Dominican Republic Marriott Santiago
Santiago is home to a number of new hotels, including a recently-debuted AC Marriott.
News

Marriott Just Opened a New Hotel in an Up-and-Coming Dominican Republic Destination 

By: Alexander Britell - December 19, 2024 - 6:13 pm

Travelers are flocking to the Dominican Republic right now, from the all-inclusive hotspot of Punta Cana to the uncrowded beaches of Miches — leading to record-breaking visitor numbers for the Caribbean tourism powerhouse. But in recent years, another city in the country has been quietly developing into a destination in its own right: Santiago de los Caballeros, which is actually the second-biggest city in the Dominican Republic but has largely been off the radar of leisure travelers.

More airlines continue to add flights to this city in the northern half of the country, from Frontier, which just kicked off flights from San Juan to Santiago this summer to Spain’s Air Europa, which also added a new route this year. 

The only thing that’s really been missing has been a major-branded hotel — something that just changed this week with Marriott’s first property in Santiago: the 140-room AC Hotels Santiago de los Caballeros. 

We’ve always loved the AC brand for its sleek, boutique-style feel, and the Dominican Republic’s newest AC is a cool, layered property within Santiago’s Monumental Area. 

Dominican Republic Marriott Santiago
There’s a cool rooftop pool and lounge.

So what do you need to know about it? 

For starters, there’s a signature rooftop restaurant called Maximum, the only one of its kind in Santiago; that’s along with a signature AC Lounge (go for the hotel’s spin on the gin and tonic); a cigar bar and lounge that’s a nod to the city’s strong heritage in that area; and an all-day eatery called AC Kitchen (which has a welcome focus on Dominican flavors). 

There’s also a very nice rooftop pool that actually reminds of one of our favorite pools in the Caribbean: the one at another Dominican Republic hotel — the JW Marriott in Santo Domingo.

There’s also another bar and lounge called Ciello, which has panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains. It all adds up to a unique offering for an AC hotel — with far more amenities than the brand usually has — combining its brand of urban, hip style with a very complete personality. 

inside a room at santiago ac hotel
What a room looks like.

It’s the second AC in the DR, joining the longtime AC Hotel in Punta Cana, and the latest major-branded hotel to open in the country’s urban areas this year — following the recent debut of Kimpton’s first-ever Dominican Republic hotel in Santo Domingo.

So what about cost? Rates for rooms at the AC Santiago are very good right now, with prices as low as $135 in the first week of January, according to Marriott’s website.

ac santiago
The rooftop.

And getting to Santiago is easier than ever. American flies nonstop from Miami for about $385 roundtrip, and JetBlue flies from New York to Santiago with fares at $382 roundtrip right now. 

You can find more cheap options to Santiago on Google Flights

Popular Posts antigua long bay

25 Perfect Caribbean Beaches to Add to Your Summer Bucket List

There’s nothing like a Caribbean beach in summer. The crowds thin out, the winds relax, and the islands start breathing in a different way. The beaches you thought you knew feel new again— stretches of sand once packed with winter […]


The 15 Best Hotels in Trinidad and Tobago, From Hidden Eco-Retreats to Luxury Towers

trinidad and tobago hotels where to stay

From Port of Spain to Tobago’s quiet coasts, these are the places to check in now No two Caribbean islands are quite like Trinidad and Tobago—and no two hotels here feel the same. This is a destination of contrast: Carnival […]


This Marriott All-Inclusive Resort Is Coming to Barbados —  And You Can Book It With Points

new brand for the caribbean

Barbados has long been a haven for adults in search of refinement — the kind of place where luxury and culture blend in quiet, confident harmony. Now, that ethos is becoming the foundation of a new resort concept that aims […]


Related Posts beach town in martinique caribbean

This Beach Town Is a Laid-Back Getaway With a Famous Rock, Wild Waves, and French Caribbean Charm

Le Diamant is alive. It starts before you arrive — a winding drive through banana trees and old Creole homes, the Caribbean Sea shimmering just beyond the hills. Then it hits you: that moment when the town opens up and […]


Canadians Have a New Caribbean Island to Try: Tiny, Off-the-Radar San Andres in Colombia 

caribbean island san andres

Canadians will soon have a new way to escape to the Caribbean — and a new place to stay when they get there. For the Winter 2025-2026 season, Sunwing Vacations is launching direct flights from Quebec City to the island […]


Hilton Just Opened a New Dominican Republic All-Inclusive With Beach Bungalows, Personal Concierges, and Rooftop Pools  

all-inclusive dominican republic hilton

Rooftop infinity pools. Taíno-inspired spa rituals. Bungalows right on the beach. Hilton has officially opened its newest Dominican Republic resort: Zemi Miches Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton. Located on Playa Esmeralda, the 500-room property is the first […]