UPDATE: The employee now claims that they told me there were no rooms available, but this is not true at all. There were rooms available when I called. Yes, they mentioned that the rooms were not dog-friendly, but I explained that I would bring my Service Dog documentation. They aggressively declined this, despite my calm demeanor. I was never aggressive, as they claim—they were the ones being confrontational.
Additionally, they even confirmed that they accept animals, failing to differentiate between a service dog for medical reasons and a pet-friendly policy. Such a shame.
Original Review
I am a disabled veteran who travels with a certified service dog out of necessity, not for fun. My dog is documented under my home country’s regulations and the Dominican Republic’s requirements, including a locally issued medical document and a training certificate. Because I traveled for official reasons, I had to carry Dominican-issued documents to show where needed.
I typically do not fly out of Santo Domingo, but a last-minute flight required me to stay overnight. I arrived at the hotel around 9:00 p.m. As a Hilton Honors Diamond member, I have never had issues with my service dog at any Hilton property. Hilton generally respects veterans and service animals, but at this location, I was met with complete disrespect from Mr. Lopez Colomina.
Upon arrival, I asked the front desk about checking in with my service animal. I had all the paperwork ready, but they refused service without discussion. I requested the manager, hoping it was a misunderstanding. Once I showed Hilton’s policy welcoming service dogs, they called the supervisor, who turned out to be Mr. Lopez Colomina, one of the co-owners of the management company under contract with Hilton Worldwide. When I spoke with him on the phone, he was dismissive and rude. When I mentioned discrimination, he laughed and said I was “not in my own country,” so he did not have to listen.
I contacted the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which recommends Hilton officially. I also spoke with an attorney who works with the VA on disability discrimination cases and has connections with Hilton’s legal department. Because Hilton is U.S.-based and this property operates under a management contract, it must uphold Hilton’s values. Hilton’s official website confirms it welcomes service dogs and takes discrimination seriously. With my official complaint, supported by the VA, I trust Hilton will address this matter with their Dominican partner.
I have also hired a local attorney who specializes in disability rights and works with Consejo Nacional de Discapacidad (CONADIS) and Alianza Discapacidad por Nuestros Derechos (ADIDE). This attorney will handle any legal proceedings to prevent future discrimination. We will also notify the Santo Domingo Chamber of Commerce and identify any other investors. So far, we know of Odalís Guzmán, Yolanda Fernández, and Lluís Salvadó. We will ensure they are aware that Cesar Lopez Colomina, one co-founder associated with their name and invested capital, is discriminating against disabled individuals in 2025 and is acting against their client’s (Hilton Worldwide) best interest and values, jeopardizing their relationship and even exposing themselves to legal consequences.
In addition, we will file a complaint with the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Tourism, given tourism’s importance and the government’s focus on maintaining a welcoming reputation. The Dominican Republic has Law No. 5-13, which protects the rights of individuals with disabilities, though it does not specifically address service dogs. However, this hotel operates under the Hilton brand, which is American and strongly supports both service dogs and veterans. I doubt Hilton wants to remain associated with a partner that undermines its...
Read moreI want to express my sincerity in the staff here at Hampton. By Hilton in the Santa Domingo area, I am very pleased with the service. I am very pleased with the staff. All of the staff from the clerks, at the beginning of getting checked, in all the way to the made that Takes care of my room, everyone. It is wonderful. I do not stay at no other hotel but this hotel when I come to the dominican republic in Santo Domino. I would like to recognize a few of the employees here at the hotel. Yeori, Jose, and Rolberto has greeted me with a friendly smile, the utmost professionalism, and courtesy whenever I'm down in the diner area. They have attended to my every need. I don't have to get up to do much of anything. It's always there. They remember what I like to eat. They always remember what I like to drink. And, it's there on the table waiting for. They all do a wonderful job. They gives first class service. Also I would like to recognize a very special person at the front desk. I would like to especially recognize Luis from the front desk. I have been coming here now. For 6 years, wow, has it really been that long! Mr. Luis is always professional, courteous, to me, a very friendly guy.. He's always attentive. He's always there for me and I appreciate your staff. I want the management staff to recognize all these special employees, because they deserve it. |Mr. ...
Read moreLet me start by saying the Front Desk staff name Martes is amazing , friendly, and makes me want to come back often especially after a hick up with the car rental company at the airport. His friendliness made me realize why I love coming to the Dominican Republic. The rooms are great the gym and pool are also great and located on the 5th floor. Also even with the highway nearby you cant even hear the cars passing through. If face the street from the hotel if you walk left / North they have a little grocery store (pictures attached) and also a fruit store they cut me a big plate of mixed fruits for $150 pesos it was soo soo good. Only thing is the juice at the breakfast kitchen wasnt great taste more water dowm than anything. This locstion is super close to Boca Chica (beautiful place) also the Santo Domingo airport. Just have to pay attention to your turn off because you can easily miss it and have to make a you turn (for those renting cars). Also in the photo where the green sign of the store is at is where you should signal right to get off the freeway an onto the side street so you dont miss the turn.
Another helpful tip the entry and exit gates are not autmatic someone has to press a button to let you in either security or...
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