Kimpton Hotels has made a striking entrance into the Dominican Republic with the launch of its first property, Kimpton Las Mercedes, situated in the historical capital city of Santo Domingo. This boutique hotel establishes a compelling blend of contemporary design and deep cultural roots, nestled within one of the country’s most significant historical contexts—the Colonial City of Santo Domingo, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This venture not only expands Kimpton’s portfolio but also enhances the local hospitality landscape by intertwining modern luxury with Dominican heritage.
The Kimpton Las Mercedes is housed in a beautifully renovated 16th-century building that pays homage to Santo Domingo’s rich past. As the first permanent establishment in the New World, its significance transcends mere architectural beauty. The hotel carefully preserves original materials such as brick and stone, which evoke the city’s historical essence. An addition to the building complements this charm with a modern twist, ensuring that visitors enjoy both the allure of history and the comforts of contemporary hospitality.
Each of the 130 guest rooms, comprising eight sumptuous rooftop suites with private balconies, offers an intimate experience, inviting guests to linger in comfort while embracing the vibrancy of the surrounding cityscape. General Manager Marta Amengual emphasizes that the hotel’s vivid location is ideal for attracting tourists eager to experience the local culture.
Stepping inside Kimpton Las Mercedes feels like diving into Dominican culture. The hotel infuses local tradition into various aspects of the guest experience. For instance, each room features the elegant depiction of the pajaro bobo, a bird indigenous to Hispaniola, which symbolizes the local ecosystem. Guest culinary journeys include authentic Dominican dishes, such as mangu—creamy mashed plantains with onions—and sancocho, a hearty stew popular in Latin America.
Dining options reflect the fusion of heritage and modernity, highlighted by restaurants like El Patio, a secluded courtyard bar offering light bites under the shade of oak and mango trees, and Zola, the hotel’s signature restaurant that features Northern Italian cuisine. A distinct cigar and rum lounge showcases a 500-year-old well, discovered during renovations, blending the past with the present.
The hotel’s dedication to bridging guests with the local culture goes beyond food and decor. Kimpton Las Mercedes has forged partnerships with local artists and initiatives. For example, the works of painter Jose Cesteros are displayed throughout the hotel, enhancing the artistic flavor of the space. Furthermore, the hotel organizes curated experiences such as Dominican cacao tours, inviting guests to engage deeply with the country’s heritage.
The strategic location of Kimpton Las Mercedes provides easy access to local galleries, nightlife, and historical landmarks, enriching every visitor’s experience of Santo Domingo. By fostering these connections, the hotel is poised to become a hub for cultural exchange.
Sustainability represents a core pillar for Kimpton Las Mercedes. Amengual stresses the hotel’s commitment to eco-friendly practices, including the elimination of single-use plastics and support for sustainable fishing initiatives. With kitchens operating solely on electric energy and engaging staff in sustainability training, the hotel sets an exemplary standard for environmentally responsible hospitality.
The hotel is more than just a place to stay; it offers multi-use spaces that can easily transition from business meetings to evening social gatherings. Amenities like a rooftop pool, a fitness center, and in-room yoga mats cater to both business and leisure travelers, promising a balanced experience.
The opening of Kimpton Las Mercedes marks the beginning of a strategic collaboration with Iberostar Group, carving out a niche for the Kimpton brand within the Dominican tourism sector. This partnership, while separate from the broader agreement between IHG and Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, highlights significant opportunities for future collaborations aimed at enhancing local hospitality offerings.
Amengual articulates a vision that prioritizes meaningful connections with the community and emphasizes the cultural heritage of Santo Domingo. As Kimpton Las Mercedes establishes itself in the local hospitality scene, it not only aims to draw in travelers but also seeks to enrich the cultural texture of Santo Domingo through responsible tourism.
Kimpton Las Mercedes emerges not just as a hotel but as a cultural beacon in Santo Domingo. By intertwining modern luxury with local history and sustainability, it offers guests an enriching and memorable stay while fostering a deeper connection to the Dominican Republic.