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A Historic Landmark Reimagined: Kimpton Las Mercedes Brings New Life to Santo Domingo’s Colonial City
Santo Domingo carries history in its bones. Founded in 1496, it’s the oldest city in the Americas, where Renaissance urban planning meets centuries of layered stories. Its Colonial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a living remnant of the past, but like all historic districts, it faces the challenge of staying relevant in the present.
A large-scale revitalization effort is underway—one that doesn’t just patch up old facades but rethinks how people engage with this storied part of the city. The plan extends beyond restoration, embracing urban life with greener streets, fewer cars, and public spaces designed for walking, gathering, and slowing down. It’s a vision where history and modernity don’t just coexist—they inform each other.
At the heart of this transformation stands Kimpton Las Mercedes, a hotel that fits naturally into the fabric of the Colonial City while offering a contemporary experience. The project, designed by Moneo Brock, is not about nostalgia; it’s about evolution.
Located on Las Mercedes Street, the hotel sits within a historic block, carefully integrating its presence into the cityscape. The original facades remain intact, preserving the district’s architectural rhythm, while new structures are introduced with a light touch. The design avoids imposing additions, instead opting for elevated volumes and courtyards that respect the surrounding scale. The result? A building that feels both deeply rooted and forward-looking.
The 130-room hotel is more than a place to stay—it’s an extension of the city. Public courtyards weave through the property, blurring the line between private and communal space. The design embraces Santo Domingo’s climate, with permeable sidewalks, native vegetation, and naturally ventilated walkways that channel the breeze. Inside, materials like travertine, wood, and ceramics reflect the region’s character, while locally sourced timber, chosen for its sustainability and insulating properties, keeps interiors cool in the tropical heat.
At the heart of the hotel is an open-air courtyard that remains unchanged, preserving its original vegetation and architectural elements. This verdant space functions as a retreat from the urban surroundings, offering guests a quiet place to unwind while maintaining a direct link to the site’s past. Walkways surrounding the courtyard allow for easy movement while drawing in fresh air and natural light. Balconies open onto this inner sanctuary, while select rooms include private terraces with jacuzzis—places designed for relaxation while staying connected to the environment.
From the rooftop, the city takes on a different dimension. The terrace features a pool and solarium, with sweeping views that extend toward the Caribbean and the Colonial City’s historic skyline. A gym and additional amenities complement the setting, but the real appeal is the ability to take in the surroundings from above, experiencing the contrast between old and new.
Beyond its guest accommodations, the hotel plays a role in the life of the city. It houses event and meeting spaces, restaurants, and a grand hall suited for weddings and corporate gatherings. It’s designed to welcome both travelers and locals, reinforcing the idea that historic preservation isn’t about freezing time—it’s about making spaces relevant, engaging, and accessible.
Kimpton Las Mercedes is part of something larger: a reimagining of Santo Domingo’s Colonial City as a place where history is lived, not just admired from a distance. It’s a hotel that respects the past but refuses to be trapped by it, proving that old cities don’t just survive by preserving their heritage—they thrive by embracing change.
