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

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. 

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. 

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.

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.