8.9
Excellent
165 USD
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Hodelpa Nicolas de Ovando in Santo Domingo

🌍
Dominican, Santo Domingo, Calle Las Damas, Ciudad Colonial
● Center: 750 m
🌞 Beach - 12 min

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
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Rooms and prices

2 guests
Adults2+
Children under 170+
Age7+
Age7+
Age7+
Age7+
Age7+
Age7+
Age7+
Age7+
Age7+
Age7+
Check availability
Colonial Double room
Colonial Double room
Air conditioning, minibar and shower
Beds:
165 USD
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Contemporary Double room
Contemporary Double room
Wireless internet, air conditioning and private bathroom
Beds:
178 USD
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Deluxe Imperial Double room
Deluxe Imperial Double room
Family room with bathroom
Beds:
227 USD
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Colonial Imperial Double room
Colonial Imperial Double room
Family room with bathroom
Beds:
249 USD
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Imperial Double Junior Suite
Imperial Double Junior Suite
Family room with bathroom
Beds:
279 USD
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Imperial Double Suite
Imperial Double Suite
Family room with bathroom
Beds:
390 USD
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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.
2 guests
Adults2+
Children under 170+
Age7+
Age7+
Age7+
Age7+
Age7+
Age7+
Age7+
Age7+
Age7+
Age7+
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Services and facilities

General
  • 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
Rooms
  • 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
  • Accessibility features
Services and amenities
  • Iron and board
  • Ironing
  • Luggage storage
  • Laundry
  • Safe-deposit box
  • Concierge services
  • Dry-cleaning
  • Luggage storage
  • Wake-up service
  • Telephone
Meals
  • Bar
  • Breakfast
  • Buffet breakfast
  • Breakfast in the room
  • Cafe
  • Restaurant
  • Snack bar
  • Bottled water (at extra charge)
Internet
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Internet access
Transfer
  • Shuttle
  • Car rental
  • Airport transportation
  • Transfer services
Languages Spoken
  • Spanish
  • English
  • French
  • Multi-language staff
Tourist services
  • Tour assistance
Recreation
  • Library
  • Bike rental
  • Billiards
  • Sun Deck
Parking
  • Offsite parking reservations required
Pool and beach
  • Swimming pool
  • Outdoor pool
  • Next to the beach
Business
  • Business center
  • Fax and copy machine
  • Meeting and presentation facilities
  • Conference Hall
Sports
  • Golf course
  • Fitness facilities
  • Gym
Beauty and wellness
  • Massage
  • Spa
  • First Aid Kit
Kids
  • 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

Cleanliness
Amenities
Location
Service
06.10.2025 Noelia
My parents and I have been coming to Hotel Nicolás de Ovando for 11 years, and we truly can’t stop coming back. Every visit feels just as special as the first. The atmosphere is unmatched—classy, historic, and full of charm—while the location is absolutely perfect in the heart of the Colonial Zone walkable distance to the best restaurants police guarding ever street it’s truly so safe and amazing .

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.
31.08.2025 Jenny
Overall, it’s a beautiful hotel and wonderful to experience a place so full of history. However, it seems they rely too much on that charm and overlook important details. We came to celebrate our anniversary and not even a simple congratulations was acknowledged. They placed us in a room right next to a party, so peace and quiet were impossible. To make matters worse, next morning breakfast was insufficient for the number of guests, and it appeared they were serving leftovers from the previous day’s event. Beautiful, yes, but disappointing service, with much left to be desired.
09.08.2025 Edgar
Regretfully we had a poor overall experience in our recent family trip.
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.
31.05.2025 Anna
Beautiful hotel! The breakfast was delicious and huge - there was everything from beet juice, hot chocolate, to custom omelette orders to muffins. One morning they served churros in a Carmel sauce which was fantastic.

