My husband & I chose to visit Santo Domingo instead of the tourist areas (Puerto Plata or Punta Cana) in hopes to actually get out and experience a new culture opposed to relaxing at an all-inclusive (which we've already done twice in the Caribbean). I booked the Hilton based on the mere fact that it was the newest and cleanest hotel in town.
The hotel is lovely -- just like any Hilton in the USA. The views are great (although the water is not so blue!). If you're visiting the Santo Domingo Hilton for pleasure opposed to business I recommend contacting a tour company before your arrival as the concierge doesn't have too much information about tours or other local information. To be honest the guest service agents at this hotel are pretty unfriendly with the exception of Julissa (visit her in the Executive Business Center).
The Santo Domingo City Tour has a lot of history behind it. Above all I highly recommend the day trip to Isla Soana, a beautiful island off the coast of Bayahibe - about a two hour drive away. If you're up for Italian cuisine try Angelo's in La Atarazana, they have a great wine list! Skip Tony Roma's next door and opt for Pizzarelli's instead!
Come prepared with sunblock and OFF as the gift shop prices are very high. The dealers at the casino have no idea what they are doing and most of the other tourists we spoke to believed the tables were rigged so play with caution. Don't waste your time on the vacant mall next door!
I was a little weary on the issues of safety in Santo Domingo, especially because of the reviews I had been reading but honestly I felt pretty safe -- as with any foreign country, just travel with caution. Lastly, the restaurant prices in Santo Domingo rival NYC -- I heard on our way back that tourists are given a different menu with different prices, not sure if this is true but just be on the look out for it.
Happy travels!






Cleanliness

Check in / front desk



