Hotel El Señorial 58

I’d stayed here before and had a great time, but this second visit was a bad, awkward experience. After a long trip, I just needed to rest at 1am. The AC wasn’t cooling at all, and getting hot water was difficult. I managed a lukewarm to cool bath. The worst part was my wife getting bitten all over by bed bugs. She told the front desk staff, but they apparently didn’t believe her and offered no help or solution for the terrible itching on her legs. More than a week later, her legs still looked like this. Even the doctor doesn’t understand what happened. Be careful!

I spent my last two nights in DR in Santo Domingo for Independent Day, and picked this hotel because it was near the parade and the party’s main stage. The two men at reception were friendly and helpful. The restaurant staff at breakfast and the owner, who is Venezuelan from Spanish descent, were kind too. Breakfast came with the room and was fresh and good. There were hot and cold drinks, including fresh tropical and watermelon juice. For the main dish, there were choices, and I’d recommend the tasty veggie omelet. I had freshly cut tropical fruit for dessert. My room was on the ground floor and faced inward, with no window. It was clean and spacious, with a big, comfortable bed. I was so lazy about getting up each morning because it was that comfortable. I’d stay here again next time I’m in Santo Domingo. I usually pay digitally and contactlessly and don’t carry cash, so I couldn’t leave anyone a tip. In places like Cayman Islands, tips are included in service prices, and I’d hoped that was true in Dominican Republic too. Maybe they could have a card machine at reception or in the restaurant, so people who don’t carry cash can still tip and have it shared among the employees monthly.

The beds were comfortable and reception was always really nice. The hotel was decent for the price, though I wish they provided more towels and had windows that opened more easily. The stove was dirty, but we didn’t use it. The restaurant staff weren’t the best.

Breakfast was very good, and the AC worked wonderfully against the heat outside. Our standard room had a large fridge, safe, table, chair, TV, wardrobe, and a queen-sized bed. Still, it was very small for two people, and the bathroom was tiny too. The room itself was basic, nothing special, and both the bathroom door and shower were broken.