Casa Sanchez Boutique Hotel

Most of Santo Domingo’s boutique hotels exist in one of two extremes. Either they firmly hold on to their historical roots in a way that can feel dated and cheap, or they whitewash every trace of character and charm in the name of modernization. Casa Sanchez deftly balances both extremes. In renovating the property, the British owners retained its bones: the overall architecture, original columns, and beautiful, centuries-old tile have all been preserved. However, modern upgrades have been applied throughout in a way that’s tasteful and cohesive with the original colonial look and feel. For a tiny, city center hotel, there's a surprising amount of social space. In addition to the narrow pool courtyard, a spacious rooftop sundeck includes several distinct lounge areas plus a hot tub that collectively provide more than enough room for all guests to relax. 

Like most Santo Domingo streets, the narrow adjacent street is lined with a mix of apartments, homes, and small businesses. Zona Colonial -- the surrounding neighborhood -- is the single most popular destination for tourists who visit Santo Domingo. One-half block south, the El Conde pedestrian mall is lined with restaurants, bars, shops, and markets. Two of the city’s best small parks -- Parque Colón and Parque Duarte -- offer a reprieve from the city’s urban hustle less than 10 minutes away on foot. Given the hotel’s central location, it’s unlikely most guests will want (or need) to rent a car, which can prove dangerous given the country’s perpetual traffic problems and frenetic roads. The hotel can arrange paid airport transportation (to Las Americas International Airport, 40 minutes away) with an English-speaking driver and prices are comparable to the city’s ubiquitous taxis.

In keeping with the property’s boutique nature, every room is named after an eclectic celebrity from a group that includes Pedro Martinez, Winston Churchill, and Matías Ramón Mella (a national hero of the Dominican Republic). The decor is unique to each room and varies widely from tasteful, conservative, and colonial (as in the Standard, Quadruple, and Superior Rooms) to unapologetic, themed kitsch (as in the aptly named British Suite). Most incorporate beautiful elements of original tile, vaulted ceilings, and tropical mahogany doors from the property’s historic past.

For a value hotel, the rooms include a solid list of amenities: air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges. The suites are spacious and apartment-like with upgrades such as kitchenettes (with everything but an oven) and optional private balconies. Guests can request a minibar with drinks in their rooms for an additional fee. Wi-Fi is fast and free in every room and a keyless entry system (every guest chooses a unique passcode at check-in) adds a touch of modernity. Bathrooms vary widely in size and appointments, however, all offer nice touches like brushed nickel fixtures, pebble stone accents, and travertine tile. Walk-in shower stalls and generic, dispenser bath amenities are standard in every room.

The narrow outdoor pool is among the nicest of any boutique property in Santo Domingo. Although small, the surrounding courtyard features a beautiful blend of original details and tasteful updates, like built-in mahogany benches, iridescent tiles, and tall stucco columns. Integrated Swim Jets (like a water treadmill) add a bit of high-tech functionality for guests who want to swim laps in a small space. Located immediately above the pool, the rooftop sundeck is a spacious area that includes a reading lounge, pool table, and sunbathing area with a full-size hot tub. Hardwood laminate flooring, curved wicker seating, sunbeds, and artificial grass all add a hint of resort-like sophistication to the space.

While there is no full on-site restaurant, a hot, made-to-order breakfast is served poolside and included in room rates. The menu rotates but can include pancakes, bacon, oatmeal, fresh fruit, and Dominican mangu (mashed plantains). For lunch and dinner, 24-hour room service is available anywhere on the property. Guests can opt to dine in their rooms, by the pool, or on the rooftop deck. Hotel staff can also facilitate delivery from a number of area eateries. For groups, the staff will set up a private barbecue by the pool for an extra fee. Free, filtered spring water is available to all guests. 

A single parking space is reserved nearby for the hotel. However, remaining guests are required to park on the street where space is limited. The facilities at the small, third-party gym across the street are available for guest use, free of charge. Wi-Fi is fast and free in all common areas.