Gay Santo Domingo Santo Domingo City Guide City Guides > Dominican Republic > Gay Santo Domingo Santo Domingo Casey SiemaskoProud representative of the Caribbean and bustling capital of the Dominican Republic, where the oldest European settlement in the Americas was founded, Santo Domingo holds more than just historic intrigue. Lucky owner of gorgeous white-sand beaches and colonial-era cobblestone streets, lined with charismatic vendors and elderly dominoes players, this city is fast modernizing, with upscale resorts and a booming, internationally-inspired gastronomic scene. While Machismo culture dies hard and Catholicism remains dominant, the Dominican Republic wins out as the Caribbean’s most LGBT-friendly nation, a place where attitudes towards sexuality are loosening, albeit slowly. When the sun sets, the rainbow flag flies, particularly in the heritage Zona Colonial where fashionable young crowds merge to gossip about the night’s gay festivities. As well as the annual Gay Pride Parade, it’s the twice-annual Draguéalo Parties that you’ll want to watch out for – a true spectacle! For more insight into what to do in Santo Domingo, read our Santo Domingo gay travel guide… Feel like getting away? Take a trip planned just for you, and let us do all the work. Discover Trip Design Hotels Things to do Things to see Food & Drink Shopping Nightlife Trip Design The best hotels in Santo DomingoPositively crammed with accommodation offerings is the city’s colonial zone, where a mix of heritage architecture and modern design makes for a highly photogenic backdrop of any trip. To start our Santo Domingo travel guide, it’s five stars all the way at Casas del XVI, a boutique design hotel based in the historic 16th century settlement of Colonial City. Its luxurious suites come replete with Spanish tiled floors and palm-shaded courtyards, as well as your very own mayordomos (butler) to ensure you’ll want for nothing. Expect original heirloom art and furniture accented with work from local contemporary artists.The nearby Casa Sanchez Hotel enchants with its vintage vibes and array of original features, including gorgeous mosaic tiling that starts in the bedrooms and runs through to the terrace restaurant. Additional amenities include a lobby cocktail bar, hot tub, large gym and a pool area where you can enjoy a made-to-order breakfast. The Luca Hotel is another offering within the heart of the colonial district, a modern villa with zen décor, geologic rock art and its own rooftop Jacuzzi. Contemporary yet with colonial references, this spacious hotel also whips up its own fusion cuisine at the on-site restaurant. A home away from home is the Hotel Villa Colonial, where friendly staff, charming rooms and a beautiful pool-side patio await. Beautifully designed and well-located, this property also offers some of the best value for money in Santo Domingo.Inland a little, within the exclusive Piantini District is the JW Marriott Hotel Santo Domingo. Uber fashionable, with an LGBT-friendly atmosphere and all the perks you’d expect from the Marriott name, a stay here is guaranteed to satisfy. While its elegant suites, rooftop infinity pool, fitness centre and lavish surroundings are sure to keep you occupied, there is also the ground floor BlueMall and nearby gay scene (a short taxi ride away) to explore. Casas del XVI Boutique HotelThank you for reading Mr Hudson.Subscribe to City Guides or log in to continue reading. Subscribe now Log inSpecial SelectionExclusive Mr Hudson offersOut now from gestaltenMr Hudson Explores Browse the Book Explore more Amazing shore weekend getaways from Philadelphia, Baltimore or Washington DCA great American getaway in pieces, we journey from the urban hubs towards maritime outposts on the eastern shores. Discover the best weekend getaways from DC, Baltimore and Philadelphia, with Mr Hudson’s curated guide… Read story > The world's best urban gardensThe ethereal Audrey Hepburn once said, “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” Here is a small sampling of enchanting gardens found in the most unexpected urban spaces. Read story > Marseille City GuideMarseille is a port city with a sublime location on the Mediterranean Provencal coast, an abundance of natural wonders, a plethora of new museums, and a history that stretches back to ancient Greece. To access this content, you must purchase City Guides subscription. Explore > Subscribe to our newsletterYou can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Sign up for exclusive insider promotions SIGN UP