Kimpton Hotels has opened its first property in the Dominican Republic with the launch of the Kimpton Las Mercedes, a boutique hotel located in the capital city of Santo Domingo.
The debut combines a modern design with cultural immersion within one of the Dominican Republic's most historical sites: Unesco recognizes the Colonial City of Santo Domingo as a World Heritage site, the first permanent establishment of the New World and the only one of the 15th century in the Americas.
Housed within a renovated 16th-century building, the property embraces those historic roots while incorporating contemporary elements. Original materials, like brick and stone were preserved or repurposed during the renovation, while a modern addition was constructed behind a historical facade. The hotel features 130 guestrooms, including eight rooftop suites, each offering private balconies.
"The city's dynamic tourism scene and vibrant cultural atmosphere make
it a perfect match for Kimpton's focus on unique local experiences,"
said general manager Marta Amengual. The hotel's location puts travelers at the doorstep of
cobblestone streets and centuries-old architecture as well as the nearby
white-sand Caribbean beaches.
Culture at its core
From its design to its culinary offerings, the Kimpton Las Mercedes has strived to integrate Dominican culture into much of the guest experience. Above each bed, guests will find a depiction of the pajaro bobo, a bird that's native to the island of Hispanola and has come to symbolize a sense of place. Culinary offerings celebrate the country's traditional dishes like mangu (mashed plantains and onions, a breakfast favorite) and sancocho (a traditional Latin American stew). They're available at El Patio, a secluded courtyard bar that serves light menu items underneath oak and mango trees.
The hotel also offers curated cultural experiences. "We partner with local artisans and cultural initiatives to ensure our guests connect with the history and culture of the Dominican Republic in a meaningful way," said Amengual. Partnerships include featuring works by local painter Jose Cesteros and offering immersive experiences like a Dominican cacao tour. Additionally, the hotel's location provides guests easy access to galleries, nightlife and historical landmarks.
The Kimpton Las Mercedes has a rooftop pool and gym with views overlooking Santo Domingo. Photo Credit: Kimpton Las Mercedes
The Kimpton Las Mercedes is home to several dining concepts. In addition to the aforementioned El Patio, there's Zola, the signature restaurant, which features Northern Italian cuisine, and in the lobby, a cigar and rum lounge includes a restored 500-year-old well that was discovered during the building's transformation.
Sustainability is a core focus of the hotel. Amengual emphasized the property's commitment to ecofriendly practices, which include eliminating single-use plastics, promoting sustainable fishing and utilizing solar panels. The kitchens are fully electric, and staff receive training to implement sustainable practices across the operations.
Amenities for all travelers
The property has amenities that cater to both business and leisure travelers. Multiuse spaces transition from meetings to evening social events. Other features include a rooftop pool and fitness center, morning coffee and tea service, evening social hours, and in-room yoga mats.
The Kimpton Las Mercedes marks the first collaboration between the Kimpton brand and Iberostar Group. While the partnership falls outside the broader commercial agreement between IHG and Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, it demonstrates opportunities for strategic alliances.
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"We're deeply committed to supporting local businesses and enhancing the guest experience through meaningful collaborations," Amengual said. This includes membership in the Colonial City Cluster and the Santo Domingo Hotel Association, which work to promote the area's tourism and local offerings.
Looking ahead, the hotel aims to establish itself as a cornerstone of Santo Domingo's hospitality scene. "Our long-term goals center on cultivating meaningful connections with the local community and embracing the city's cultural heritage," said Amengual.