The Hilton, Santo Domingo Dominican Republic is the most professional, best serviced hotel in the Island--Excellent service- Most comfortable beds- Wall to wall sea views- Extremely clean- Excellent food- Very courteous staff-- The only problem is you are advised not to go to The Malecon for a stroll- not to wear jewelry- not to carry a purse??- There is a so-called mall-Malecon Mall that looks like an abandoned project- with the exception of a movie theather, a pizza shop that is alway empty and a bank and a small Man's boutique--It's depressing to walk inside this so-called mall filled with empty - unfinished shops- But the Hilton is the place to stay if you have to go to Santo Domingo.

Spent one night for a quick, quick business trip to Santo Domingo so my observations are limited. The hotel does not appear to be within walking distance of the colonial city and it also appears to be the farthest of the big chain hotels given that you pass the Sofitel, Jaragua (Renaissance), Melia and Intercontinental on your way in from the airport. I did see a Tony Roma's next door which looked as if it was in an outdoor mall so there may be some tourist action that I didn't see either on my way in or out.

Notwithstanding, in talking to my clients, the Hilton is the best business hotel in the city. I concur, as I needed use of the business centre at 11 p.m. and it was open and staffed.

Apart from the that, the hotel is clean and airy with an atrium-type lobby. The check-in staff were courteous and both that helped me spoke exceptional, almost accent-less English. The room (902) was typical Hilton standard room, very clean, good La Source products and nice view of the not too impressive Malecon and the apartment building next door. Room service was hit and miss. The club sandwich was good, but the fries were a little on the stale side and no salt provided.

One big plus, at least for me, is that the hotel has smoking rooms. I understand the gripe from non-smokers, but I don't see the harm of having a few segregated rooms or a floor for smokers such as myself. Kudos to Hilton for that.

I didn't see much of Santo Domingo, but it appears that the colonial city is large and should be promoted more heavily than what it is. Having seen the Malecon in Panama City and other waterfront areas in San Juan, I was really disappointed with the one in Santo Domingo. Not that it's ugly or anything, but there's just nothing there and therefore, it's not particularly inviting. Unless I need to go for business, I don't foresee any trips to Santo Domingo in the future, but if I should go again, the Hilton would be a good choice.

We stayed at this hotel prior to our cruise. Upon checking in, we were immediately escorted to the priority check in desk rather than standing in line. The room we booked was not available (ironic since I booked the least expensive room). We were upgraded to an executive floor with free breakfast and a concierge type lounge, which had free non-alcoholic drinks and snacks. The breakfast buffet was one of the better ones I've ever had. The room was a basic two bed room, but the VIEW! We had to strain not to see water. The bathroom was a good size with a rain-style shower head (really liked that!). There was a coffee pot in the room, but you had to buy the coffee from the mini-bar. It was about a $1.75. There were two complimentary water bottles, but this may have been because I am a Hilton Honors member. The pool area was small but had really nice lounge chairs and table areas. The Malecon shopping area was very deserted. There is a small gift shop in the hotel with sundrys.

Nothing short of outstanding!

We were treated like royalty at the Hilton Santo Domingo. Although the hotel is about a 5 minute cab ride from the colonial zone of Santo Domingo, its ocean front location and view are incredible.

The staff and hospitality at this hotel are absolutely over the top. From warm towel at the front desk upon arrival, to quick check in, beautiful appointed rooms and incredible view.

Although the pool area is small and hours are limited (management needs address this) we enjoyed the pool side bar.

Restaurants and room services were absolutely top notch, definitely deserving to be the only four diamond hotel in santo domingo.

Incredible hospitality, clean, new, great location and the best staff! I would and will go back again!