Nicolás de Ovando
Colonial grandeur meets understated luxury. The mood is quiet, sophisticated, and historically grounded — not flashy. Courtyards with fountains, a garden with herbs and fruit trees used in the kitchen, and views over the Ozama River give it a sense of place that no modern build can replicate.
Imperial Club rooms on the upper floors facing the port get the best views — AFAR specifically calls out Room 4015 for its river and harbor views
Why It Matters
The buildings date to 1502, making this the oldest purpose-built residence in the New World still operating as a hotel. It holds UNESCO World Heritage Site designation and was named #1 on TripAdvisor's 2025 Travelers' Choice Awards for the second consecutive year. It's also a AAA Three Diamonds property.
This is where colonial-era Santo Domingo comes to life. Hodelpa Nicolás de Ovando occupies three stone mansions built in 1502 on Calle Las Damas — the first paved street in the New World — and was once the official residence of Nicolás de Ovando, the first governor of the Americas. The three buildings were connected in 1974 during a restoration ordered by President Balaguer, and today the property carries UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Exposed brick, thick wooden ceiling beams, arched entryways, internal courtyards, and tile floors all survive intact. Contemporary comforts — 65-inch LCD TVs, Nespresso machines, minibars, free WiFi — are worked in seamlessly without blowing the historic atmosphere.
Where You'll Stay
7 room types available
Colonial Room
The most historically evocative standard room. Sits on the historic side of the property with views directly onto Calle Las Damas and the National Pantheon across the street. Queen bed, marble bathroom with shower, Nespresso, minibar. No Imperial Club access, but the setting is genuinely special.
Queen
Contemporary Room
The most flexible standard option — queen bed, accommodates 2 adults and up to 2 children under 12, making it the go-to for families. Bathroom has either bathtub or shower. Views of Sansouci Port, Don Diego terminal, or Las Damas street depending on the specific unit. Includes Nespresso, minibar, and free WiFi.
QueenContemporary Room Twin
Two twin beds for guests who need the configuration. Same standard amenities as the Contemporary Room — bathroom with tub or shower, Nespresso, minibar, 65-inch LCD TV. Views of Sansouci Port, Don Diego terminal, or Las Damas street.
TwinDeluxe Imperial Room
Queen bed with marble-clad bathroom and shower. Views face the historic Las Damas street, gardens, and internal courtyards. Imperial Club lounge access is included. Good choice if you want the club benefits but prefer a street-facing orientation rather than the port side.
QueenImperial Colonial Room
The most atmospheric of the Imperial tier. Queen bed with historical accents — this room leans hardest into the 1502 heritage. Views face the Sansouci Port and pool. Full Imperial Club lounge access included, plus massagers, laptop tray, exercise weights, and sound generator.
QueenImperial Suite
The top-tier room. King bed, private marble bathroom, and the full Imperial Club package. Views take in the Don Diego terminal at Sansouci Port, the pool, gardens, and courtyards. In-room amenities include massagers, laptop tray, ergonomic desk chair, electrical adapter, pool towels, exercise weights, and a relaxing sound generator.
KingJunior Suite Imperial
Contemporary and colonial styles blend in a spacious bedroom with king bed. The marble bathroom has a separate bathtub and shower — a step up from most rooms. Views of the Don Diego terminal, gardens, and courtyards. Comes with full Imperial Club access including the lounge all day.
KingThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Bike rental available through the hotel as an add-on offer — a practical way to cover the Zona Colonial and waterfront without a car.
Billiards table available on property for guest use.
A reading room/library is available to guests — a quiet spot within the historic property.
Outdoor pool with sunbeds, pool towels, and beverage service. Open daily 8am–8pm. Views toward the Ozama River and Sansouci Port from the pool terrace.
Complimentary guided tours to museums in the Colonial Area are included for Imperial Club room guests. The hotel is within walking distance of the Alcázar de Colón, the Catedral Primada de América, Fortaleza Ozama, and multiple historic plazas.
The hotel has seven meeting rooms and multiple patios and salons. Smaller rooms like Pedro Mir seat 10 for meetings; AMBAR and LARIMAR rooms accommodate up to 50 guests. Two salons and two full patios are available for banquets. Popular for destination weddings in the colonial setting.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
The hotel has wheelchair accessibility throughout its grounds.
Seven meeting rooms ranging from the intimate Pedro Mir (10-person capacity) to AMBAR and LARIMAR rooms for up to 50 guests. Two salons and two patios available for banquets.
Complimentary WiFi throughout all rooms and public areas.
A tranquil garden on the property featuring herbs and fruit trees that supply the hotel kitchen. A genuinely nice spot to wander.
Rooms stocked with L'Occitane toiletries, bathrobes, and slippers.
Private lounge for Imperial Club room guests. All-day coffee, tea, water, and soft drinks; late afternoon snacks, wines, whiskies, vodka, and gin.
Heated outdoor pool open daily 8am–8pm. Sunbeds, pool towels, and beverage service included.
Available daily 7am–10pm.
On-site gift shop available for guests.
24-hour front desk staffing. Note: late arrivals after 10:30 PM should contact the property in advance.
Laundry and dry-cleaning service available at an additional charge.
Currency exchange services available on site.
The hotel has launched a pet-friendly initiative — pets are now welcome. Confirm details with the hotel directly at time of booking.
Car rental services available 24/7 at an additional charge.
Airport shuttle available at an additional charge.
Free private parking on site, reservation needed. Valet parking also available. One of few colonial-zone hotels with free parking.
Modern gym with cardio machines, weight-training equipment, and free weights. Open daily 6am–12pm.
BUILD YOUR HODELPA NICOLÁS DE OVANDO PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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