Courtyard by Marriott Santo Domingo

The hotel was about an hour’s Uber ride from SDQ Airport. The places I visited were usually a 20-30 minute walk away, except La Zona Colonial, which was a 45-minute walk if you’re brave enough to handle the heat. The air conditioners worked well, and the staff were very friendly and helpful with anything I needed. The hotel’s [unclear] has a great selection, and breakfast seems to be its busiest time.

The staff were kind and helpful, and I liked the food and drinks, which were reasonably priced. I’d stay again. Our suite had a moldy smell in the closets, and the other available suites had the same problem when we checked them. We moved to a smaller room instead, and that one was fine.

The service at the restaurant was very rude. I went for breakfast at 10 and was eating some fruit when they cleared it away without telling me. They charged me US$20 for a plate of fruit. At 1:00 p.m., I asked for a plate before heading to the airport and waited 30 minutes. I had to go ask for the bill and ask them to keep the food for me. She said they don't keep it. Very bad service.

You can easily walk to Gazcue and Zona Colonial, and there are plenty of nearby services, including grocery stores and places to eat and drink. The area is popular. I wouldn't walk on Máximo Gómez at night, though.