Casas Del XVI
Old-world colonial glamour with a big personality. Think purple walls alongside centuries-old brick floors, floating bathtubs next to colonial antiques, pineapple-shaped light fixtures, and indigenous crafts. Bold and art-forward, not bland luxury-hotel beige.
Check-in is at Casa del Árbol (Calle Padre Billini No. 252) regardless of which house you're staying in
Why It Matters
One of the only luxury hotel concepts in the Dominican Republic that's fully embedded inside the Colonial City. Holds a 2025 Michelin Key, is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and is explicitly noted as LGBT-friendly — rare for this part of the Caribbean. The whole-house rental model (private chef, dedicated butler, private pool) is genuinely unusual in this market.
Casas del XVI is a luxury boutique hotel spread across a collection of individually restored 16th-century colonial houses in Santo Domingo's UNESCO-listed Ciudad Colonial. Each house has its own name, personality, and design story — from Casa de los Mapas, hung floor-to-ceiling with antique cartography, to Casa del Diseñador, a tribute to Dominican fashion. Rooms and whole houses are attended by personal butlers (mayordomos), and dining comes to you — served in interior patios or private terraces rather than a central restaurant.
Where You'll Stay
9 room types available
Casa Antillana
A Caribbean-inflected colonial house on the pedestrian Calle Macorís. Light, airy, and anchored by a large sea grape tree in the garden. Celebrates West Indies culture through its design. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, sleeps 8. Has a pool.
4 beds · 377 sqmCasa de los Mapas
Named for its collection of antique maps decorating the walls, this house sits on the grounds of the former Dominican Monastery. Plantation-style furniture and colonial-tropical ambiance. The pool sits in a lush garden patio. Rooms flow directly into the outdoor spaces. Sleeps 6. Former Dominican Republic president Ulises Heureaux resided in a nearby house, and the map collection was inspired by itinerant guests over the years.
3 beds · 545 sqmCasa del Árbol
The check-in house and one of the largest on the property at 508m². Originally the home of an architect who oversaw restoration works in the Colonial City. Original gray and white tiles remain, and the design is inspired by the large mango tree growing in its courtyard garden. Has 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, accommodates up to 10 guests. Booked exclusively — guests get the full house and privacy.
5 beds · 508 sqmCasa del Diseñador
The former home of a Dominican fashion designer and one of the largest houses at 533m². Thick white walls, brick floors, and a covered terrace create a dramatic sense of space. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sleeps 6. Comes with a plunge pool.
3 beds · 533 sqmCasa del Pozo
The largest capacity house, sleeping up to 14 guests across 8 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms in 490m². Designed around the contrast of ancient and modern — original colonial foundations preserved, new elements strikingly contemporary. The heart is a colonial-style patio with a large dining area perfect for group meals. Has a pool.
8 beds · 490 sqmCasa Macorís
Originally part of the Convent of the Dominican Order, which still stands nearby. Smaller than some of the other houses at 293m², but arguably the most atmospheric — bells from surrounding churches mark the hours. Dominican folklore-inspired design. Has a pool shared with hotel guests unless booked under exclusivity.
3 beds · 293 sqm
Luxury Room
The entry-level room at Casas del XVI, but 'entry level' is relative. Each Luxury Room is distinct in its furnishings and décor — one might have a four-poster bed, another a floating bathtub. All come with Acqua di Parma toiletries and 400-thread-count linens. Bathrooms are full-size with either a shower or a bathtub. Fits 2 adults plus an infant crib.
King or Queen · 30 sqmLuxury Superior
Same footprint as the Luxury Room (30m²) but located exclusively in houses with pools or plunge pools, giving direct pool access. The design theme is inspired by the specific house it sits in — so a Luxury Superior in Casa de los Mapas has a different feel from one in Casa Antillana. Same full bathroom and Acqua di Parma setup throughout.
King or Queen · 30 sqm
Superior Colonial
The largest standard room option at 35m², set up with two Queen beds. Located in houses with pools or plunge pools. Good for three adults or a couple with a child who needs a separate sleeping space. Same luxury finishes and butler service as other room types.
2 Queen · 35 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
An introduction to ceramics at Casa Alfarera, a local brand known for its innovative work. Learn the ceramic-making process using locally sourced materials, and create your own piece to take home.
A guided walking tour of the Colonial City's most important monuments and historic sites, approximately 2.5 hours. Ends with a stop for local food and beverage tasting. An optional tobacco experience add-on is available (hands-on cigar rolling with an expert).
A private beach day at the exclusive Club Hemingway, with round-trip transportation from the hotel included as part of the City Finds Beach Life package.
Hands-on cooking class with wine pairing, arranged on-site.
Private guided tours of Santo Domingo's best museums, led by an artist or curator. Options include the Alcázar de Colón (Gothic Mudejar palace of Diego Columbus), the Centro de la Imagen (contemporary photography), and the Museum Fernando Peña Defilló (Dominican painting legacy).
A trip to San Pedro de Macorís to visit the Barceló Rum Historical Centre and learn about the rum-making process and history of one of the Dominican Republic's leading rum brands.
Two options: a day visit to an organic cocoa plantation, or a hands-on chocolate-making workshop in the Colonial City where you create your own chocolate bar or artisanal soap. Both offer a look at cocoa's full journey from cultivation to finished product.
A guided visit to the Arturo Fuente estate — one of the world's most celebrated cigar brands, carried through four generations. A brand connoisseur leads the experience. Culminates with dinner at Casa del Árbol.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Interior garden terraces and lounge areas across the various houses. The bar area in some houses includes a garden terrace for relaxing with drinks.
Private chef can prepare custom meals on request. Guests can specify dietary requirements and preferred menus in advance through the butler.
Pets welcome. Specific pet policy applies — confirm details at time of reservation.
Two pools on property: one in Casa de los Mapas and one in Casa Macorís. Available to all hotel guests unless a house is booked under exclusivity rates. Pools are unsupervised — caution advised. Select houses also have private plunge pools.
A dedicated butler is assigned to each house and is responsible for all food and beverage service, personal requests, and day-to-day needs throughout your stay.
24-hour concierge for restaurant bookings, activity arrangements, tour planning, and transport.
Airport shuttle/transfer service available; surcharge applies. Must arrange in advance using contact info on booking confirmation.
Free parking available on site.
BUILD YOUR CASAS DEL XVI PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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