SANTO DOMINGO. - Along with the Embajador and the Paz (later Hispaniola), the Hotel Jaragua symbolizes the era of the arrival of grand hotels in Santo Domingo. It was built during the Trujillo dictatorship when planning began for the centennial celebration of National Independence, given the lack of a venue to accommodate the dignitaries invited for the occasion.
“When the celebration of the Centenary of Independence began to be planned for February 27, 1944, Trujillo was told that the city needed a top-notch place to receive the international delegations, hence the Hotel Jaragua with about 100 rooms,” explains Ellis Pérez, who in 1954 worked for a travel agency, which had an office in the hotel lobby.
In its early days, Jaragua was the place of luxury for the then-upper class, who would gather on weekends to dance to the latest orchestras and where the weddings of wealthy Dominican families were celebrated, says Pérez, one of the leading experts on tourism in the Dominican Republic, in an interview with El Inmobiliario, a digital newspaper.
Until 1955, when the Embajador and Paz hotels were built, it remained the only establishment of its kind in the city. "At that time, the hotel became the almost obligatory venue for the city's and the country's upper socioeconomic class to hold their special weddings and birthday celebrations, where the elite of Dominican society gathered, especially on Friday nights, Saturdays, and Sundays.".
Repeated renovations to modernize and keep it competitive in today's market have ensured this hotel maintains its position among Santo Domingo's top choices. The Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino boasts approximately 300 rooms and suites, an executive lounge, a large outdoor pool, a casino, a tennis club, and a modern gym and spa; in addition to 10 meeting rooms equipped with state-of-the-art technology and the La Fiesta Theater, a venue with a capacity of 1,200 guests, which frequently hosts performances by renowned national and international artists.
80 years of history
“Without a doubt, after eight decades of uninterrupted work, the Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino has become a benchmark of the tourism industry, a representative of national culture and a privileged witness to the changes and evolution that the city of Santo Domingo has experienced,” declared Brock Hochhalter , general manager, at the recent 80th anniversary celebration, while highlighting the legacy of history and dedication that have characterized the iconic hotel.
The Jaragua underwent its last renovation in 2015 and now operates under the Marriott International brand. During the 80th anniversary celebration, Alex Fiz, Area Vice President for the Caribbean and Director of All-Inclusive, highlighted Marriott International's commitment to the country and the Caribbean region.
Executives said the hotel complements Marriott International's growth strategy in the Caribbean and Latin America, reinforcing the chain's global commitment to ensuring guests experience the DNA of the area through spectacular design and engaging experiences, allowing them to enjoy a new appreciation of the destination.
The event announced that Renaissance Hotels participates in Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International's award-winning travel program, where guests will earn points for their stay at the Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino and other hotels and resorts across 30 outstanding brands, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, as well as through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards.
During the gala, an innovative gastronomic fusion was presented, from the hotel's two restaurants: Luna Restaurant and Sol Pool Lounge & Restaurant, under the direction of executive chef Luis Ortiz, displayed in a special menu that combined different international dishes with local ingredients offered by both restaurants for the delight of the guests, while they enjoyed a masterful musical performance.
