Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Zona Colonial is the most distinctive part of the city and therefore where most travel-
ers prefer to stay. Sights and restaurants are within walking distance and there's an excel-
lent choice of midrange and top-end hotels to choose from, including several European-
owned boutique-style places in restored colonial-era buildings. Budget travelers have few-
er options. Gazcue, a quiet residential area southwest of Parque Independencia, has sever-
al hotels in the midrange category, though there are far fewer eating options and you're
likely to have to rely on taxis, especially at night. The high-rise hotels on the Malecón are
best if you're looking for resort-style amenities like swimming pools and tennis courts,
and on-site nightclubs and casinos.
Zona Colonial
Portes 9
MAP
B&B
$
GOOGLE MAP
( 849-943-2039;
info@portes9.com
; Calle Arzobispo Portes 9; r incl breakfast from US$55; )
Four tastefully furnished all-white wood-floored rooms with high ceilings make up this
Spanish-owned B&B fronting a quiet plaza in the neighborhood's southeast corner. It's an
intimate spot where guests socialize over breakfast. Plans were for four more rooms to be
added in the adjoining home.
Casa Naemie
MAP
HOTEL
$
GOOGLE MAP
( 809-689-2215;
www.casanaemie.com
; Isabel la Católica 11; s/d incl breakfast RD$2000/3000; )
This charming oasis only a few blocks from the oldest cathedral in the Americas feels like
a European pension. Surrounding a narrow central courtyard are three floors of cozy,
clean rooms with large modern bathrooms. An elegant lobby with a vaulted entranceway
and brick flooring does double duty in the morning when the excellent breakfast is served.
Bettye's Exclusive Guest House
( 809-688-7649;
marshallbettye@hotmail.com
; Plaza de María de Toledo, Isabel la Católica 163; dm per
person US$22, r US$45; )
Look for the nondescript iron doorway opening onto Plaza de
María de Toledo; don't be discouraged by the messy art-gallery space. There are several
dorm rooms (one has a fan) with five to six beds, and while the spaces are hectic, they get
good light and there's access to a common kitchen and bathroom.
GUESTHOUSE
$
