There were a couple of short power cuts but I live in the Philippines and I'm very used to that developing world problem. Water pressure was out the morning that I left but that might have been caused by a rain storm we had a few hours before sunrise. If you arrive by bus from Punta Cana, get off at the Jose Martin stop. The bus will be driving west on Mexico Avenue. Walk west for one more block and turn left on Duarte. Walk through the little China town until you get to a park with ruins (see photos). Pérez street is not signed on this side but turn left after the park (see photo of Pérez and Duarte corner shop). The hostel will be halfway down the street on the right. It has a wonderful view of the park and ruins.

You know a hostel is going to be enjoyable when the owner is also the manager. Juan Carlos just loves meeting people, entertaining, and giving tours around Santo Domingo. The hostel has a shared kitchen, free tea and coffee, and purified water so you don't have to create more plastic waste. The single rooms are small but they are comfortable and they have everything you need. The bathroom was spacious and the ceiling fan cooled the room to the perfect temperature. Security was also well done with a locking magnetic gate and the rooftop terrace had Latin dance lessons while I was there. This place is a great value and I met some cool travelers.

Stayed in May 2024

Staff

Stayed in April 2024

I liked all aspects of Gato Colonial, nevertheless, there is always place for improvement. Like in many (almost all) places I stayed in Dominican Republic, the water pressure in very low at times (this could be improved, but would require a mayor intervention in the building). Although the rooms were clean in general, the places difficult to reach, at some height, could use some more frequent cleaning. Also, the terrace, on top of the building could be improved. Those are, in no case, details that should stop you from staying here.

The host, Claudia, is welcoming, friendly and helpful. The location is very convenient, very close to the main attraction in the Old City, one block away from the ruins of the San Francisco Monastery. There are supermarkets and eateries close by. About the room: It is somehow spartan, but I prefer it that way. The hostel street is quiet, and even when it gets a bit noisy (Dominicans like to share their music with everybody in the block), rooms in the corridor (all except one) are not, given how they are located inside the building (there is one room facing the entrance, which I cannot comment about). As in many places in Dominican Republic, the windows do not have glass, but a mosquito mesh. Also, there is no AC but a fan, which, when I was visiting (end of May) did a pretty good job at keeping the room fresh. The hostel offers free drinkable water, a usable kitchen, and beer at a fair price. They also offer laundry service for a fee. I went through the country during 10 days and stayed in different types of accommodations, and can really say that this is a good place to stay at a good price. I stayed here twice, which can give you an idea.

Stayed in March 2024

Our rooms were super clean, as well as the kitchen available to other guests. The hostel is located right next to the historical part of the city, and the staff is helpful and friendly.

Stayed in March 2024

Nothing

I loved everything about this hostel. The location is perfect. If you come from Punta Cana by bus, you can get off at Parque Enriquillo and walk here. If you come from the Caribe bus terminal, you need a taxi or uber, but it's not expensive. You can walk from the hostel to everywhere in the old town in a few minutes. A big supermarket (Supermercado Nacional) is around the corner. At night the hostel was quiet, so I slept very well. It also has a cool vibe, met a lot of great people of different nations and ages there. The rooftop terrace is a good place to socialize in the evenings. Claudia und Juan Carlos are great hosts, very welcoming and helpful.

Stayed in March 2024

Everyone was so friendly and property very clean

Stayed in February 2024

Nada

Owner very welcoming and made me feel like at home. Very helpful. Contact to other travellers very easy.Nice roof top terrasse and every Sunday free open air concert opposite the hostel.

Stayed in March 2024

rooms could use a but of decoration

decent value for money. involved staff and owner. great location.

Stayed in January 2023

room size a bit, but mainly hot water wasnt available - could have been a temporary issue, however since we arrived for a short stay couple of days after, it still wasnt working. Cold water is fine and we survived, but could have been solved mas rapido.

Extremely friendly welcome by the hotel managers, allowing flexible checkin, storing luggage, offering help if any questions. Location is just a couple of minutes from the main streets, surrounding is not quiet - but thats the same case for any accomodation around the center: cars and cats are not silent anywhere:)

Stayed in January 2023

The location was great and the staff also really nice and fun! Room included towels and soap. comfortable bed and pillow. Quiet at night. window with protective mosquito net. Free Coffee and coffee maker.

Stayed in October 2022

I wish there had been a larger gathering space to meet other travelers.

Great location, staff and kitchen area. Comfy amenities at a good price!

Stayed in July 2022

the shower was cold and not much pressure and my room lacked natural light (windows)

great location, friendly staff and drinking water available

Stayed in April 2023

There are no comments available for this review

Stayed in April 2024

There are no comments available for this review

Stayed in March 2024

There are no comments available for this review

Stayed in December 2022

There are no comments available for this review

Stayed in August 2022