Hodelpa Nicolas de Ovando in Santo Domingo
✅ Historic colonial architecture combined with modern comforts, praised for its elegant and clean rooms ✅ Staff frequently described as friendly, attentive, and welcoming, with special mention of bartenders and concierge ✅ Excellent breakfast buffet with diverse options including custom omelets and fresh juices ✅ Prime location in the Colonial Zone within walking distance to many attractions and restaurants ✅ Unique hotel bar offering a wide selection of Dominican cigars and Caribbean rums ✅ Compliments for the outdoor pool area with views of the river and comfortable seating ❌ Several guests reported noisy air conditioning units affecting sleep quality during multi-night stays ❌ Issues with insect presence in some ground floor rooms, with unsatisfactory response from staff ❌ Slow and inconsistent service at the restaurant and pool bar, including long waits for drinks ❌ Maintenance problems such as peeling paint, occasional power outages, and a noticeable musty smell inside the hotel ❌ Some guests felt the hotel relied too much on historic charm and lacked personalized service, with reports of indifferent staff ❌ Complaints about overcrowded breakfasts during events and lack of special acknowledgments for occasions like anniversaries
Rooms and prices
deals
deals
deals
deals
deals
deals
Description
Hodelpa Nicolas de Ovando is a historic 4-star hotel located in Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone, offering 104 rooms in colonial and contemporary styles. Built in 2003, the property includes multiple buildings centered around four internal courtyards and tropical gardens. Guests can enjoy views of the river, gardens, or the famous cobbled street Calle Las Damas from their rooms. The hotel features an open-air pool with free loungers and umbrellas, a restaurant called LA RESIDENCE, and a lobby bar named Cibao Bar, which specializes in Dominican cigars and Caribbean rums. Services include free Wi-Fi in public areas, free parking, currency exchange, laundry, and conference facilities. Childcare services and cribs are available on request. The hotel combines colonial charm with modern amenities, though some guests have noted maintenance issues. It is well-suited for travelers interested in history and culture, with a unique blend of French and Creole culinary influences onsite.
Location
Hodelpa Nicolas de Ovando is situated at Calle Las Damas in the heart of the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo. The hotel is 9 km from Santo Domingo Herrera Airport (HEX) and 22 km from the main international airport. A public sandy beach, Playa Montesinos, is approximately 780 meters away, offering a nearby coastal option with paid loungers and umbrellas. The hotel is within walking distance of numerous historic sites, museums, restaurants, and bars. Nearby dining options include Restaurant Pizzarelli (158 m), Cafeteria El Conde (226 m), and Restaurant Angelo (237 m), all within a short stroll. The location provides easy access to local attractions and a safe environment with police presence throughout the area.
Tips
- If you are sensitive to noise, request a room away from air conditioning units and busy event spaces.
- Reserve your breakfast early during busy periods to avoid shortages.
- Take advantage of the hotel's central location to explore the Colonial Zone on foot and try nearby restaurants like Angelo and Pizzarelli.
Policies and conditions
- Child policies: Children of all ages are welcome at this property. Additional fees may be charged for children using existing beds. Add the number of children to get a more accurate price.
- Cribs and Extra Beds: Extra bed and crib policies may vary according to room type. Please refer to the room type details for more information.
- Breakfast: Buffet [Mon - Sun] 06:00-10:00 Open Additional breakfast fees are not included in the total and need to be paid at the property.
- Pets: Pets are not allowed
- Age Requirements: The main guest checking in must be at least 18 years old
- Paying at the hotel: JSB, Visa, AmericanExpress, MasterCard
- Check in time: 15:00-20:30. Check out time: 09:30-12:00.
Services and facilities
- Air conditioning
- 24-hour reception
- Elevator/lift
- Currency exchange
- Smoke-free property
- Security guard
- Newspapers
- Ticket assistance
- Gift shop
- Garden
- Television in lobby
- Terrace
- Fire Extinguisher
- Outdoor furniture
- Bridal suite
- Non-smoking rooms
- Soundproof rooms
- Room service
- VIP room amenities
- Smoke Detector
- Cable TV
- Hairdryer
- Flat-screen TV
- Shower
- Alarm clock
- Slippers
- Toiletries
- Accessibility features
- Iron and board
- Ironing
- Luggage storage
- Laundry
- Safe-deposit box
- Concierge services
- Dry-cleaning
- Luggage storage
- Wake-up service
- Telephone
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Buffet breakfast
- Breakfast in the room
- Cafe
- Restaurant
- Snack bar
- Bottled water (at extra charge)
- Free Wi-Fi
- Internet access
- Shuttle
- Car rental
- Airport transportation
- Transfer services
- Spanish
- English
- French
- Multi-language staff
- Tour assistance
- Library
- Bike rental
- Billiards
- Sun Deck
- Offsite parking reservations required
- Swimming pool
- Outdoor pool
- Next to the beach
- Business center
- Fax and copy machine
- Meeting and presentation facilities
- Conference Hall
- Golf course
- Fitness facilities
- Gym
- Massage
- Spa
- First Aid Kit
- Babysitting and childcare
The hotel is located on third line from the shore.
