3 Unique Marriott Hotels in Santo Domingo

One of the largest cities in the Caribbean and the capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo offers a variety of accommodation options. And Marriott International is especially well-positioned in the destination, with multiple brands offering diverse styles, locations and price points.

During my most recent visit to Santo Domingo, I stayed at three Marriott International properties that cater to different traveler types. Here are highlights of each. 

JW Marriott Hotel Santo Domingo

The decidedly upscale JW Marriott Hotel Santo Domingo, located in the heart of one of the city’s most important business districts, offers JW Marriott’s trademark elegant style and decor, as well as attentive service and plenty of noteworthy features. I was especially impressed by the guestrooms, which are beautifully designed and feature many amenities, including toiletries, comfy bathrobes, well-stocked minibars and large glass desks. Guests on club-level floors, as well as elite-level Marriott Bonvoy members, have access to a lounge that provides daily continental breakfast and happy hours with snacks; the lounge also has two small meeting rooms.

The public areas are equally attractive. The hotel features a 24-hour gym and a rooftop swimming pool and open-air lounge area, which provides space for relaxing and enjoying the warm weather. The cuisine is yet another selling point at this property; I enjoyed a sumptuous dinner at Winston’s Grill & Patio, which features a sophisticated international menu and also hosts a daily Asian food market in the afternoon. Plans call for the restaurant and meeting spaces to be renovated in the second half of this year. 

Fine dining is also available at BlueMall Santo Domingo, a luxury shopping mall attached to the hotel that’s also ideal for designer shopping. 

Best for: Leisure travelers looking for luxurious accommodations, excellent service and cuisine, as well as proximity to some of the city’s best upscale shopping. It’s also well-placed for business travelers looking to be near corporate offices. 

Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino

On one wall in the reception area at Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino, a collection of vintage black-and-white photos document the outsized role the hotel has played in Santo Domingo’s social and hospitality scene. In 1942, the property debuted as the first large-scale hotel in Santo Domingo, designed to compete on an international level with properties in Cuba and Puerto Rico. 

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In the late 20th century, nearly all the structures of the original Jaragua were replaced by strikingly modern new structures. The property also underwent a massive renovation in 2015 and continues to stay up to date. And, of course, Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino’s prized location on the scenic Malecon, the waterfront boulevard, continues to be a selling point, as well.

Unlike most urban hotels, this property exudes the ambience of a true resort hotel. Its expansive grounds are graced with palm trees, tennis courts and a large swimming pool with cabanas decorated with murals by local artists. 
Local art, in fact, plays a wonderfully large role in the hotel’s decor, with eye-catching framed works and wall murals in several parts of the property.

I also appreciated the celebration of local culture and traditions; Luna Restaurant, the property’s attractive bar and eatery, hosts a Dominican Night every Thursday, where authentic local cuisine is the specialty. The restaurant also stages an equally popular Taco Tuesday night, and one of my favorite culinary experiences was dining at the chef’s table, set in a private room that faces the kitchen. I also enjoyed dining in the hotel’s club lounge, which offers great views as well as extensive food and beverage service.

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Room decor matches the light, airy vibe of the public areas. I stayed in a spacious room with lovely Caribbean views, pleasing light-gray tones and brilliant splashes of color.

The hotel also has a lovely spa and well-equipped fitness center, and travelers looking for entertainment may be interested in paying a visit to the on-site casino, which hosts live musical performances several nights per week, and the La Fiesta theater, which has more than 1,200 seats and hosts big-name performers throughout the year. 

Best for: Travelers who appreciate a resort-style setting with a fresh, artsy ambiance, as well as lovely Caribbean views. 

Courtyard Santo Domingo

Located in the financial district and conveniently close to several important cultural institutions, this Courtyard by Marriott property is a perfect example of the brand’s refreshed approach to hospitality. I was struck by Courtyard Santo Domingo’s visual style as soon as I entered the lobby, which is divided seamlessly between the reception area and a restaurant and bar/lounge area that offers plenty of areas to relax or work. The decor is colorful and contemporary, yet comfortable.

The same goes for the guestrooms. I found my room to be thoughtfully and stylishly designed, with excellent lighting, subdued modern decor, a large-screen television and an especially attractive bathroom with shower.

I enjoyed a delightful dinner at Kitchen and Bar, the appropriately named dining venue that hosts weekly events, including all-you-can-eat taco nights on Wednesdays, live music and/or karaoke on Thursdays and wine of the month specials every weeknight. The property also has an outdoor swimming pool, a 24-hour fitness center and a 24-hour business center. 

Courtyard Santo Domingo is well-suited for culture lovers, thanks to its proximity to attractions such as the Museum of Modern Art, National Museum of Natural History, Museum of the Dominican Man and the National Theater.

Best for: Business travelers, as well as leisure travelers looking for value prices, vibrant style and proximity to multiple cultural venues.