Hostal Midway

Hostal Midway in Gascue in Santo Domingo might be the best value for your money in the Dominican Republic. Owner Pedro and staff Ana and Sanchez, go out of their way to make your stay comfortable and hassle free. They are polite, friendly and available. And if you want to be left alone, they can do that, too. Their goal is to provide you with the best possible experience. Pedro is fluent in Spanish and English. This bargain priced, boutique sized hotel was remodeled in the spring of 2017. Its clean, quiet, spacious rooms are a weary traveler’s dream. A 2 bedroom suite with a large sitting room and kitchen is available, as are individual rooms. Each room features efficient, quiet air conditioning, copious amounts of hot water--day or night-- and worry free security. The rooms have flat screen TVs with cable feed and many channels from the U.S. There is access to several common areas in the building providing lots of space. Your stay includes a hot breakfast prepared to order. WiFi is available throughout the premises. Midway serves the best coffee I know of…all day long, for free. Hostal Midway is strategically located at 53-55 Delgado in Gascue, a few minute’s walk to either the Zona Colonial or the Malecon, the popular walkway interspersed with parks along the Caribbean shore. When I am in Santo Domingo, I always stay at Hostal Midway. A word about the area. Gascue is a gem of a neigborhood within walking distance of el Conde, Zona Colonial and the Malecon, but cleaner, safer, cheaper with few tourists. It is much more of an authentic D. R. experience than the Zona Colonial. Gascue is the medical center of Santo Domingo. Streets are lined with clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, health care services. Other tree-lined blocks contain houses, apartment buildings, government offices, print shops and street vendors. Everywhere are people going about their daily life, which does not include trying to separate tourists from their money. Bodegas on every corner and one centrally located grocery supply food and sundries. Restaurants dot the area. When you stay at the Midway Hostal, eat, at least once, at Villar Hermanos, a short walk away. You will relish the experience. The brothers Villar have taken the steam table restaurant to another level. It is fun and delicious. Their prices are generally moderate, but the random seafood dish can be pricey. They serve alcohol and have a large pastry bakery/deli on premises. Villar Hermanos is a favorite of the upper and middle classes of Santo Domingo--a great place to people watch. Take your time eating. Indulge in some dessert. When you finish there are always taxis outside to whisk you to another destination, or simply enjoy the pleasant walk back to Hostal Midway.