It’s nonetheless one of many best-kept secrets and techniques within the Caribbean, regardless of sitting within the coronary heart of a widely known capital: the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo. The UNESCO World Heritage Website was based in 1498 and right this moment is a pastiche of centuries-old buildings, artwork galleries, cafes, bars and thrilling eateries and exquisite plazas.
Whereas the previous metropolis has all the time had a clutch of boutique accommodations, it’s by no means had a major-branded property, until you rely the previous Accor-branded Nicolas de Ovando, which is now a Hodelpa.
That modified this summer time, with the debut of Kimpton’s new Las Mercedes lodge, an thrilling debut within the Colonial Zone with the whole lot from a rooftop lounge to a multi-level courtyard backyard.
Curiously, the lodge, which held its grand opening this week, is definitely operated by one other huge model, Iberostar, due to the corporate’s alliance with Kimpton’s father or mother firm, IHG.
Both means, it’s immediately the world’s must-visit place to remain, with a fascinating mix of recent consolation and colourful historic attraction.
So what else do you should know?
There’s a signature eatery, Zola, which focuses on Italian-inspired meals; a courtyard tapas-style spot referred to as El Patio within the coronary heart of the aforementioned backyard; and a breakfast buffet spot referred to as Coral. That’s together with a pool bar on the rooftop, with the whole lot overseen by govt chef Cosimo Urso. The Colonial Zone has some superb nightlife; on Saturdays, Zola will get into the act with a dwell DJ set through the late night.
There are 130 rooms. Whereas they’re not huge, they’re true to the Kimpton aesthetic: cool, minimalist and cozy.
So is that this all sufficient to attract vacationers to Santo Domingo? The pattern is definitely heading that means. The Dominican authorities has made rising tourism to the capital an enormous precedence, and that has led to a wave of recent flights to town lately. Area-wide, extra vacationers are beginning to take into account getaways in Caribbean capitals like Kingston and Nassau, and the Colonial Zone definitely deserves to be talked about in the identical breath.
Kimpton’s Caribbean portfolio now stands at 4, with its flagship Grand Cayman property, the Kimpton Grand Roatan (which opened final yr) and the Kimpton Aluna Tulum, which welcomed its first friends in 2021. Subsequent yr, the model is opening its first-ever all-inclusive, with a 2025 debut within the Rivera Maya.
So what about costs?
In case you’re planning a keep on the Kimpton Las Mercedes you will get a room for as little as $154 per night time proper now. That provides you a king room with a mini-fridge, a espresso maker, and a sleek-looking rest room.
For extra, go to the Kimpton Las Mercedes.
