Santo Domingo
Although the Dominican Republic is known as a hot vacation spot, Santo Domingo caters to the working crowd.
Sleeping
Meliá Santo Domingo. This hotel is just five minutes from the financial and entertainment districts. The rooms have highspeed Internet access and balconies with ocean views. Rates from $140. www.meliasantodomingo.solmelia.com
Relaxing
Casa Colonial Beach & Spa. At this elegant new complex on Playa Dorada in Puerto Plata there’s a spa, rooftop pool, four Jacuzzis and an award-winning chef. Rooms start at $160. www.vhhr.com
Eating
Lina Restaurant. Some of the best Spanish dishes in the Caribbean. The seafood medley is outstanding, as is the paella. In the Barceló Gran Hotel on Máximo Gomez; phone: 809-563-5000.
Meson di Bari. The atmosphere is far from chic, but this is the place for authentic local cuisine. The long-time hangout of poets, politicians and pundits. Calle Hostos 302; phone: 809-687-4091.
Drinking
The British Empire feels close at hand in Coco’s, an honest-to-goodness pub. It’s on Calle Padre Billini 53; phone: 809-687-9624. At Hollywood Café, meanwhile, the dance floor rocks until the wee hours. At Avenida Gustavo Mejía Ricart 36, phone: 809-566-3349. Night owls gravitate to Monté Cristo, Calle José Amado Soler; 809-542-5000. Merengue star Juan Luís Guerra owns dance club Bachata Rosa at La Atarazana 9; phone: 809-682-7726.
Shopping.
The Larimar Jewelry Factory sells jewelry and other items featuring the lovely milky-blue gem known as larimar. www.larimarfactory.com