In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

Hotel Palacio, Santo Domingo

Dominican Republic

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

Santo Domingo has a compact historic neighborhood with many buildings dating back to the 15th century. Travelers can immerse themselves in the days of yesteryear by choosing to stay overnight in one of the city's historic Colonial Zone hotels.

This is what we did.

Cozy Lobby Bar with chandelier

At one point, the building which is now Boutique Hotel Palacio belonged to Buenaventura Baez, who served five terms as the president of the Dominican Republic between 1849 and 1878. Buenaventura apparently never lived in the palace, but his son Dr. Ramon Baez did. Dr. Baez also served as president of the country for a short time in 1914.

Open air patio and gardens

This 19th century four-story palace was restored and made into a welcoming hotel right in the heart of the Colonial Center. Lush green plants were everywhere, and the open air views of the floors below were eye catching.

Sitting room with dining table

The rooms are decorated in Colonial style, reflecting the grandeur of Spanish castles. All rooms have wifi, telephone, air conditioning and hair dryer and our suite had a kitchenette as well as a small dining table.

King sized bed with Spanish chandelier from the ceiling

Paintings on the wall were of Spanish maps, historical figures, and battles fought. The atmosphere was as though we were Spanish Royalty during the Colonial era.

Relax in the Jacuzzi

The hotel had a leisurely attitude along with an imperial feel. Although the pull of seeing the Colonial Zone was distinctly there, it was also appealing just to hang out in the room.

The bedroom from the other side

Here you see both the Jacuzzi and entrance to the shower, along with a separate room for the toilet. Flat screen TV in the center of the wall and a chandelier, copied from the originals, is hanging from the ceiling. The property is peaceful and private with no sense of urgency. Perfect for relaxing.

Roof top pool

There was a small but clean roof top pool with several lounge chairs, some in the shade. One just takes an elevator from the lobby up to the top floor, grab a chair and enjoy the pool and the view.

Taberna, Don Quijote

A small restaurant on the ground floor offers a tropical buffet breakfast each morning. Notice the old floor tiles for the outside seating.

If you are interested in an oasis of calm in the bustling city of Santo Domingo, try out this charming hotel.

Boutique Hotel Palacio

Calle Duarte 106
Zona Colonial
Dominican Republic
Phone: 809-682-4730

For more stories and photos of the Dominican Republic, Click Here

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Retire Early Lifestyle appeals to a different kind of person – the person who prizes their independence, values their time, and who doesn’t want to mindlessly follow the crowd.

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