Kimpton Las Mercedes, a luxury hotel connecting past and present
Located in the heart of Santo Domingo’s Colonial City district, the hotel, designed by Moneo Brock Architects, is a virtuous example of integration between historical heritage and contemporary luxury. An oasis of relaxation created through the innovative concept of the “green block.”
Completed in 2024, the Kimpton Las Mercedes Hotel is part of an urban regeneration plan for the Colonial City neighborhood in Santo Domingo. The area bears traces of local history dating from Christopher Columbus’s first settlement to the Renaissance style of the 16th century.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the district is undergoing an ambitious modernization: a comprehensive effort to restore its essence, adapt it to contemporary needs in order to become a model of coexistence between past and present.
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These same principles support the project by the international firm Moneo Brock Architects, a new 130-room hotel in the heart of the historic center. The firm used locally sourced materials, preserved the central courtyard rich in vegetation, created new open public spaces, and managed to make this hospitality venue an organic extension of the city.
With an innovative concept named the “Green Block,” the project was designed not only to integrate into its surroundings but also to reinforce the neighborhood’s sense of community.
On the outside, the studio restored the original façades and added new elevated structures, additional courtyards, and more contemporary details that harmonize with the surrounding style. Simple and linear, the façade – with wooden doors and typical local metal balustrade designs on the first floor – hides a true oasis within.
Once inside, the large central courtyard, a key element of the original structure, becomes the heart of the hotel and a link to the area’s colonial heritage. The layout of the local vegetation and lateral corridors maximizes natural light and ventilation. The lower part of the courtyard has a more historic character, with a small portico separated by brick arches and a wooden balcony with traditional geometric patterns.
A staircase leads to the upper part of the courtyard, more spacious and embraced by a more contemporary and minimalist architectural structure, featuring glass elements and horizontal sun-shading grids. All rooms are designed to offer balconies overlooking the inner courtyards, with only some including private areas with jacuzzis.
On the new panoramic terraces, amenities such as a solarium, pool, and gym are available to hotel guests, along with stunning views of the sea and the historic Colonial City district. Here, the keyword is comfort: on one side, clean-lined seating, loungers, and gazebos; on the other, softer sofas and low tables for relaxing areas.
The interior design of the Kimpton Las Mercedes Hotel is characterized by the use of local materials such as ceramic, wood, and travertine, which create an authentic connection to the location and provide a natural and genuine aesthetic. The wood selected by Moneo Brock Architects was carefully chosen for its low environmental impact and insulating properties, making it perfectly suited to the region’s tropical climate.
Inside the rooms, contemporary design pieces welcome guests and ensure maximum comfort. Designed to connect with the city’s cultural heritage, the hotel also offers spaces for events and meetings, restaurants, and a hall ideal for weddings and corporate functions. Again, local materials and historic structures interact seamlessly with modern details.
The Kimpton Las Mercedes Hotel in Santo Domingo is a destination that combines luxury, historical heritage, and sustainability, offering a unique experience in one of the most important historic centers in Latin America.
