Hotel Pulse
Santo Domingo – Where to Stay, What to See and Do
The Dominican Republic is so much more than a beach resort destination.
Santo Domingo, the capital city, is one that should without a doubt be on travelers’ radars – especially the history lovers out there.
The Dominican Republic is investing in making Santo Domingo a destination on the list for travelers considering the Caribbean. The city is teeming with old-world charm as well as modern options outside its historical Colonial City.
Santo Domingo’s tourism will continue to elevate, especially as the Dominican Republic will begin construction later this year on a train that will connect Santo Domingo to Punta Cana.
“Santo Domingo has a beautiful heritage,” said Yudit Garcia, General Manager of JW Marriott Santo Domingo and President for the Hotel Association of Santo Domingo.
“It’s the oldest colonial zone that we have in the Caribbean. But in addition to that, Santo Domingo has developed a lot in the last 20 years. As you can see, this property [JW Marriott Santo Domingo] is located in the financial district and you can look around and understand how the entire city is evolving.
“Now, in terms of a commercial entities, we have a presence of multiple international hotel chains – all of the main hotel chains are located here. The business type that happens in the Santo Domingo area is pretty much related to groups as well as some special corporate business. You can have the combination of Bleisure, which is the business and the leisure. You can not only experience the flawless gastronomic that the hospitality has here but also mix it up with the hotel and with a colonial area and the historical area. So you have the combination of the cosmopolitan view but you have the heritage that you can maximize as well. It’s the best of both worlds in one place…even the connectivity from here to all other areas. If you want to enjoy the beach, it’s less than 45 minutes.”
The courtyard at Hodelpa Nicolas de Ovando in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (Photo Credit: Eric Bowman)
Where to Stay
Seeking a stay in the heart of the historical district? The Colonial City has a few different options from Hodelpa properties. The 5-star Hodelpa Nicolas de Ovando stands out for a taste of luxury in the Colonial City.
The hotel features 92 guest rooms and four suites. The Spanish colonial heritage is seen throughout the property, with one wing of the hotel featuring colonial-style rooms. The Imperial Club Lounge is not to be missed, and the courtyards here will have you feeling like you’ve stepped back in time.
For those opting to visit the Colonial City and seeking their familiar hotel chains to rest their heads at night, Marriott stands out with multiple options including Courtyard by Marriott, JW Marriott, and Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino.
The outdoor infinity pool at the JW Marriott makes for a great backdrop both during the day and at night, and the hotel’s glass floor terrace is a thrill in itself.
What to See and Do
No trip to Santo Domingo is complete without a Colonial City tour. Come prepared with comfortable shoes to walk around the old streets.
For travelers who just want an overview of the sites in a seated ride, hop on the small train from Chu Chu Colonial. The ride features recorded audio to narrate along the way as it takes you around the city, past monuments and churches, restaurants and more.
What was once a customs office and warehouse originally built in 1514 is now Museo De Las Atarazanas Reales, a museum that features discoveries and artifacts from Spanish shipwrecks. Museo de las Casas Reales (Museum of the Royal Houses) is another highly regarded museum in the Colonial City.
For the beer lovers out there, grab a local beer and a cheeseburger at Republic Brewery right in the heart of the Colonial City.
Shoppers will want to browse what the locals have on Calle El Conde, a pedestrian-only street that covers 11 blocks. It’s filled with shops, colorful buildings, restaurants, and other businesses.
Outside of the historic district, you can shop until you drop in the financial district. There are multiple high-end shopping malls right by JW Marriott, including the BlueMall, which features high-end brands, a food hall, a movie theater and even a children’s park.
One restaurant not to be missed in Santo Domingo is Larimar, an upscale dining venue with stunning décor. You’ll want to take pictures of the food and the walls, and the chairs, and the ceiling…it goes on. Larimar delivers on flavors with delicious seafood, sizzling steak, risotto we’re still dreaming about and so much more.
