Articles

Cartagena Video, Part 2: Hotels & Dining

2010-03-19T00:29:48Z

The center of Cartagena, Colombia, is more than just a place to explore historic sites. It’s also home to stylish small hotels set in landmark buildings, as well as a variety of tempting cuisine. Check out my latest video for some great visual samples of what’s in store for you here.
During my recent visit, I stayed at the Charleston Santa Teresa, a beautiful former convent built in the 17th century. It still maintains its historic feel, but also has modern touches like a rooftop pool that offers inspiring views of the city.
Another long-time favorite is the Sofitel Santa Clara, set in a former monastery. And I also checked out some excellent newer properties that offer plenty of amenities amid unique, very historic settings.
In 2009, Colombian designer Silvia Tcherassi put her name on a stylish new boutique hotel. It’s also home to a trendy open-air restaurant that’s open to the public, and has a wonderful small pool. Other noteworthy small properties include Hotel Cartagena de Indias, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, which has an excellent rooftop deck, Casa Pestagua, which exudes Old World charm; and Delirio, a trendy but less expensive alternative.

Dining
When it comes time to refuel, there are plenty of excellent choices. Plaza de Armas is a cozy restaurant and wine bar that specializes in local variations on Italian cuisine and seafood, and hosts live Cuban music on weekends. The front area is a comfy lounge where wine is the name of the game, but we took a table in the back, where brick arches soar overhead. I savored a plate of large prawns exquisitely wrapped with bacon and sprinkled with chopped olives, and I also enjoyed the Garrapiñado, a chilled, sugary nougat with glazed caramel.
The small, contemporary restaurant called Mila serves a variety of spirits, as well as mouthwatering fruit beverages like frozen grape juice. I loved the carimañolas — fried cassava stuffed with feta cheese — and the desserts are equally as tempting.
You can also sample fresh seafood at Juan del Mar and As de Copas, a casually elegant eatery with a large wine list and several Italian-influenced dishes.
And for a truly Colombian experience, be sure to try a corn-based arepa or a giant hot dog, filled with mozzarella cheese, ketchup, onions, mayonnaise, potato sticks and a squirt of pineapple juice.
And don’t feel bad about eating so much — you’ll need plenty of energy to further explore all that Cartagena has to offer.
To see my additional coverage of Cartagena (including detailed hotel and restaurant reviews, coverage of Cartagena’s International Music Festival and even coverage of the torture devices at the Inquisition Museum), check out my earlier articles and videos here on LatinFlyerBlog.com. Don’t forget to share your own favorites and recommendations!

CONTACTS:
Casa Pestagua: http://casapestagua.com/
Charleston Santa Teresa: http://www.hotelcharlestonsantateresa.com/
Delirio: http://www.deliriohotel.com/
Hotel Cartagena de Indias: http://slh.com/colombia/cartagenadeindias/carcar.html
Sofitel Santa Clara: http://www.sofitel.com
Tcherassi Hotel + Spa: http://www.tcherassihotels.com

Roberto Santibañez’s 5 Favorite Restaurants in Mexico City

2010-02-28T03:44:18Z

An award-winning chef and Mexico City native, Roberto Santibañez knows a thing or two about the best cuisine in Mexico’s capital. Now based in New York City, Santibañez trained at Paris’s renowned Le Cordon Bleu culinary school and opened several restaurants in Mexico City before spending four years as executive chef at Fonda San Miguel in Austin, Texas. In 2002, he became culinary director for Rosa Mexicano restaurants. Today, Santibañez is the culinary mastermind behind Fonda
[http://www.fondarestaurant.com], a stylish restaurant in Brooklyn that specializes in contemporary Mexican urban cuisine.
Santibañez still visits Mexico City, of course. So where does he go in the D.F. when he wants a truly satisfying meal? Here are his top five choices (and for even more about Santibañez and his creations, you can also visit his own site at http://www.robertosantibanez.com).

