There are many moderately priced and inexpensive hotels throughout the capital. One that is popular with board members here is the Hispaniola Hotel...Charlie W. can you post rates and contact information for Erica, please? You can also choose to stay in old Santo Domingo, more commonly referred to as the Colonial Zone. I am personally familar with Hotel Palacio (809) 682-4730. This is a small, delightful inn in the heart of the old city, which was the home of a former president. The rooms are all done in antiques (bathrooms are modern ;-))...a very lovely place indeed.
The attractions are endless, really. The main one to savor is: the Colonial Zone! Spend at least a couple of days here. Although many efforts have been made to "modernize" the old city, this is indeed a place that will take you back in time. You won't find the "theme park" atmosphere that one encounters in say, Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. I suggest you get a good guidebook on the DR (Lonely Planet's, Harry S. Pariser's, etc.) to get a headstart.
Just to name a very few top attractions:
Catedral Primada de America (first cathedral of the Americas, perhaps completed in 1545 or before)
San Francisco Ruins (first monastery in the Americas)
El Convento de los Dominicos or simply called El Convento (1510, but it became a university in 1538 making it the first university in the Americas - today, the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo).
Calle Las Damas - first street in the New World.
Fort Ozama (1503), a truly magnificent place! There's a small craft shop and museum here. You will be truly fascinated.
Alcazar de Colon - the former residence of Diego Colon, son of the infamous admiral (Columbus).
The Sundial (1750's)
The Atarazana (the first commercial center of the New World)
Modern Santo Domingo offers endless museums, art galleries, shopping, restaurants, and clubs (some even in natural caves).
Visit Los Tres Ojos - the Three Eyes of Water - a series of actually four, not three, interconnected underwater ponds of volcanic origin, right in the middle of the city. A site not to be missed.
The omnipotent and controversial Columbus Lighthouse (El Faro) is something we Dominicans could have done without, but nonetheless is worth a visit to see all the magnificent artwork displayed here.
Mirador Sur Park - was built to commemorate the Indians. It has a large cave where bats, yes, bats abound so visit during the day. This is a magnificent park where you can picnic, relax, jog, bicycle and really be away from the noisy city.
I have left out many, many other attractions. Like I said, get a good guidebook and bring your walking shoes! Hope this helps!
Regards,
Natasha