Hodelpa Nicolás de Ovando, Santo Domingo
If you want to sleep inside actual history, Hodelpa Nicolás de Ovando in Santo Domingo is hard to beat. Built in 1502, this breathtaking five-star property is made up of three massive stone residences, including the original home of the city’s founder, Governor Nicolás de Ovando. It sits proudly within the UNESCO-listed Colonial City and was lovingly converted into a luxury boutique hotel in 2003.
The hotel spans an entire block on Calle Las Damas, famously known as the very first paved cobblestone street in the New World. Architecturally, it is a masterclass in preservation, keeping its 500-year-old soul intact through grand stone archways, original heavy timber ceilings, and stunning interior courtyards. Yet, it breaks up the old-world gravitas by offering a mix of historic Colonial rooms and sleek, minimalist Contemporary rooms.
Interesting quirks are scattered everywhere inside. You can grab a drink at a bar named after the year the complex was built—Restaurant 1502—or lounge by a pool uniquely bordered by ancient colonial facades under the open sky. The hotel even boasts original stone passageways and parapets that look out over the shifting ships on the Ozama River.
The location places you at the epicenter of America’s oldest European settlement. Right outside your door, you can walk to the Alcázar de Colón—the fortified palace of Christopher Columbus’s son—or visit the impressive Ozama Fortress, which was the first permanent military structure in the Americas.
A short stroll further reveals the grand Basilica Cathedral of Santa María la Menor, recognized as the absolute first cathedral built in the New World. When the sun sets, the historic plazas surrounding the hotel transform into an incredibly lively hub of upscale open-air restaurants, jazz bars, and local cocktail lounges.
Expert reviews
“This historic boutique hotel now owned by Hodelpa Hotels was sculpted from the residence of the first governor of the Americas, and it just might be the best thing to happen in the Zona Colonial since Diego Columbus’s palace was finished in 1517. Colonial-style rooms have tall ceilings, original stone window benches, and shutters.”
What guests liked
- Central location
- Swimming pool
- Spa
- Friendly staff
- Comfortable beds
Location
Recent guest reviews
10 December 2025
A wonderful stay, in a historically important location, service was great and staff super helpful.
Good service, excellent location
Poor qualify wi-fi in the room made it difficult to work.
7 December 2025
Beautiful colonial hotel
It was beautiful
N/A
4 October 2025
Nice hotel in the centre of colonial zone.
Great location in central colonial zone, building had some great historic features.
Breakfast was not good and really poor options and food quality.
8 September 2025
Staff, location, and room were all great. Would come back here!
The history of the property, the location, and the ease of walkability.
The bed was extremely firm. If you like that then this is your place.
24 August 2025
Lovely hotel full of history
The hotel itself is full of history and looks beautiful and it’s in the heart of the colony city
Some defects in the bathroom and A/C was not working but they changed my room quickly
9 August 2025
Beautiful, comfortable, amazing location. Staff was excellent! Will definitely come back.
The architect colonial style, detail on decor and customer service.
I loved everything.
8 August 2025
Perfect service, confort, atmosphère and localisation !
The best hôtel in the old santo domingo , as simple than that
Rien à dire
5 August 2025
Felix do an excellent service
Breakfast, dinner and facilities
10 July 2025
A mellow, well received historical whirl in the heart of Zona Colonial
Warm and inviting staff, helpful receptionist, fun pool & ceviche setup (it was a Sunday) and excellent location and historical value. Everything!
Nothing comes to mind.
28 June 2025
World-class hotel in prime location
This hotel represents the best of what the Colonial Zone has to offer. It is housed in an early colonial structure with walls that are nearly a yard thick. It is located on the earliest European-built paved street in the Americas. It boasts magnificent views of the port and the river from its perch atop the city walls. It is located a short walk from all the attractions worth visiting. It is impeccably maintained and it is staffed by dedicated employees.
25 June 2025
Would highly recommend. First class.
Fabulous hotel. Beautiful decorated. Exceptionally clean. Great staff and wonderful location.
We loved everything
15 June 2025
Would love to stay here again!
The atmosphere is so beautiful.
Difficult to keep the pool clean. P
Also, the price in dollars was not actual because they said they said they had to run my card at the hotel’s exchange rate, but I’ve lived in the DR for more than 8 years, and that’s not true. They could’ve ran my visa in pesos and I would have been given a much better rate by my bank.
6 June 2025
Nice location and hotel!
Location very convenient and hotel very nice
Staff didn't seem to have a lot of experience managing services (e.g. transport, late check out)
22 May 2025
A quiet oasis in the first city of America, ideal to get away and just be in the buzzling santo domingo.
I loved everything! Amazing property in an ideal location! The hotel has so much to offer, so many memorable moments and places.