Larimar restaurant in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (Photo Credit: Eric Bowman)
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Hotel Pulse
Sports Hospitality Market to Reach USD 74,318.43 Million by 2036, Growing at a CAGR of 14.12%: Credence Research
PUNE, India, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — According to a new market research report published by Credence Research, the global Sports Hospitality Market was valued at USD 8,345.70 million in 2018, rose to USD 15,233.39 million in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 74,318.43 million by 2036, growing at a CAGR of 14.12% during the forecast period.
The market is witnessing strong momentum owing to the increasing global appeal of high-profile sporting events and the growing appetite for premium, immersive experiences among both corporate clients and affluent consumers. Demand for VIP suites, exclusive access packages, gourmet catering, and behind-the-scenes privileges continues to surge at major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, Super Bowl, Wimbledon, and Formula One Grand Prix. The sports industry’s ongoing shift toward experiential offerings and revenue diversification is further propelling investments in hospitality infrastructure and services.
Technological innovation and international expansion are reshaping the market dynamics. Enhanced digital ticketing, real-time fan engagement, and smart stadium integrations are elevating the guest experience. Additionally, emerging markets in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America are playing an increasingly vital role, driven by infrastructure upgrades and growing sports tourism. Strategic collaborations between sports federations, hospitality brands, and travel operators are expected to unlock new revenue streams and sustain market growth across geographies.
Browse the report and understand how it can benefit your business strategy – https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/sports-hospitality-market
Key Growth Determinants – Sports Hospitality Market
Rising Demand for Premium Sports Experiences
The growing preference for exclusive, high-end experiences among affluent consumers and corporate clients is a major driver of the sports hospitality market. Demand for VIP boxes, luxury suites, fine dining, meet-and-greet opportunities, and personalized concierge services continues to surge at major sporting events worldwide. Corporations are increasingly leveraging hospitality packages to build client relationships and enhance brand visibility, while fans seek more immersive and memorable ways to engage with their favorite teams and athletes.
Expansion of Global Sports Events and Commercialization
The increasing frequency and scale of international sporting events—such as the Olympics, FIFA World Cup, ICC tournaments, and Formula One races—are fueling market growth. Sports organizations are heavily investing in hospitality infrastructure to diversify revenue streams and enhance audience engagement. Coupled with the globalization of sports leagues and the rise of sports tourism, these developments are significantly expanding the market footprint across developed and emerging economies.
Hotel guests are increasingly feeling like they’re getting more bang for their buck, according to the 2025 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index (NAGSI) Study from J.D. Power.
Redesigned for 2025, the study measures overall hotel guest satisfaction based on performance in seven core dimensions—including value, guest room, staff services, facilities, communications and connectivity and food and beverage—across nine segments ranging from luxury to economy.
Despite the average daily rate for a U.S. hotel room reaching a record high of $158.67 in 2024, clean and well-designed rooms, omnipresent amenities such as smart TVs and user-friendly mobile apps are helping boost traveler satisfaction.
Hotel guest perceptions of value received for nightly rate paid increases in every hotel segment in this year’s study, with the most significant year-over-year gains coming in the upscale, midscale and economy segments.
Dogs enjoying a Home2 Suites by Hilton guest room. (photo courtesy of Hilton)
“We’re at an important inflection point in the travel marketplace where several years of record-high hotel demand and the pace of room rate increases is starting to slow,” Andrea Stokes, hospitality practice lead at J.D. Power, said in a statement.
“Hotel owner and operator investments in guest room décor and furnishings, in addition to bathroom updates, are paying off in higher satisfaction. One area in which hotels can significantly influence guest satisfaction without massive capital expense is with technology like smart TVs and updated room temperature controls,” she added.
“Travel is becoming more complex with the potential for flight delays or increased road traffic, so guests want hotels to provide the comforts of home.”
Key Takeaways for 2025
In the era of streaming, it’s no surprise that hotel guests want to be greeted by a smart TV, with 40 percent of surveyed travelers selecting “smart TV/ability to stream my entertainment” as a need to have versus nice to have, up from 21 percent in 2019.
What’s more, 72 percent of respondents indicated their room included a smart TV. That figure is up from 39 percent in 2019. Additionally, six out of 10 said they used the smart TV during their stay.
