The general manager of the Renaissance Jaragua Hotel in Santo Domingo, Eduardo Reple, has announced it will shut down on 22 April 2014 for a 10-month remodeling program. Reple said the remodeling would involve a budget of US$30 million. The hotel dates back to 1986. Reple said the present lobby would be remodeled to include a bar-restaurant and a bookstore, in addition to 17 additional rooms. He announced that all public areas would be renovated. The reopening is set for February 2015. The Renaissance is part of the Marriott brands that includes the JW Marriott Santo Domingo that is scheduled to open in February 2014 at the Blue Mall.
He said that other hotels on the Malecon are also being remodeled as Santo Domingo makes a bid for more leisure-based tourism. The city offers cultural and entertainment options that complement stays at the beach and adventure destinations.