1. El Bajio
“I like the original located in Azcapotzalco. If you want real and traditional flavors that leave you with an impression, this is the place to go.”
Avenida Cuitlahuac #2709, Azcapotzalco; tel. +52-55-5234-3763; http://www.carnitaselbajio.com.mx

2. El Cardenal
“I like the original one located in Palma Street in the Centro Histórico, but the other two locations are equally good too. This is the best place in the city for breakfast in a sit-down, full-service setting. Try the freshly baked sweet rolls with clotted cream.”
Calle de la Palma #23 and Avenida Juárez #70; tel. +52-55-5521-8815 and +52-55-5518-6632; http://www.restauranteelcardenal.com

3. Casa Merlos
“I like it for its traditional moles and other dishes from central Mexico.”
Victoriano Zepeda #80, Col. Observatorio; tel. +52-55-5277-4360; http://www.casamerlos.com

4. Café Azul y Oro
“Located at the Centro Cultural Universitario. I like this restaurant because is one of the most trustworthy and authentic Mexican flavors in Mexico City.”
Avenida Insurgentes Sur 3000; tel. +52-55-5622-7135; http://cafeazulyoro.com/

5. Pujol
“Located in the posh Polanco district, this place is owned by one of the most creative and young chefs in Mexico. I like this restaurant for dinner and special occasions.”
Francisco Petrarca 254, Col. Polanco; tel. +52-55-5545-3507; http://www.pujol.com.mx/intro.html

Beyond the 2010 Oscars: 5 Great Movies from Argentina

2010-03-12T14:36:40Z

If you pay attention to the Academy Awards, you know that The Secret in Their Eyes (El Secreto de Sus Ojos), a police drama from Argentina, won the 2010 Oscar for best foreign language film.
If you’re still hankering for an Argentinean film fix, not to worry. I’ve picked out five noteworthy movies from down Argentine way. Have a favorite? Please share!

1. The Official Story (La Historia Oficial): This heartbreaking drama —winner of best foreign film in 1985 — is about a woman in Buenos Aires who slowly comes to realize that the child that she and her husband adopted was a victim of the government’s disappearances during the so-called Dirty War of the 1970s.

2. Nine Queens (Nueve Reinas): This sly 2000 caper weaves a tangled story of deceit and con games, with intriguing plot twists. If you liked The Spanish Prisoner, you’ll love this. It was nominated for 28 awards in Latin America, the United States and Europe, and won 21 of them. (Travelers take note: much of the action takes place at the Hilton Buenos Aires, in the Puerto Madero district.)

3. Plata Quemada (sometimes called Burnt Money): This 2000 crime drama tells the true story of two gay men who become lovers and participate in a bank robbery in 1965 Buenos Aires. Among its critical recognition was the Goya award for best Spanish language film in 2001.

4. Apartment Zero: Colin Firth (who stars in this year’s well-received A Single Man) plays the off-kilter owner of a revival movie house in Buenos Aires, in this 1989 psychological drama.

5. Evita: All right, all right. I know I’ll get some flack for mentioning the 1996 movie version of this rock opera, which was especially controversial in some circles because of its choice of Madonna to play Argentine first lady Eva Duarte de Perón. But it’s still an entertaining musical.

Two more, from Karla, a LatinFlyer.com reader from Argentina who now resides in Miami:
• El Hijo de la Novia: This 2001 comedy-drama stars Ricardo Darín and Norma Aleandro, and was directed by Juan José Campanella, who won the Oscar for El Secreto de tus Ojos.
• Cuestión de Principios: Ethics are put to the test in this 2009 comedy staring Pablo Echarri, Federico Luppi and Norma Aleandro.

VIDEO TOUR: Torture Devices at Cartagena’s Inquisition Museum

2010-03-05T19:02:10Z

Cartagena’s History Museum houses exhibits about the rich heritage of Colombia’s most popular tourism destination. But the part that seems to get the most attention is the Palacio de la Inquisición, which now houses a museum of the Inquisition. This violent phase of Roman Catholic history tried supposed heretics within the church’s own justice system, and was known for the extreme methods of torture used to extract confessions and conversions from the accused.
The beautiful building used for this purpose in Cartagena dates to 1610, and sits conveniently near the city’s cathedral. Cartagena, in fact, was one of three hubs in Latin America for the Inquisition. Today, the grand structure sits as a quiet reminder of its unfortunate past — and the many torture devices on exhibit serve as a very visual reminder. This video highlights just a few.

