Location: 9.7
Right in the Colonial Zone, facing the ruins of the San Francisco monastery; everything historic is a few blocks away.
Colonial Zone · Santo Domingo · Dominican Republic
Gato Colonial
★★★
A small hostel in the heart of the Colonial City, facing the ruins of the San Francisco monastery and a few minutes' walk from Columbus Park. Rooms with a private bathroom and air conditioning, a shared kitchen, a bar and a rooftop terrace with city views.
- 8.8on Booking.com · 269 reviews
- 4.7on Google · 192 reviews
- 5 minwalk to Columbus Park
Secure booking on Booking.com · Rates change by date
A hostel with character in the oldest neighborhood in the Americas
Gato Colonial is on Calle Emiliano Tejera, in the heart of Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone, the city founded by Christopher Columbus's brother. From the front door you can walk to the Alcázar de Colón, the National Pantheon, Columbus Park and Calle El Conde; much of the area is pedestrian and, according to several guests, very quiet and safe for daytime strolls.
Inside it's simple and welcoming: a lounge with a bar, wood and local art, a shared kitchen and a rooftop terrace where breakfast is served. Guests praise above all the location (9.7) and the staff (9.7), and they also mention the house cats. It's a place for travelers who want to be close to everything and meet people, not a luxury hotel.
See availability →What makes it special
Six concrete things, taken from the Booking.com listing and from what guests say.
Staff: 9.7
Tied for the highest score: friendly service and good tips on what to visit.
Rooftop terrace
With tables and city views, for breakfast or winding down at the end of the day.
Shared kitchen
To cook your own meals, plus a bar and a common lounge.
Cats in the house
They give the hostel its name and several guests mention them fondly in their reviews.
Value for money: 9.2
Guests describe it as an affordable, well-located option for the Colonial Zone.
Hotel photos
The rooms
Private rooms of 16 to 20 m², for two or three guests. All with air conditioning, free wifi, a TV, a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries.
Standard double room
The basic option for two, with a private bathroom, air conditioning and wifi.
See price →Double room with an extra-large bed
Just as compact, with a wider bed and a private bathroom.
See price →Double room with a balcony
The largest room in the hostel: a balcony and views of the city and a landmark.
See price →Triple room
With three single beds, handy for friends traveling together; the listing shows a capacity of two adults, so confirm occupancy when you book.
See price →Hostel amenities
A small, simple place: the Booking.com listing doesn't mention a pool or a restaurant. Its strengths are the location, the terrace and the atmosphere.
- Free wifiThroughout the property; guests rate it 9.0.
- Air conditioningIn all rooms.
- Shared kitchenLarge and fairly well equipped, according to guests.
- Rooftop terraceWith city views.
- BarIn the hostel's lounge.
- BreakfastAmerican or vegetarian, paid, every day from 8:30 to 11:30.
- Common loungeA space to meet other travelers.
- Tour helpThe hostel organizes excursions and gives tips on what to visit.
- ConciergeInformation about the area and recommendations.
- Airport shuttleAvailable for an extra charge; request it in advance.
- Smoke-freeSmoking is not allowed on the property.
- PetsAllowed on request and free of charge, according to the listing.
Breakfast and where to eat
The hostel has paid breakfast, a shared kitchen and a bar; for dinner, the Colonial Zone has restaurants a few blocks away.
Breakfast
American or vegetarian, paid, from 8:30 to 11:30. According to one guest, you have it on the terrace with a view.
The shared kitchen
If you'd rather make your own meals, there are supermarkets near the hostel.
The hostel bar
For a drink in the lounge without going out.
Sabina Bar · 300 m
A café and bar in the Colonial Zone, the closest one on the listing.
Calle El Conde · 400 m
The pedestrian street with the most cafés and restaurants in the old city.
Supermarkets nearby
According to the host, there are supermarkets nearby for kitchen supplies.
The first city of the Americas, steps from its cathedral, fortresses and cobbled streets
The Colonial Zone is Santo Domingo's historic center, founded in the early 16th century and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's explored on foot: churches, palaces, squares and fortresses are only a few blocks apart. Distances are in a straight line from the hotel.
