Just returned from Santo Domingo, where we stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott. Wonderful location, close to the downtown area (taxi or bus), the beach(Malecon area) and enough 24 hour restaurants around. Wonderful breakfast each morning, they served dinner, we just didn't stay in for it. Lobby has free Internet access as well as hook-ups in room for your own computer.
Staff is extremely friendly and helpful. No ATM machine in lobby was a minus, nearest one is Nacional supermarket a couple of blocks away. Nice, large, clean rooms, excellent bellhop service, taxis right outside the hotel(although Apolo Taxi is MUCH cheaper, always call ahead and ask what unit they're sending and the color of the car, for safety).
Great country, fine hotel, can't wait to return!

I stayed at the Courtyard for 2 nights in early May. I have been to Santo Domingo many times and have stayed in most of the larger hotels. Unless you just have to have an ocean view, this is a great hotel for business travelers or tourists. The price is extremely reasonable when compared to the other area hotels and it's virtually brand new. Staff was very friendly and helpful. The breakfast buffet was very good. Only drawback is the restaurant is only open for breakfast but there's plenty of places to eat within walking distance. They have free high speed internet access in every room and even provide the cable. I would most definitely stay there again. I stayed in a suite with a huge bathroom and jacuzzi for less than a crummy room at other local hotels.

I stayed at the Courtyard Santo Domingo Hotel from March 28 - April 5, 04, a total of 8 nights. Overall, I would have to say my stay to be very pleasing. First, the hotel is brand-spanking new, opening in late Feb. 04. So, everything is in top condition. No wear and tear on furniture, carpet, appliances, etc. My room with double beds was very nice size. I particularly liked the fact that the air conditioner was not located over the bed. A unpreferred location of A/C that I have experienced at the Jaragua and Fiesta hotels. Also, with new air conditioning, the quality of the air in the rooms and hotel was really great. No air stuffiness from old equipment or dirty unchanged filters, which I have experienced elsewhere. The hotel reception personnel was exceptionally polite. My kudos for an excellent staff that is very professional and helpful. The is lobby is attractive and comfortable with nice sitting couches and chairs. There is fast 24 hr. free access to the Internet on brand new Hewlett Packard 2.6 GHz computers in the lobby, that offers telephones at each desk station. Plus, there is Internet access from your room. Although, the hotel is more for business travelers in the tradition of the stateside Courtyard Marriott hotels, I made it my home for a city vacation. The hotel is located on bustling Maximo Gomez, with the U.S. Consulate's office next door.
Across the hotel, you can find Baskin Robbins, McDonalds, Wendy's and Pizza Hut, all within 150 yards. Looked like any city street in the States. There was bit more traffic than I would have liked walking out on Maximo Gomez, but such is life in the capital city. The Courtyard Santo Domingo has a modest size pool at the end of the building. The quaint patio at the rear of the hotel lobby is a clean, quiet place to have a conversation or read a book. Quickie comments: The elevators are fast and I never waited more than 5 - 10 seconds. The hotel has washer, dryer for doing your own laundry. Ice machines and soda machines are located on every floor. And the staff puts fresh cookies out at the reception desk each evening. Breakfast consisted of either continental of full breakfast, depending of what was included in your room rate.
The quality of the breakfast entries was excellent, with fresh omeletes made to order. The restaurant and banquets at the Courtyard are ran by Nidia, who managed the Quisqueya restaurant at the Jaragua Hotel. She is a super organized lady and everything runs like a Swiss watch under her supervision. I also noticed that other personnel had transferred from the Renaissance Jaragua hotel (another Marriott property in Santo Somingo), to the Courtyard Santo Domingo hotel. So, these people know what they are doing and are organized. I'm not saying this because I know them, but because it shows in how well the hotel is ran. You get a full compliment of nice thick, fresh towels everyday in your room everyday. I never had to ask for anything. The only thing for those who like to eat in at evening or night, is that you will have to order from local restaurants, as the hotel restaurant is open only for breakfast and banquets. But, the reception staff will assist you with ordering room service from local restaurants that will deliver should you decide to do so. For the business traveler, I would think this to be a very desired hotel, without the night element of loud discos or casinos that you might find in other city hotels, if a quiet, business-like hotel appeals to you. My rate for 8 nights - $94. a night.