Well, I just completed a trip to Santo Domingo and since I stayed at the Hilton here (I am at the airport) I thought I would give a run down on my experience. I had been planning a trip to either San Juan, Mexico or Santo Domingo for a few days debating the costs of each. I decided to use my points for the hotel - which ever one I picked. The first inquiry showed normal rooms at normal point rates. The next day when I went to book suddenly there were Point Strecher Awards available! WOW! I have only seen these once before, so I thought fate was showing me the way.

Upon arrival in SDQ I hopped a Taxi to the Hotel (No Shuttle Service). The reception desk was small and next to it was another desk for HHonors and Executive Level guests, so I sat down. It took the clerk several minutes to check me in. He never spoke to me, no conversation, no nothing. He left twice to check with someone about something and finally returned with my room key. I noticed on the registration paper were two paper tear off cards for in-hotel charges. He told me room number and handed it all over to me. Later I noticed the cards for charging were not there (never got an explanation on that)

Now, I am Diamond (which I am starting to realize means nothing anywhere I go) and my profile says HIGH FLOOR in it. I see that I am on the 8th floor and think cool. Well, surprise. The rooms actually begin on the 8th floor out of 21. I guess this means no upgrade. Inside the elevator was an a staff member from the executive lounge so I asked if being Diamond gave me access - she said no. Disappoint sets in.

I get into my room and it is a standard room, by my definition. I connect to internet and go online to see the rules again, because I feel, as Diamond I should get something. I check the rules and there is a distinction: North America and Outside North America. So it begs the question: is the Carbie part of North America or outside it?? Getting onto Skype I call and find out it is outside North America. While I was on the phone I tried to book the executive room online which showed available for the same 3 nights I was there.

After 37 minutes on the phone with Hilton who had to call back the hotel twice because she said the 1st time the hotel person gave her seriously incorrect information. She waited until someone who knew the program got on the phone. The hotel admitted that they have executive rooms available but that I was "upgraded" to a corner room and that supposedly my room (on the 8th floor) has a better view than a room on the 17-21st floors... HUH? Anyway, she got me access to the Exec. Lounge. She said the manager would call back to explain but he never did.

Later I went to the front desk to get a new key issued to work for the Exec. Lounge. I used the lounge daily. It is average in size, great views of the ocean and I am not sure why, but it was usually deserted. Only 30 minutes of free internet per day. Alcohol was not free. The snacks were usually cheese, ham, veggies, nuts, and pastries. Breakfast was ok - precooked eggs and bacon. The toaster did not work for my 3 mornings there but that was ok.

An interesting aspect of the hotel: there is a 10% service charge (or TIP) on everything that all the workers shares. So be prepared. It was even levied on my internet connection in my room. I still fail to see how someone could be tipped on that. I have long believed that when people know that they do not have to earn a tip because it is included, the level of service provided will not be the same as those who must earn tips. Here is case in point. The staff were pleasant and friendly but there was no going above or beyond; no offering of advice, help, or information; they rarely started conversations; and there was no sense of urgency in anything that they did.

The room was great - and it did have a nice view. The layout was not the greatest, but I guess that was because it was a corner room. Nevertheless I was very satisfied with the bed, bedding and pillows (in fact I think they were the best pillows I have had in a long time.) I was a bit perturbed that they often ignored the DO NOT DISTURB sign and came around several times a day to check on the room. Finally, housekeeping did a great job daily with the exception of giving me more soap. I even called for it but it never came. Never fear, raiding the maid's cart is not new to me and I was able to lather up!

Some odds and ends: One of the dining establishments was being remodeled and closed. The room service prices were on scale with European Hotels (especially when delivery fee and 26% taxes factored in). The hotel is about 10-15 min from the colonial zone, so a Taxi is needed unless you want a really long walk (I did it once). If the hotel gets a taxi for you, you will pay double than getting the service number and call yourself. The pool was great, on the 7th floor, great ocean view, only 1 or 2 people there other than me. Watch out for the prices at the bar there, though! There is a new mall next door called Malecon but it is about 80% empty, so little there.

Overall, it was good. I just think as a Diamond there should be an attempt to strive for superior service. Would I return to this location again? Yes, with conditions: the price would have to be reasonable. The prices during my stay were $189/nt King or $199/nt King Exec (note the $10 difference and still not upgraded) + 26% Tax. I would even think twice about using points (at full price versus stretcher).