SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

(3.6 based on 19 votes)
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Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo

Founded in 1498 by Bartholomew Columbus (Christopher Columbus´ brother), Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic's capital, has the distinction of being the oldest colonial city in the Americas. In the present days, this city, located on the southern coast of the island, bordering the Caribbean Sea, has a population that surpasses 3 million people (about 37 percent of the total population of the country) and a land area of approximately 230 square kilometers. The Río Ozama traverses Santo Domingo from north to south, dividing it into two major areas: the eastern and the western; the eastern portion being the most prosperous and modern of the two.

Colonial Zone

The city is divided in more than 600 sectors denominated ensanches, sectores or zonas. Among these divisions is Santo Domingo´s famous historic district, which is known by many names, including the Colonial Zone, Zona Colonial, Ciudad Colonial and Colonial City. This historic center, declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994, boasts many fine architectural sites from the age of exploration and colonialism,... more

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Ratings & Reviews

12 reviews of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Boca Chica
Submitted by:Knarf42
February 28, 2008
 In general I found Santo Domingo to be enjoyable and eye opening concerning third world countries. There is definitely a have and have not society separation. The Hilton we stayed at in Boca Chica was walled and had very vigilante guards to keep us safe. I rented a car and drove much of the island looking for the perfect beach to snorkle only to realize that it was just out my back door. There was incredible stag horn corals and white powder sand beachs. The only trouble we had was drivin... More
 In general I found Santo Domingo to be enjoyable and eye opening concerning third world countries. There is definitely a have and have not society separation. The Hilton we stayed at in Boca Chica was walled and had very vigilante guards to keep us safe. I rented a car and drove much of the island looking for the perfect beach to snorkle only to realize that it was just out my back door. There was incredible stag horn corals and white powder sand beachs. The only trouble we had was driving into SantoDomingo and getting pulled over by a uniformed police officer on a moped for alledgely driving through a red light which was none existent. He asked for $80.00 to give my license back. The all inclusive was terrific!
Date of Trip to : April2005
Purpose of your trip: Personal
Cost of your stay: $1001-$2000
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Submitted by:Brown eugene2
February 28, 2008
i love santo domingo and made numerous trips since 2000 at least twice a year. my only bad experience was staying at a gay unfriendly hotel riazor where i was lied to about changes in guest policies so i cut my two wk.stay after three nights and went to a better hotel!... More
i love santo domingo and made numerous trips since 2000 at least twice a year. my only bad experience was staying at a gay unfriendly hotel riazor where i was lied to about changes in guest policies so i cut my two wk.stay after three nights and went to a better hotel!
Date of Trip to : January2008
Purpose of your trip: Personal
Cost of your stay: $1001-$2000
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PUNTA CANO
Submitted by:TMuscojr
February 24, 2008
My Wife and I just spent a week at the Riu Nieboa in Punta Cano and would never go back there again the people were rude and crude the staff at the resort spoke only spanish and if they did speak English they pretended not to understand you the food was terrible and the bars to get a drink in during the day time was limited to one lounge on a hill above the pool to say it again we would never go back there again.... More
My Wife and I just spent a week at the Riu Nieboa in Punta Cano and would never go back there again the people were rude and crude the staff at the resort spoke only spanish and if they did speak English they pretended not to understand you the food was terrible and the bars to get a drink in during the day time was limited to one lounge on a hill above the pool to say it again we would never go back there again.
Date of Trip to : February2008
Purpose of your trip: Personal
Cost of your stay: $2001-$3000
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