Primada de América Cathedral · 400 m
The first cathedral built in the Americas, made of coral limestone, facing Columbus Park. Inside you'll find chapels, a nave with Gothic vaults and works of art from past centuries.
Alcázar de Colón · 400 m
The palace built for Diego Columbus, son of Christopher Columbus, facing Plaza de España. Today it's a museum with period furniture and objects, and the Ozama River is close by.
Calle El Conde · 400 m
The liveliest pedestrian street in the old city: cafés, restaurants, shops and street musicians, running from the Puerta del Conde to Columbus Park. It really comes alive at night.
Ozama Fortress · 600 m
A 16th-century military fortress beside the river, with the Torre del Homenaje, the oldest of the European-built fortifications in the Americas. It's visited with a guide and has good views of the river and the city.
Calle Las Damas · 400 m
One of the city's first streets, lined with colonial houses and historic buildings such as the National Pantheon. It's a quiet, very photogenic street for an unhurried walk.
Columbus Park · 400 m
The central square of the Colonial Zone, with the statue of Christopher Columbus, pigeons, café terraces and the cathedral on one side. It's the starting point of almost every walking route.
When to go to Santo Domingo
Average high temperature and rainfall in Santo Domingo, month by month (approximate values).
29°Jan
29°Feb
30°Mar
30°Apr
31°May
31°Jun
32°Jul
32°Aug
32°Sep
31°Oct
30°Nov
29°Dec
Dry (Dec–Apr) Hot (May–Jul) Rain and hurricanes (Aug–Nov) · mm
- ☀️ December to April is the driest and coolest season, ideal for walking the Colonial Zone: clear skies and less humidity. Christmas, New Year's and Easter are busier; book early.
- 🌡️ May to July is hotter and more humid, with afternoon downpours that usually pass quickly. Head out early in the morning and leave indoor visits (museums, churches) for the sunniest hours.
- 🌧️ August to November is rainier, mostly in heavy showers. It's the season with the fewest visitors and a good time for museums and cafés.
- 🌀 Hurricane season runs from June to November, with the highest risk from August to October. Travel insurance and flexible-cancellation rates are worth considering.
- 🎭 The Colonial Zone's streets are cobbled and have narrow sidewalks: wear comfortable shoes. At night, stick to busier streets and take a taxi or a ride-hailing app to get back.
- 💧 Tap water is not safe to drink: stick to bottled water. The sun is strong all year: wear sunscreen and a hat and carry a bottle of water.
How to get here
From Las Américas Airport (SDQ)
Santo Domingo's international airport, in Boca Chica (23 km in a straight line). It's about 30 to 45 minutes by car to the Colonial Zone depending on traffic, via the Las Américas Highway; official taxis, private transfers and ride-hailing apps are available.
La Isabela Airport (JBQ)
Dr. Joaquín Balaguer Airport (15 km from the hotel in a straight line and about 18 by road, per Booking.com), on the north side of the city, handles domestic and private flights. The hostel offers a paid transfer to and from the airport.
By bus
Intercity buses run from the country's main cities to Santo Domingo (from Punta Cana, La Romana or Santiago, for example). From the terminals you can reach the Colonial Zone by taxi or ride-hailing app.
By car
The Este, Coral and Duarte highways link the capital with the rest of the country. Inside the Colonial Zone there are pedestrian streets, narrow one-way streets and little parking: according to Booking.com, there are public car parks 450 and 700 m away.
Getting around
The historic center is explored on foot. To get to the Malecón (1.4 km), Los Tres Ojos (4.5 km) or the Columbus Lighthouse (1.9 km) there are taxis, ride-hailing apps and tours. The currency is the Dominican peso; there are ATMs and US dollars are accepted in many places, though change usually comes in pesos.
What's nearby
From Calle Emiliano Tejera, Colonial City. Estimated distances from the Booking.com listing.