The nearest beach is located on the distance of 780 m. It takes 12 minutes To the beach!
Street view
Video: Hotel Hodelpa Nicolás de Ovando, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - Unravel Travel TV
Map
Reviews
The staff make the experience unforgettable. Everyone is so friendly, attentive, and welcoming. The bartenders are especially kind and amiable, and I have to highlight the bar manager and Eric, who is not only incredibly attentive but also so funny and genuine—they always make us feel like family.
The rooms are consistently amazing, blending modern comfort with timeless style. Every detail reflects the hotel’s class and elegance, and it always feels like a true escape. Recently, my aunt, uncle, and cousin joined us for their first visit, and they loved it just as much as we do. The breakfast was absolutely fantastic and the perfect start to every day.
Hotel Nicolás de Ovando has become a tradition for us, and there’s simply no other place we’d rather stay. It’s more than just a hotel—it’s an experience we treasure year after year.
Much worse compared to other hotels we have stayed in the Dom Rep.
- Unbearable noise from an AC equipment on top of our room which the staff said it couldn’t be fixed. So we could not sleep properly during our 5 night stay.
- Nagging issues with internet connection, access cards getting disabled, lack of drinking water in the rooms, staff knocking doors at 8:30 AM… etc.
- Cockroaches and ants in our room. My kids were offered some cookies with ants inside…
- Poor standards of cleaning and customer service throughout, whilst no management around.
- Some of the staff were very nice and attentive, others not so and seemed poorly trained.
Definitively not a 5 star hotel.
The door men went above and beyond for their service. This hotel was very accommodating and right next to so many restaurants, and it felt very safe in the colonial zone.
The power went out on our last morning there, but that is not bad considering we were there for 9 days.
Hotel in general goes above and beyond - there was an emergency and the hotel called a taxi for the emergency.
I highly recommend staying here- it’s a little musty but I think that’s just from the weather in the DR.
From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the stunning architecture and the rich history of the building. The lobby is beautifully decorated, showcasing local art and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, ensuring that my check-in process was smooth and enjoyable.
My room was spacious, comfortable, and tastefully decorated, offering a lovely view of the surrounding area. The bed was plush, and I appreciated the thoughtful amenities that made my stay even more enjoyable. It was a perfect retreat after a day of partying in the vibrant streets of Zona Colonial.
One of the highlights of my stay was the hotel’s restaurant.
The location of Hodelpa Nicolás de Ovando is unbeatable. It’s just a short walk from many of the area’s top attractions, including historic sites, museums, and lively plazas.
Overall, my stay at Hodelpa Nicolás de Ovando was nothing short of wonderful. The combination of exceptional service, comfortable accommodations, and a prime location makes it a standout choice in the Zona Colonial. I can’t wait to return and explore more of this beautiful area!
Unfortunately, I have to write another review because no one has gotten back to over the past year. This hotel took my money and did not issue be a refund. What a terrible experience this was. I made a booking from Dec 5 - Dec 9th. However, I only stayed one night. I was refunded for only one night because I demanded a refund for about 5 hours before I had to leave for the airport. They told me to keep in touch with their staff so they can sort it out. Unfortunately, the staff ignored me and my messages. I did not receive a refund for the rest of the days that I had made a booking. After a year, they replied to my review and said to contact them, but after I had contacted them, not a reply from them. This situation is ridiculous. Really poor communication from the staff. I think they just wanted some money in their pocket and wished not to give me the refund for my nights. I do NOT recommend this hotel. Also, the food is bad. DO NOT STAY AT THIS HOTEL.
POIs near hotel
Cafe and Restaurants near hotel
Frequently asked questions about Hodelpa Nicolas de Ovando
What types of rooms are available at Hodelpa Nicolas de Ovando?
The hotel offers Colonial Double room, Colonial Imperial Double room, Deluxe Imperial Double room, Contemporary Double room, Imperial Double Junior Suite, and Imperial Double Suite.
Are children allowed at the hotel and are there facilities for them?
Children of all ages are welcome. Childcare services and cribs are available upon request. Additional fees may apply for children using existing beds.
How far is the nearest beach from the hotel and are there beach facilities?
The nearest public sandy beach, Playa Montesinos, is 780 meters away. Umbrellas and loungers are available at the beach for a fee.
Does the hotel have a restaurant and what kind of food is served?
Yes, the hotel has a restaurant named LA RESIDENCE offering French and Creole influenced cuisine. Breakfast is served buffet style daily.
Is parking available at the hotel?
Yes, the hotel offers free parking for guests.























































