9 May 2025
Perfect third stay at this delightful hotel.
Beautiful hotel, excellent location. Wonderful breakfast buffet. Clean, safe, and very comfortable.
3 May 2025
Perfect short stay!
Professional, friendly staff! Super centric, right in the old town.
The room was a little musty, but very clean. I believe it's due to the nature of the building.
30 March 2025
Great place to stay in Santo Domingo.
The place has all the facilities you can think of. Also, a very good location within Santo Domingo.
5 March 2025
Wonderful stay - we'll be back!
We loved this hotel. Yes, it's a little pricey, but the service is great and attention to detail is superb. The staff were incredibly helpful and nothing was too much trouble. Top marks! VERY clean, too. Wonderful breakfast!
The pool was superb, the decor perfectly suited the building, which was full of history.
We plan to return here regularly. Thank you for a great stay!
There is nothing not to like about this hotel!
30 January 2025
Wonderful place tu stay in the heart of colonial Santo Domingo!
We love to stay in an antique house and also the amazing location!
Didn’t like the bathroom
13 January 2025
Great place to stay in the zona colonial
Rooms were quiet and nicely appointed, pool deck and courtyards and public spaces were all very nice
The breakfast buffet had a lot of items but they were all pretty low quality not as expected for this type of property
8 January 2025
A marvelous experience
A very elegant , beautiful and nevertheless a piece of Dominican history and architecture.
Extremely welcoming and attentive personnel .
I will definitely be back and recommend to my most beloved friends and family. The location is perfect and in walking distance to historic buildings and other places. I highly recommend it.
15 December 2024
Excellent. highly recommended.
Excellent hotel. Character. Good food. Nice staff. Close to tourist attractions.
Parking. Hard to park. Car dented in parking.
11 December 2024
I will definitely return
the pool, the room, the staff! breakfast food was excellent
I was let to my own. no assistance from the servers. no idea they had a buffet in a room outside of my table. I was very disappointed. however, i will still g Io back now that I have discovered the how to serve myself
9 December 2024
Very comfortable. Lovely open pool and bar area. Scent in the reception area with great service.
Perfect location with easy access to to al Colonial Zone sites and easy taxi access too. Spacious public areas. Colonial room was very atmospheric if a little small. Comfortable bed. Greeting at reception with complimentary bubbly cocktail.
Was told the restaurant was not available due to a private function. Understandable.
5 December 2024
Worth considering if you are going to SDO
Location in colonial town
Staff attitude
Comfortable bed
Pool area
Do o d was average. Breakfast uninspired
18 November 2024
The true colonial experience
Very clean, welcome, and tour of the hotel while they take you to the room. It is close to plenty of dining places and is safe to walk around.
Some of the staff were not very friendly, specifically the younger ones and cleaning staff.
17 November 2024
Location, architecture and luxury
Beautiful building, well kept, cleaned and picturesque. Right in the middle of the Colonial district with most sights a short walking distance.
Nothing significant. Just a few rough edges that could easily be polished off.
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Snack bar
- - Special diet menus (on request)
- - Kids' meals (additional charge)
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Fruits (additional charge)
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Family rooms
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Soundproof rooms
- - Packed lunches
- - Car hire
- - Heating
- - Air conditioning
- - Designated smoking area
- - Shuttle service (additional charge)
- - Airport shuttle (additional charge)
- - Shared lounge/TV area
- - Grocery deliveries
- - Pet basket
- - Pet bowls
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Business centre
- - Fax/photocopying (additional charge)
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Currency exchange
- - Tour desk
- - Luggage storage
- - Concierge service
- - Private check-in/check-out
Activities
- - Fitness centre
- - Golf course (within 3 km) (additional charge)
- - Spa & wellness centre
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Billiards
- - Spa facilities
- - Spa lounge/relaxation area
- - Spa/wellness packages
- - Fitness
- - Walking tours (additional charge)
- - Bike tours (additional charge)
- - Themed dinner nights (additional charge)
- - Happy hour (additional charge)
- - Tour or class about local culture (additional charge)
Outdoors
- - Garden
- - Terrace
- - Outdoor pool
- - Sun terrace
- - Outdoor pool (all year)
- - Outdoor furniture
Entertainment & family services
- - Babysitting/child services (additional charge)
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Trouser press
- - Daily housekeeping
Parking
- - Parking garage
- - Accessible parking
Pool and wellness
- - Pool bar
- - Shallow end
- - Sun loungers or beach chairs
- - Sun umbrellas
- - Swimming pool
Transport
- - Airport pick up (additional charge)
- - Airport drop off (additional charge)
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key card access
- - Security alarm
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Thermometers for guests provided by property
- - Face masks for guests available

More photos

13 December 2025
Excellent location, historic feel of the building