Cartagena Video, Part 1: The City Tour

2010-02-25T21:51:58Z

You may have already seen the “official” tourism video [http://www.latinflyer.com/index.php/articles/read/tourism-board-view-cartagena-colombia/] produced by the tourism office in Cartagena, which is posted here on LatinFlyer.com and also on LatinFlyerBlog.com. Now it’s my turn.
This video is my own personal version of a city tour of Cartagena de Indias, based on my recent visit. During Part 1 of the video, I’ll tell you a bit about the history of this landmark port city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, then highlight some of the main attractions and even show a bit of the live dance and music performances you can enjoy while there.
In upcoming videos, I’ll include dining, shopping, hotels, dramatic torture devices (at the Inquisition Museum) and even some bizarre shark feeding at the nearby Rosarios Islands.
If you have any special memories or recommendations, or questions for your upcoming visit, please feel free to post a comment here or on the discussion forum. (And if you’re addicted to keeping up on the absolute latest news and talk about travel to Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean, follow me at http://twitter.com/LatinFlyerMag!)

VIDEO TOUR: Shopping and Nightlife in San Juan’s Condado District

2010-02-16T23:23:34Z

It’s Friday night along Ashford Avenue, and at the trendy open-air bars and restaurants that sit along the park called Ventana al Mar, members of San Juan’s young, beautiful elite are gathered, enjoying exotic drinks. Just across the street, patrons savor equally exotic libations and Asian-Latin fusion cuisine on the rooftop deck at the posh restaurant called Budatai. Just a couple blocks away, patrons sip mojitos, piña coladas and martinis, their faces bathed in the warm ocean breeze at Barlovento, a cool open-air nightspot that sits on a tiny park graced with contemporary sculpture.
A weekend night like this is a good example of what could easily be called the “Condado comeback,” a return of upscale options and amenities for visitors to one of San Juan’s original chic neighborhoods. Nowadays, it’s more walkable than ever, with noteworthy hotels, dining, shopping and nightlife scattered among a few oceanfront blocks (Barlovento, which sits right next to a rental condo I bought in 2009, is a particular favorite for welcome cocktails whenever I visit).
You can even enjoy hip, stylish and elegant vibes right at some of the neighborhood’s largest hotels, thanks to properties that have been refurbished in recent years. Along the glowing lobby bar at La Concha, a Renaissance Resort, night owls sink into stylish winged chairs and white couches, their faces morphing as the ceiling lights change color. Outside the giant glass doors, patrons socialize along the multi-level swimming pool, which at night is dramatically lit to become a sculptural fountain. Down the street at Eternal — the dark, moody and cool lobby lounge at the Conrad Condado Plaza — a live DJ spins chilled vibes for a well-dressed crowd of visitors and locals. And at the lobby lounge at the long-running San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, live music and dancing is frequently on the menu. (And don’t forget that all three of these hotels also have casinos.)

Shop Talk
If you’re looking for something fresh to wear on your night out, not to fear. Condado is one of San Juan’s fashion hubs. A quick stroll along Ashford Avenue reveals shops bearing names like Cartier, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Dior and Salvatore Ferragamo, as well as local designer Lisa Cappalli, who operates a couture shop in Condado. Or check out Euforia, a new boutique that combines interesting products that stimulate the senses: gourmet Puerto Rican coffee, and high-quality skin-care products — some imported and some made with wholesome and fragrant ingredients right on the island. With a little help from Euforia, you’ll be able to have glistening skin for your night on the town, and then wake up to plenty of caffeine the following day.

