El Beaterio Casa Museo

With its rustic all-stone facade and gothic wrought-iron window bars, El Beaterio immediately stands out, even amid its quaint colonial streetscape. It was originally built in 1530 as a convent to host America’s first female Dominican order, and the building is of such historical and architectural significance, that in 2016 it officially became Santo Domingo’s first “hotel-museum.” While El Beaterio now functions as a bed-and-breakfast, the experience is imbued with the story of its past -- showcasing a mix of old relics, historic imagery, and fascinating commentary of what came before. The scene inside evolves like an enchanting storybook and fascinating history lesson rolled into one. Stone and brickwork walls, lofty exposed beam ceilings, timber deco era furniture, and fresh cut tropical flowers channel a homey elegance in the lobby that feels like a cozy big living room. Through the teeny restaurant and down a hallway hung with history, an open-air patio provides access to rooms. With wrought-iron tables and chairs, white shade umbrellas, and jungle-esque potted plants like billowing ferns, elephant ears, and palm trees, it feels like a little outdoor oasis. While the lower levels feel quite compact, the rooftop offers a lovely open space with glass-topped wrought-iron tables beneath black umbrellas, overlooking picturesque Parque Duarte across the road. 

El Beaterio is well located in the Colonial Zone, a spot ideal for sightseers and those looking to be near dining and shopping. A number of the Colonial Zone’s best restaurants are placed within an easy stroll, along with plenty of cafes and bars to choose from, plus shops to explore. Other walkable highlights include Plaza de Espagna (11 minutes), Alcazar de Colon (12 minutes), Catedral Primada de America -- the oldest church in the Americas (five minutes), Museo de las Casas Reales (nine minutes), Independencia Park (nine minutes), and Larimar Museum (five minutes). Las Americas International Airport is about a 20-minute drive away, and Don Diego Cruise Terminal is 15 minutes on foot or four minutes by car. 

The property's history and Old World flavor flows into rooms, which are available in Familiar, Comfort, and Standard categories. Lofty ceilings with exposed beams and slate floors offer a rustic backdrop to the gothic wrought-iron furnishings that include four-poster beds, candelabras, and glass-topped vanity desks. Plush white bedding and little accent pillows tops beds, which guests frequently praise as comfortable. On the downside, some rooms lack windows and outlook, but shuttered doors allow light to stream in whilst maintaining privacy. All rooms are equipped with small wall-mounted tube TVs, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, full-length wall mirrors, safes, bug spray (which comes in handy during rainy season), and free bottled water. Bathrooms are quaint -- if not a little cramped -- with decorative tiling, narrow showers, small pedestal sinks, hairdryers, and toiletries.

As expected for an intimate, historic property, El Beaterio doesn't offer the resort-level features of other properties. But it does have a few charming extras on hand. The little on-site restaurant serves a delicious free daily breakfast with a small buffet selection, eggs cooked to order, plus divine fresh-squeezed juices, like passionfruit. There's also plenty of lovely common areas to lounge in, including the elegantly appointed lobby, the lush open-air patio on the ground floor, and the furnished rooftop terrace which looks out over the street and toward the park over the road. The hotel can assist with airport transportation, and free Wi-Fi is provided.