A Favorite Thing

One of my favorite hotels has always been the Mercure Comercial. Right in the midst of all the happenings on the Conde, the pedestrian stroll with various shops and restaurants. I especially enjoy the covered patio where I can have a meal, a cocktail or chat with one of the friendly locals who may saunter up to engage in conversation.

The hotel has had its share of "restrictions" but it mostly has allowed discreet interactions. I have found that when visiting the D.R. one can have most of what they want with discretion.

The Mercure is comfortable, competitively priced, has wifi available and is steps away from a plethora of dining options, clubs, historic venues and tourist sites. It has a full hot breakfast buffet daily, included in the room rate. Rates start around $68 dollars US. You can often get a discounted rate through one of the travel sites.

*personal valet pictured above not included

Getting Refreshed

Brazilian Bombshell

Hotel Casas del XVI

Grupo Vicini is behind the opening of the Hotel Casas del XVI, a five star hotel located in twenty renovated 16th century mansions in Santo Domingo's Colonial City. Some RD$800 million is being invested in the venture. Upon making the announcement, Juan Vicini said they would be inviting other property owners in the Colonial City to join the project. 
At present they are taking bookings for two houses, the Casa del Arbol (Calle Padre Billini 252) and the Casa de los Mapas (Calle 19 de Marzo No. 115). 
The boutique hotel is scheduled for a 23 April opening with 17 rooms in five houses. 
The hotel has been open since 14 March and is now offering pre-opening rates of US$225-US$265. 
Hotel Casas del XVI is a collection of colonial era mansions converted into modern hotels. The project is due for completion in 2016. 
Dominican architects and interior decorators Juan Mubarak, Juan Batlle, Alejandro Marranzini, Cristina Perez and Patricia Reid worked on the renovations. 
The perks include iPhones that are lent to each guest. The property is managed by Prohotel International and marketed by Small Luxury Hotels of the World. The hotel is located at Calle Padre Billini 252 in the Colonial City. 
www.casasdelxvi.com/las-casas.html

25 Years Of Internet

If it were not for the internet we could not share wonderful talent such as this.

Revamped Accomodations

Santo Domingo Sheraton ready for 27 March opening Starwood Hotels is already taking bookings for the opening of the remodeled Santo Domingo Malecon 365 boulevard hotel later this month. The hotel has been operating as Magna 365 but will reopen as the Santo Domingo Sheraton on 27 March.  The hotel, with 245 guest rooms and suites facing the Caribbean Sea, is targeting both business and leisure travelers. The new Sheraton offers upgraded amenities at its Sheraton Club Rooms floor.  The Sheraton has also remodeled its function rooms, its business center, and expansive ballroom.

New look rooms and wine & rum bar at the Embajador The Hotel Occidental Embajador in Santo Domingo says that US$5 million has been spent on refurbishing the Mirador del Sur Park hotel. The renovations have updated the rooms, bars, restaurant, meeting rooms, terrace and lobby and added new color to the hotel furnishings in general. The hotel dates back to 1956.  The management says that the renovated lobby of the Embajador is now a Gastro & Wine Bar with an extensive menu of the best Dominican rums, too.  As part of the renovations, 61 rooms were redecorated in a contemporary classic design, where neutral colors prevail for a relaxing experience and furniture was changed. The 104 rooms and suites that are part of the El Embajador Club, the preferential floor, were also renovated with new colors and furnishings. They have their independent front desk and a new lounge. The Royal Club section, with its 22 rooms and five suites, were improved with new furniture and decor.  Overall, the hotel has 278 rooms. The hotel is popular with the events sector, and its Garden Tent has a capacity for 700 persons. A new parking area with more than 400 spaces is also part of the overhaul.

And The Oscar Goes To...

If you deserve this Oscar you may award yourself by visiting HERE.

The END Of Carnaval Season

Just when you thought the season was over...
The best of carnival from all around the Dominican Republic meets in Punta Cana Village this weekend for the annual carnival celebration. Check out the troupes of carnival characters from all over the country as well as Punta Cana itself. 4pm, Saturday, 8 March 2014.