TOURISM BOARD VIDEO: Cartagena, Colombia

2010-02-14T05:37:27Z

At LatinFlyer.com and the companion blog, LatinFlyerBlog.com, we’re working to create a reliable source not just of reviews, insider information and photos, but also of videos that can give you an even more complete picture of each destination we cover.
The tourism office for Cartagena, Colombia, has produced this video highlighting some of the city’s main attractions as well as its facilities for meetings and conventions, and while it’s certainly not an unbiased source, it’s got some beautiful visuals and gives a good general feel for the place.
Be sure to sign up for the automatic (and free) update notices here and also on the blog — I’ll soon be posting some home-made videos from Cartagena from my own recent visit — including general views of this lovely historic city, a tour of the Palace of the Inquisition (lots of torture devices) and the bizarre shark feeding that takes place in a small aquarium on one of the nearby islands. And for my earlier roundups of some of the best new boutique hotels in the city, as well as great dining ideas (including excellent restaurants and the tempting giant hot dogs), just visit http://www.latinflyerblog.com/search/label/Cartagena. (And if you have your own personal favorites for Cartagena, please share them on the new forum, right here on LatinFlyer.com!)d!

VIDEO TOUR: Hotels and Dining in San Juan’s Condado District

2010-02-11T16:42:00Z

When I first started visiting Puerto Rico in the late 1980s, I wasn’t that impressed with Condado. Sure, it had its beaches and sure, it had some decent hotels and nightlife. But it always seemed grimy, and just a bit behind the times.
Today, happily, that has changed. Hotels have been relaunched with the best style on the island, and bars and restaurants are filled with well-dressed patrons enjoying tasty cocktails and sophisticated fusion cuisine.
My partner and I bought a condo in the neighborhood last year — one that needed so much renovation that we couldn’t actually sleep there for the first few visits — so I’ve had plenty of chances to sample the best this neighborhood has to offer.
Located midway between historic Old San Juan and the tourist district called Isla Verde, Condado is a bustling beach-front community lined with high-rise towers and an increasing number of interesting restaurants and shops. While some travelers instinctively head away from urban areas for their beach vacations, Condado is providing more reasons than ever to stay in the center of it all.
As I’ve checked into various hotels over the past few months, I’ve noticed how Condado’s hotel scene has resurged — in fact, the district has taken the lead when it comes to trendy properties. Among the best new options for travelers is La Concha, a beautiful tropical modern hotel dating to the 1950s that had sat empty for years, now reborn as a very cool Renaissance resort.
Also very cool and chic is the Condado Plaza, which in 2009 was reborn as the Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza, complete with an ultra-chic lobby and restyled guestrooms. By 2011, luxury seekers will also be able to check into the refashioned Condado Vanderbilt, which was originally designed in 1919 and is now undergoing a massive facelift — as well as the addition of two new condo-hotel towers. And the San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino continues to draw a loyal group of travelers.
Dining is a delectable experience in Condado. One of the newest high-profile places is Jam Rum Bar + Bistro Moderne, the latest creation of Peter Schintler, a celebrity chef already known for his stylish restaurant Marmalade in Old San Juan. Also worthwhile is Yerba Buena, an open-air restaurant that specializes in Caribbean cuisine, with heavy Cuban and Puerto Rican influences (they host live Cuban music on weekends). Ajili Mojili, meanwhile, is square one for anyone looking to sample a wide variety of Puerto Rican cuisine in an upscale setting; their lunch buffet is especially popular with foreigners, since it allows samples from a wider variety of dishes.
Ajili Mojili, in fact, sits across the street from my condo, which is now fully renovated. I can sleep in my own apartment now, at least when it’s not being rented out to vacationers. I have no reason to seek lodging at La Concha, or the Condado Plaza. I love my place, sure, but in a way, it’s too bad I won’t be enjoying those hotels as much. At least I can still go to the wonderful bars and restaurants.

Video Tour: Star Searching in Acapulco

2010-02-04T23:35:59Z

If you didn’t get enough of the celebrity side of Acapulco with my earlier article, “Celebrity Sleeps in Acapulco,” check out this video and slide show of homes and hotels that once welcomed some of the biggest names in Hollywood (and the airline industry). Some of these locations aren’t in the public spotlight like they used to be (but some are still glamorous and worth a visit; check out the other article for details). One thing seems to be sure; people will always look at Acapulco and see stars.

