Sofitel Frances Hotel

This is a great example of a quality boutique hotel. The architecture is nice with a courtyard and modest sixed lobby-restaurant. Don't go in expecting a Hilton or Marriott type of entrance, but the rooms here were nicer than certain "5-Star" business hotels I've stayed at in the US. My room featured 14 foot ceilings and lots of space, AC, cable tgv, great bathroom, ironing board and iron upon request, ample closet space, etc. I had no complaints in terms of the cleanliness of the room or availability of amenities like free wireless... more

My wife and I stayed at the Sofitel Frances in mid-June 2007 and had a fine stay. We loved the historical details and charming feel of the place. After the relative chaos of the surrounding Santo Domingo, walking into the Frances was a cool relief. It might sound sort of cheesy, but the hotel was an oasis in the heat, and well-located in the colonial city. Everything worked well in our room, though the floor could have used a good mopping. The included breakfast was excellent- we loved the coffee. We enjoyed drinks in the lovely... more

The Hotel Frances is a small, old hacienda, located in the historic Zona Colonial of Santo Domingo. It is only a few blocks from the Alcazar de Colon, Calle Conde, etc. We spent a week there in June, with 2 adults and 3 children. The rooms were very comfortable, spacious, and well kept. Because the hotel is old, the rooms are all different, and well designed. The staff is excellent, friendly, and helpful. The central courtyard is beautiful in the morning, calm and cool in the afternoon, and lovely at night for dinner. Breakfast... more

This hotel is a 2 star hotel selling at 4 star prices. The ambiance is quite quaint overall if you like an authentic colonial look and feel... however be prepared for the rest. The street noise is terrible! Like to sleep, forget it. Want internet in your room, forget that also. The have wireless in the lobby (works sometimes), does not work in the room. Care to work in the lobby, prepare to sit on 100 year old style chairs that are far from comfortable. Need a business center, be prepared to take a hike to the sister Sofitel hotel about 5... more

I visited Santo Domingo in November, 2005 with two other women, long time friends. We adored the Sofitel! S.D. is a wonderful experience and the historic district is most interesting. After the loud hustle bustle of the city, it was a great pleasure to step into the cool, comfortable lobby. I can't say enough about the beauty of this place at night. The open air courtyard is lit by twinkling white lights and you can see the stars. It feels like stepping into the 1600's. The staff was charming and friendly, even remembering our names.... more

Great location, really neat hotel. Beautiful courtyard for eating breakfast and hanging out. Service was great - drinks are very pricey at the bar downstairs. **Request a room that does not face the street. It was VERY loud in the mornings.

We stayed in Sofitel Frances for 4 nights in July 2005, and we absolutely loved it. As we wanted to stay in the historic center the location was perfect. The hotel was also itself located in a beautiful historic building from the Spanish era which created a wonderful and relaxed athosphere. The building had been converted into a hotel some years ago, and it had been done really well. Especilly the area around the lobby and the courtyard with bar and restaurant were very charming. It was always a joy to return to the hotel after walking... more

What a lovely hotel, and I'm glad I took the advice of the TripAdvisor reviewers. I wanted a hotel in the Colonial Zone, and this didn't disappoint. The location was great - about 2 blocks from the Parque Colon, which is the central location in this district. This was my first solo trip, and the staff was amazing. With the size of the hotel (20 rooms), they were very attentive and personable. I chatted a lot with them. They gave me suggestions and tips. The room was very clean, and had tile floors - a godsend in a tropical... more

This hotel was exactly what we wanted. It is a small, intimate venue with all the amenities and services of a big hotel but the charm and privacy of a bed and breakfast. The room was gorgeous, and the restaurant located in the courtyard is exceptionally good. I would definitely stay there again.

My room was great and the hotel itself was gorgeous. Truly an oasis in the middle of the colonial zone. However, there was one evening where my room had no water. We were told it had to do with the issues the neighborhood has in general with water supply. There was another day where my room was not getting hot water. I have family in Santo Domingo and they have to deal with water supply issues and hot water is a rarity. I understand that. But I was paying to stay in the Sofitel in order to avoid these issues. Overall my stay... more