- San Miguel Park200 m
- Museum of the Royal Houses400 m
- Alcázar de Colón450 m
- Columbus Park500 m
- National Pantheon500 m
- San Lázaro Park550 m
- Malecón area750 m
- Montesinos Beach11 min walk
- Columbus Lighthouse2.9 km
- Los Tres Ojos National Park5 km
- La Isabela Airport (JBQ)18 km
- Las Américas Airport (SDQ)23 km
What guests say
8.8 out of 10 on Booking.com from 269 reviews, and 4.7 out of 5 on Google from 192 reviews.
9.7Location
9.7Staff
9.2Value for money
8.8Cleanliness
«Exceptional location, very close to everything, a very safe area for tourists. Everything was very clean.»
«The location is excellent: you can walk to the Colonial Zone and the other points of interest are close by Uber.»
«The location, the place super quiet, no noise at all.»
«It's authentic, with character, picturesque; they explain where to go and what to visit, and they chat with you.»
«The best hostel to stay in if you're visiting Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone. The rooms are very comfortable and the hostel is lovely and welcoming.»
«An incredible place, good service, super clean. The rooms are very comfortable and the shower has lots of water.»
What to know before you book
Check-in from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Let them know your arrival time in advance. Check-out is from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
Quiet hours
From 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM noise must be kept down, and parties and bachelor(ette) parties are not allowed.
Social atmosphere
The lounge and front desk are lively. One guest complained about noise in a room next to the entrance, so if you're a light sleeper ask for one away from the door.
Payment methods
The listing shows cash as the accepted payment method and says the property will contact you after you book with payment instructions.
No cribs or extra beds
Children of any age are welcome, but the property has no cribs or extra beds.
Smoke-free
Smoking is not allowed. Pets are allowed on request and free of charge.
There are cats at the hostel
Several guests mention them fondly; keep this in mind if you have allergies.
Water pressure
One guest said the water pressure dropped at night. It's a detail worth checking with the hostel if it matters to you.
Things to do from the Colonial Zone
Highly rated tours on Viator: a guided bike tour of the city, a small-group walking tour with beer and specialty coffee, the authentic Dominican neighborhoods, Los Tres Ojos with the Columbus Lighthouse and Boca Chica, the Barceló rum factory, and the Cave of Wonders with Altos de Chavón. Check each tour's meeting point or whether it includes hotel pickup; cancellation terms vary by tour.
Santo Domingo: City Highlights Guided Bike Tour
See the tour →
Santo Domingo Small Group Walking Tour: Beer and Specialty Coffee
See the tour →
Santo Domingo The Authentic Dominican Neighborhood Tour
See the tour →
Santo Domingo Top 3 Eyes Light House Boca Chica Beach and Lunch
See the tour →
Ron Barcelo Anejo Experience Factory Tour
See the tour →
Romana: Cave of wonders and Chavón from Santo Domingo.
See the tour →Tour texts and photos: Viator.
Where it is
Calle Emiliano Tejera 154, Ciudad Colonial, 10211 Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional, Dominican Republic
Book your stay at Gato Colonial
See today's rates and availability on Booking.com. Many rates can be cancelled for free; check the conditions of each one before you book.
See availability →Frequently asked questions
Where is Gato Colonial?
On Calle Emiliano Tejera, in Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone, facing the ruins of the San Francisco monastery and about 500 m from Columbus Park.
Is breakfast included?
No: the American or vegetarian breakfast is paid and served from 8:30 to 11:30. There's also a shared kitchen if you'd rather make your own meals.
How far is the beach?
The closest beach is Montesinos, about an 11-minute walk. The better-known beaches, like Güibia or Boca Chica, are farther and reached by taxi.
Does it have a pool or parking?
The Booking.com listing doesn't mention a pool or parking of its own. There are public car parks 450 and 700 m away.
What time is check-in?
From 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM; let them know your arrival time in advance. Check-out is from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
How do I get here from the airport?
Las Américas Airport (SDQ) is about 30 to 45 minutes away by car. The hostel offers a paid transfer to and from La Isabela Airport, and you can also take a taxi or a ride-hailing app.
What do the rooms have?
Air conditioning, free wifi, a TV and a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries. They measure between 16 and 20 m².
Are pets allowed?
Yes, on request and free of charge, according to the listing. Keep in mind that cats live at the hostel.