Video Tour: Antigua Guatemala

2010-02-03T19:40:25Z

Could it be that Antigua Guatemala, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was actually saved by the earthquakes that ravaged it during earlier centuries? If you consider that these natural disasters convinced politicians to move the capital and leave this charming city with its original colonial charm, then yes.
Join me for a quick video tour of some of Antigua Guatemala’s most beautiful sites, and please feel free to leave comments about your own favorite parts of this very special place.

Hotel Review & Video: Posada del Angel, Antigua Guatemala

2010-02-02T15:35:15Z

It was a cool Thursday evening in Antigua Guatemala, and I was lounging in a four-poster bed covered with 600-thread-count Egyptian cotton and hand-woven Guatemalan fabrics. Gentle flames crackled in the fireplace as I fell gently into a sound sleep, the silence so complete that the only artificial sound I could hear was the ticking of my portable alarm clock.
That’s how I wrapped up my glorious four-night visit to Posada del Angel, a seven-room luxury hotel with style and service that’s satisfied the presidents of the United States (Bill Clinton), El Salvador (Francisco Flores) and Guatemala (Alvaro Arzu), as well as former Canadian prime minister Pierre Trudeau and a few celebrities who the staff are too discreet to mention.
Posada del Angel is far from the largest hotel in this historic tourism destination, and it’s not the only one that offers luxury. So what attracts these well-known guests? Privacy, service and amenities, apparently. The hotel’s small size ensures that the each guest is well attended to (and also makes it possible to buy out the entire hotel for a few days, if you so desire).
Posada del Angel expertly combines rustic, Colonial elements with upscale luxury. Interestingly, while the place feels like a historic landmark, it’s actually a rather new construction, built by a Texan named Mary Sue Morris some 16 years ago. Her dream was to create a comfortable, luxurious home-away-from-home for travelers, with an ambiance that blends with the city’s historic feel.
Morris passed away in 2006, but the two entrepreneurs who bought the property — Ricardo Balzaretti and Enrique Urruela —have aimed to keep the same approach to hospitality. They’ve even named one of the larger suites after her, and contribute regularly to Becas Mary Sue, a non-profit organization that helps fund education for local children.
Each room here has a name rather than a number, and each is different in terms of layout and decor. But they are consistently beautiful and peaceful, accessed by giant skeleton-like keys and untroubled by telephones. Complimentary wireless Internet access throughout the property (as well as a computer for guest use) ####### that you’ll stay in touch with anyone you need to, so who needs a phone anyway?
Posada del Angel is a few big blocks away from Antigua Guatemala’s Parque Central, the main square — an easy walk during the daytime, but further away than some hotels, which probably helps to make it attractive for seclusion-seeking celebrities. Room rates include a tasty complete breakfast, cooked to order, which is good for providing energy for a day of exploring the city.
I have to admit, I found myself drawn back to the hotel during the day. It was hard to resist the tranquility of the small, open-air living room set next to a narrow lap pool in the central courtyard. And the peaceful view of the city and the surrounding mountains from the rooftop terrace. And the comfort of my very own room. I found myself going to sleep early, waking up early, touring around the city, then coming back to enjoy the relaxed ambiance of the hotel itself. Posada del Angel is the kind of place that you’ll want time to savor.

(Please be sure to check out the VIDEO REPORT at the end of this post!)

RATES: $175 and up
Posada del Angel, 4a Avenida Sur #24A; tel. +502-7832-0260 or in the USA +305-677-2382; http://www.posadadelangel.com

LF Video Tour: The Santo Domingo Metro

2010-01-22T03:13:05Z

During my most recent visit to the Dominican Republic’s capital city, I took a ride aboard the city’s Metro, a sleek and modern mass transit system that debuted in 2008. It doesn’t connect many locations important to vacationers and international business travelers (yet — more lines are underway), but it’s still an interesting new way to see the city!