A premier king room inside the Omni PGA Frisco Resort. (Photo Credit: Omni Hotels & Resorts)
J.D. Power also found that guest satisfaction significantly improved year over year in areas such as furnishings and décor (+.05 points), condition of bathroom fixtures (+.05). and comfort of bed (+.04).
The study also shows that hotel app users report higher satisfaction, earning an average score of 699 (on a 1,000-point scale), which is 68 points higher than those who do not use their hotel brand’s mobile app.
It’s no secret that problems ranging from odors and loud noise to check-in issues can lower satisfaction. Nonetheless, this year’s study shows that they are relatively rare, occurring just 12 percent of the time across all hotel stays evaluated. In those incidents, however, guest satisfaction fell dramatically, plummeting 217 points to 460 from 677.
Highest-Ranking Hotel Brands for Guest Satisfaction
The Ritz-Carlton ranks highest in the luxury segment for 2025 with a score of 779, surpassing The Luxury Collection, which ranked first in 2024.
Meanwhile, Omni Hotels & Resorts conquered the upper upscale segment with a top satisfaction score of 731. Drury Hotels (738) ranked highest in the upscale segment, while Hyatt House (705) finished first in the upper extended stay category for a fourth consecutive year.
The exterior of a Tru by Hilton hotel. (Photo Credit: Hilton Hotels & Resorts)
Other repeat segment winners for 2025 include Home2 Suites by Hilton (upper midscale/midscale extended stay), Tru by Hilton (midscale), Microtel by Wyndham (economy) and WoodSpring Suites (economy extended stay). All four brands won their respective categories for a third consecutive year.
Finally, Hampton by Hilton (694) ranked first among upper midscale brands.
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Help your clients take advantage of reduced rates, room upgrades and more, while earning up to 7X STAR Points on all eligible bookings this July under Sunwing Vacations Partner of the Month program.
Canadians looking to embark on a value-packed summer or winter escape will love this promotion. Meliá Hotels and Resorts offers a range of comfortable and upscale properties in sought-after sun destinations.
On every booking made by July 31, 2025, for travel by December 20, 2026, travel advisors will earn up to 7X STAR Points and will be automatically entered for their chance to win one of five hotel stays at Paradisus La Perla Adults Only Riviera Maya, Paradisus Palma Real Golf and Spa Resort, Meliá Las Dunas, Meliá Las Antillas and Meliá Trinidad Peninsula.
Clients looking to escape to a participating property in Mexico or the Dominican Republic can enjoy a wide range of limited-time perks including resort credits and spa discounts, reduced rates and kids stay free pricing.
Cuba Promotions
In addition to reduced rates, here are the offers available at the Cuban properties:
Meliá Las Antillas: Complimentary upgrade from Junior Suite Economy to Deluxe Room.
Meliá Las Americas: Complimentary upgrade from Classic Room to Classic Golf View Room.
Meliá Varadero: No single supplement fees (singles are not required to pay a surcharge for staying in a double occupancy room.)
Meliá Jardines del Rey: First child free (aged 3-12).
Meliá Trinidad Peninsula: No single supplement fees (singles are not required to pay a surcharge for staying in a double occupancy room.)
Paradisus Princesa del Mar: No single supplement fees (singles are not required to pay a surcharge for staying in a double occupancy room.)
Paradisus Los Cayos: Complimentary upgrade from Paradisus Junior Suite to The Reserve Junior Suite.
Paradisus Rio de Oro: No single supplement fees (singles are not required to pay a surcharge for staying in a double occupancy room.)
Sol Caribe Beach: First child free (aged 3-12).
Group Booking Bonus
Meliá is also offering group perks for those who book with Sunwing this month. Travel advisors who book their clients a group getaway for travel between November 1, 2025 and December 20, 2026, will earn 11X STAR Points at Meliá’s Mexico and Dominican Republic properties* and 6X STAR Points with Meliá Cuba, while their clients will be awarded instant group savings of up to $400 per pair.
Please note terms and conditions apply. For additional information on Meliá Hotels & Resorts’ Partner of the Month offerings, travel advisors are encouraged to visit the Sunwing Agent Portal.
Related: Sunwing Announces Winter Destinations and Perks
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