Hotel Doña Elvira

What’s It’s Like: This rambling 16th century former colonial mansion was transformed into a 15-room guest house in 2004 but it hasn’t lost any of its old world charm. Twenty-foot ceilings with original wood beans adorn the entrance and the courtyard in back has a pool and a 100-year-old mango tree. Rooms are a bit old fashioned and kitschy, but in this setting it works. The hotel even offers Spanish lessons.

Why It’s a Bargain: Located in the middle of Old Town Santo Domingo, sidewalk cafés, museums, churches and theatres provide days worth of activities all within strolling distance.