Six Great New Boutique Hotels in Cartagena, Colombia

2010-01-21T18:55:29Z

The Centro Histórico (Historic Center) in Cartagena, Colombia, has for years been a prime place for hoteliers to introduce ever-more-luxurious small hotels set in landmark-status, Colonial-era buildings. Larger properties like the Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa and the Sofitel Santa Clara (set in a former convent and monastery, respectively) may be the grande dames of the hotel scene in the city center, but during my recent visit I found six noteworthy newer properties that offer plenty of amenities amid unique, very historic settings.

Hotel Cartagena de Indias
Opened in late 2009 in an impressively repurposed former office building, the Hotel Cartagena de Indias is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and is owned by one of the co-owners of Avianca, the largest airline in Colombia. The hotel offers a good central location and sleek style, with large works of photography and other contemporary decorative elements. The rooftop pool deck offers excellent views. About $310 and up.
http://www.hotelcartagenadeindias.com or http://www.slh.com

Tcherassi Hotel + Spa
In 2009, Colombian fashion designer Silvia Tcherassi turned her stylish gaze from clothing to hospitality, and the result is gorgeous. Rough brick arches frame cool white walls at this seven-room hotel, which has a small swimming pool, a mostly open-air restaurant, and a spa, all set around a small courtyard. Upstairs, the rooms feature unique touches like gold dusted walls and comforters strewn with Tcherassi’s designer label. Custom-designed bathrobes, Egyptian cottons and amenities designed by the owner round out the offerings. About $300 and up.
http://www.tcherassihotels.com

Casa Pestagua
Of all the newer properties I toured, this 11-room hotel feels the most like an authentic mansion; kind of like staying at the home of your extremely wealthy old friend. The large guest rooms are laden with antiques and have old-fashioned (but indulgent) marble bathrooms, and public areas include a decent-size swimming pool, spa, restaurant and a wine cellar that doubles as a private dining room. About $290 and up, including a 10-minute welcome massage and breakfast.
http://www.casapestagua.com

Delirio
The first time I walked past this eye-catching place, I thought it was a high-end retail store, thanks to the giant chandelier dangling over a bright orange throw rug in the minimalist lobby area. The best value in the trendy category, Delirio opened in 2008 with plenty of amenities, a comparably reasonable price point, and design-conscious rooms in clean white, expertly accented with large photographic murals and orange throw rugs. Rooms have free Wifi, minibars and rainforest showers. The rooftop terrace is a pleasant place to relax, and the hotel has its own fleet of eco-cycles — ecologically friendly, Segway-style vehicles for exploring the city. About $142.50 and up.
http://www.deliriohotel.com

Anandá
This beautiful den of perfectionist luxury exudes a contemporary style that enhances rather than threatens the traditional architecture, with dramatic lighting, dark wood furniture and flooring. A member of the Preferred Boutique consortium, Anandá opened in 2009 and sports a large rooftop terrace with Bali day beds and a large Jacuzzi, and on the ground floor there is a swimming pool, bar and restaurant. Accommodations include free Wifi and breakfast.
http://www.preferredboutique.com

Hotel L’Petit
One of the best new choices for cheaper accommodations with decent amenities, Hotel L’Petit was opened in late 2009 by the man who owns Studio 54, one of the city’s most popular gay bars, as well as Bar L’Petit, the new bar on the hotel’s first floor. Primarily targeted at gay travelers, it is nevertheless straight-friendly (“we just had a straight couple from Venezuela stay with us for a week, and they had a wonderful time,” says the receptionist). Rooms have basic décor but are clean, newly furnished and have flat-screen plasma TVs, free wireless Internet access and private baths. Plus, you’ll get a complimentary welcome cocktail at the bar downstairs. About $110 and up.
No Website yet; tel. +57-5-6643643.

