely, with a/c, internet and tiny balconies, and a computer for the guests' use if they didn't bring their own. The friendly maid will do your laundry and return it within a few hours for only $5. Everywhere that is 'touristy' is within walking distance of the hotel, but Susanna will get you a guaranteed-price taxi if you want to go further. Also ask her where the good restaurants are - we didn't and ate in the most awful, expensive places, Susanna, though, knows ones so beautiful they would be way out of my price range in any other city in the world.

Why would you want to stay in a mere hotel when you could be a very honored Guest in Susanna and Bernie (and their big, fat cuddly cat's) home?

So, maybe you are thinking, could the Atarazana really be that perfect, what was really wrong with it? Ummm, let me think, oh yeah, the lighting in the bathroom wasn't good, it was too dim for putting on makeup and there wasn't a mirror in the bedroom to do it.

When did you last stay in a place so good that your only complaint was the bathroom lighting?

Atarazana is a great hotel. It is small so you get personal attention. Every morning breakfast is served in the courtyard and you get to talk to Susana the owner. She is very helpful, you can run your plans by her and she will try her best to give you suggestions and ideas. The location of the hotel is great is right in the colonial zone, next to plaza espana, and all historical buildings in the area. If you feel like walking you can also go to el malecon or el conde from the hotel.

I would recomend this hotel to anyone traveling to Santo Domingo. By the way although only 3 rooms have air conditioning you really don't need the AC. I had a room with AC but didn't even use it, I really didn't need it.

The Atarazana is a little 6-room gem in the popular Colonial Zone. It is a block from the Plaza Espana, with a wide choice of restaurants and evening entertainment. The owner and staff are friendly and helpful and the facility is very attractive and well-run. Rooms are comfortable (only half of them have air conditioning right now, but they are slowly adding to the features of the hotel) and spacious and the interior courtyard where breakfast and afternoon drinks are served is a very pleasant oasis. It has only been open for about a year and we wish them success because we plan to go there again and again!

We stayed here on our last two nights on Santo Domingo and loved it. Its designed by a German architect, is a gorgeous space and has wonderful amenities - AC, nice bathrooms, spacious rooms, television, etc - all for a great price. WOnderful wonderful dining area and bar in a cute courtyard too! We really loved this place, and the great hospitality we found there.