Gay Santo Domingo Santo Domingo City Guide

Proud 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…

The best hotels in Santo Domingo

Positively 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 16^th 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.