Celebrity Sleeps in Acapulco, Mexico

2010-01-21T18:08:54Z

Sure, years may have passed since the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Elvis Presley and John F. Kennedy graced the swimming pools along Acapulco’s beautiful bay. But Mexico’s first jet-set destination is regaining some of its retro-chic, thanks to the imminent re-opening of Boca Chica, a 1950s-vintage beachfront hotel re-imagined by the folks at Grupo Habita, the company responsible for making boutique chic a Mexican phenomenon. A member of the Design Hotels consortium, the relaunched property — which once welcomed Mexican actor Mauricio Garcés and Hollywood star Rita Hayworth — is one example the new breath of life coming to this classic beach destination.
Also in the works: the Banyan Tree Marques, a secluded, Asian-managed resort tucked into the hills, and a new 800-room luxury hotel planned for the Mundo Imperial event and entertainment complex, which is already attracting international pop singers to its stage in a Las Vegas-style flurry of publicity.
And it’s still possible to sleep where legendary stars once hung their hats. Here are some of the best choices:
• The Fairmont Pierre Marques: In 1958, oil magnate J. Paul Getty visited this undeveloped beachfront just outside the city limits and decided to build his own private paradise, which hosted the likes of John F. Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor and Aristotle Onassis. Today, that property is known as the Fairmont Pierre Marques.
• The Fairmont Acapulco Princess: Howard Hughes spent his last days alive in the top two floors at this expansive resort, before passing away during a flight to Houston.
• Las Brisas: Built in 1954, this luxurious hilltop getaway is dotted with the handprints of a never-ending flow of famous guests, including Brad Pitt, Liza Minelli and Ricardo Montalban, to name a few.
• Los Flamingos: This classic, simple property, built in the 1930s, was purchased in 1954 by a group called the Hollywood Gang — which included John Wayne, Johnny Weissmuller, Cary Grant, Fred McMurray, Erroll Flynn and Red Skelton. Today, it’s the most reasonably priced option for people who want to sleep where the stars once laid their heads.
• Quinta Real Acapulco: This attractive upscale property opened long after the initial boom in celebrity visits, but has hosted several of Mexico’s brightest musicians, including Luis Miguel and Vicente and Alejandro Fernández.
• Villa Vera Hotel, Spa & Racquet Club: This attractive property, set on 15 acres of hilltop gardens, was built in the 1950s as a private villa by a businessman from Nebraska. In the years following, the property welcomed an impressive array of guests. U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower vacationed here while Elvis Presley used it as a setting for his film, “Fun in Acapulco.” Elizabeth Taylor married Mike Todd here, with Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher as attendants. Film star Hedy Lamar married Teddy Stauffer here, and Lana Turner lived at Villa Vera for three years. And Richard and Pat Nixon celebrated their 25th anniversary here.

VIDEO TOUR: Holiday Inn Santo Domingo

2010-01-12T02:34:05Z

Searchlights scan the dark skies above as festively dressed men on stilts amble around the parking lot, greeting well-dressed guests who are exiting chauffeured cars. Inside, champagne bubbles and tables overflow with tasty cuisine.

It’s all part of the grand opening of the Holiday Inn Santo Domingo [www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hotel/sdqex], which debuted in late 2009 as the newest hotel in the capital of the Dominican Republic. As you may have already seen, the recently revamped Holiday Inn formula — reworked at the corporate level and gradually being implemented in individual properties — is a far cry from the old roadside inns that used to attract cross-country drivers. This property is contemporary, dramatically lit, and well-located for business travelers, in the middle of the city’s important financial and commercial district — a stretch of Abraham Lincoln Avenue lined with tony restaurants and major advertising agencies.

The Style: Sleek and modern

The Best Parts: The rooftop pool is small but offers great views and a lounge-like environment. The location is convenient for business travelers, upscale dining and shopping (including the soon-to-open Ikea, the very first in Latin America). And anyone who likes minimalist contemporary design will appreciate the décor at this hotel.

The Other Stuff: If you’re making a quick leisure trip to Santo Domingo and want to be super close to the historic Zona Colonial or the waterfront Malecón, this isn’t the property for you — although everything is a quick taxi ride away (depending on traffic, of course).

The Price: About $127 and up