DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

Destination Santiago continues to add attractions. A second Centro Cultural Banreservas has opened at the historic Hotel Mercedes in Santiago. The first is in the Colonial City of Santo Domingo.

When the Hotel Mercedes opened in 1929, it was the most luxurious in the city and perhaps the country. Its eclectic façade is regarded as one of the most outstanding in all the country. It is located in the city center at Calle 30 de Marzo corner Maximo Gomez.

For decades, the legendary 20th Century hotel had been awaiting a remodeling to restore it to a boutique hotel appropriate for 21st Century visitors. This didn’t happen, and the government bank intervened and chose to restore it for the delight of Santiago residents and those who visit Santiago.

President Luis Abinader was in Santiago for the inauguration of the Centro Cultural Banreservas Santiago. The renovation by the government bank has preserved the outstanding 1920s architectural style. The cultural center incorporates...