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.
29.05.2025 oscar
This hotel is your best choice when visiting Santo Domingo. The installations are spotless with a great fusion between the old arquitecture and modern amenities. Our room, although smaller than expected for the price, it was super nice, clean and comfortable with a great view over the main tourist corridor "Calle de las Damas". All the staff was super attentive and helpful, and as you walk around the hotel everybody greets you and offers to assist if needed. This is part of the nature of all the locals. Very polite and respectful. You might have to pay more, but it will be money well.spent for having a place to stay that it is sitting right at the heart of the colonial Santo Domingo.
10.11.2024 Anais
This hotel perfectly blends historical charm with modern amenities, making it a fantastic choice for anyone visiting Santo Domingo.

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!
29.10.2024 Jaspreet
Came for a few days for a wedding. WiFi didn’t work the whole time. AC worked in some rooms only. Probably won’t come back. Historic building but not worth sacrificing those amenities.
02.09.2024 Marcia
The tour guides are wonderful and are more than bilingual. Alexander was our guide. He checked on us daily and introduced us to different people. It was wonderful to be recognized and treated like family. Felix, who was the bellman at the hotel, was very accommodating. He explained to me where to go and answered my questions. The whole staff was wonderful. That was the most personal experience I've had in a long time. I will return.
20.08.2024 Diana
Hello,
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.
03.08.2024 Kermit
I loved it. You're actually staying in one of the colonial structures. And it's so nice to be in that area! The staff was very attentive and helpful. Good food, great waitresses. I've read some of the reviews that mention the HVAC. It's probably time for them to overhaul that. It was noisy when I arrived. The desk called to ask if the room was satisfactory. I hadn't had time to notice anything by then... So, I changed the fan setting on the thermostat, and it was quiet the rest of the night. I was on the ground floor, so there was some noise outside--rolling carts?, but nothing too bad. There are wood shutters for the window, which I really appreciate! Made the room dark--except for the blinking smoke alarm. I had this experience in Europe--why do they put those blinking ones in hotel rooms?? Oh! And the shower was GREAT!!
Share your experiences, help others make the right choice!
Think about what you would like to know if you were looking for a review about a place to relax. Please describe in detail what you liked and what you didn't. What would you advise to other guests and to the hotel owner. The more fully you tell about the hotel, the easier it will be for other people to make a choice and they will be very grateful to you!

POIs near hotel

museum
Museum of the Royal Shipyards (5 min)
Colonial-era maritime museum in Santo Domingo housed in restored 16th-century shipyard buildings, showcasing artifacts from the Dominican Republic's naval history.
attraction
Crocodiles (6 km)
Zoo exhibit of crocodilians, large semi-aquatic reptiles.
attraction
Zebra (6 km)
Zoo exhibit displaying zebras, African striped equines.
attraction
Water Buffalo (6 km)
Zoo or wildlife exhibit featuring water buffalo, native to Asia.
attraction
Red Deer (6 km)
Zoo exhibit of red deer, large hoofed mammals.

Cafe and Restaurants near hotel

restaurant
Restaurant «Pizzarelli» (2 min)
Calle El Conde, Santo Domingo 10210
Reviews
28.09.2017 Sthefany
Good pizza at an affordable cost
restaurant
Cafeteria El Conde / Conde de Penalba (3 min)
Calle Arzobispo Meriño 266, Santo Domingo 10210
Reviews
15.05.2017 Shannon
Great location, decent food. A little pricey.
23.02.2017 Emilio
A mainstay of the Zona Colonial, its perfect location attracts all kinds of people. While it really attempts to lure locals with its menu, the fare is from average to good, and its clientele is mostly tourists. That explains why the menu is overpriced. However, for people watching it's really superb.
26.01.2017 Hannah
Busy cafeteria on a great corner for people watching. Food was more expensive than we thought and the waiter forgot part of our order. You can get a traditional Dominican breakfast here . Service can take a while.
restaurant
Restaurant «Angelo» (4 min)
Санто-Доминго 10212
Reviews
14.11.2017 Alfredo
In my opinion it is a lovely place, nice views, good risotto and pastas, i would recomend not to order pizzas, go for shrimp pasta or risotto... Also the service was really good.

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.

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