Hodelpa Nicolas de Ovando
Where history and tradition meet modernity
08/09/2024 Reading time: 2 Minutes
... Travelers and city explorers
Colonial history at every turn is the motto of the Nicolas de Ovando, which is located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town and was only converted into a hotel in 2003. It is located on Calle las Damas, the oldest street built in the New World. No wonder, as Santo Domingo is the first settlement founded by the Spanish in the Caribbean, with the oldest university and the oldest cathedral. Built between 1502 and 1509 and restored to its former glory, the complex once served as the residence of Nicolás de Ovando, the first governor of America.
The historic building - the inner courtyards, gardens and arcades are particularly beautiful - is also responsible for the fact that the rooms vary in size depending on their location. The so-called "Colonial Rooms" are classically furnished with lots of mahogany wood, the "Contemporary Rooms" are characterized by a contemporary ambience, and the suites feature a colonial-modern style mix. However, the technology in all rooms is state of the art, with some rooms and suites overlooking the river and the harbor, which are located close to the rear of the hotel. So the view from the restaurant terrace over the pool can sometimes fall on a ship moored directly behind the hotel.
About the restaurant: The year the hotel was built, 1502, gave it its name. The kitchen is well positioned and works with very good local and Spanish products - great ham, first-class tuna tartare and ceviche. It skillfully combines Dominican and European influences. Breakfast is also served here in the morning, which can be described as standard. La Taberna del Mojito, located next to the 1502, is famous for its mojito cocktail and serves tapas and Dominican specialties. You are spoiled for choice when it comes to where to sit for an aperitif or nightcap: inside in rustic bodega style, romantic under the arcades or cozy by the pool.
Text: Uwe Lehmann
The historic building - the inner courtyards, gardens and arcades are particularly beautiful - is also responsible for the fact that the rooms vary in size depending on their location. The so-called "Colonial Rooms" are classically furnished with lots of mahogany wood, the "Contemporary Rooms" are characterized by a contemporary ambience, and the suites feature a colonial-modern style mix. However, the technology in all rooms is state of the art, with some rooms and suites overlooking the river and the harbor, which are located close to the rear of the hotel. So the view from the restaurant terrace over the pool can sometimes fall on a ship moored directly behind the hotel.
About the restaurant: The year the hotel was built, 1502, gave it its name. The kitchen is well positioned and works with very good local and Spanish products - great ham, first-class tuna tartare and ceviche. It skillfully combines Dominican and European influences. Breakfast is also served here in the morning, which can be described as standard. La Taberna del Mojito, located next to the 1502, is famous for its mojito cocktail and serves tapas and Dominican specialties. You are spoiled for choice when it comes to where to sit for an aperitif or nightcap: inside in rustic bodega style, romantic under the arcades or cozy by the pool.
Text: Uwe Lehmann
