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LIFE STYLE
History With A Side of Capitalism, Please [by Carina Zaragoza] History, culture, beaches and revenue -- all rolled into one. Who could ask for anything more? LawCrossing Weekend is setting up shop in the Caribbean.
Located on the southern coast of the Domini-
site of the remains of Christopher Columbus,
can Republic, Santo Domingo was the first
this hotel reeks of history. (Columbus’ re-
city ever built in the New World. Founded
mains are now located in the Columbus light-
by Christopher Columbus’ brother, Bartolo-
house, the largest in the world). You’ll have
meo, in 1496, the city is rich in history. Santo
so many tourists lining up to get into your
Domingo was the starting point of famous
historic hotel, you’ll have to start reserving
expeditions by Ponce de Leon and Hernan
rooms years in advance.
Cortez, and home to the grave of the famous navigator himself, Christopher Columbus.
Since the hotel only has 50 rooms, that is
You can’t turn a corner without bumping your
actually a strong possibility. Though the hotel
head into history.
lacks in quantity, it makes up for it in quality. The rooms are decorated in a colonial style.
But with the days of conquest long past,
Who wants a replica of American accommo-
Santo Domingo is now the commercial and
dations when you can walk through a period
cultural center of the Dominican Republic.
courtyard and feel like you’re back in the
The city is home to over three million people
romantic days of the 1500s?
and is the most diverse and dynamic city in the Caribbean. During the day, you can bone
Yes, your colonial
up on some history in the Plaza de Cultura,
hotel will be the
located in the heart of Santo Domingo. There
hottest Carib-
you’ll find the museums of art, history and
bean attraction this
geography, natural history, and an institute
summer. Everyone,
dedicated to the history of civilization in the
from the famous to
Dominican Republic. The Plaza de Cultura is
the infamous, will
also the site of the National Theater, a venue
set sail to see and experience this unique and
for ballets, operas, and concerts. Birthplace
historic hotel. You might see Toby McGuire
of the meringue, a Latin-style dance, Santo
crawling up the stucco façade or Paris Hilton
Domingo also offers an exciting nightlife with
soaking up some sun rays, defying her par-
your choice of restaurants, shops, casinos,
ents all the while. Hey, here comes the happy
and clubs.
couple, Britney and Kevin, to enjoy their honeymoon on the white sands of the Santo
While the city itself tends to draw thousands
Domingo coast. Once the stomping ground of
upon thousands of tourists annually, they
conquistadores, your colonial hotel can make
need a place to stay. And only you, a Law-
Santo Domingo the playground for the rich
Crossing member, can offer them quaint and
and famous.
authentic lodgings. For $6 million dollars, you can be the proud owner of a colonial-
Can ghosts of history and socialites of today
style hotel. Within walking distance of the
exist side by side? They sure can, all thanks
Cathedral Primada de America, the original
to LawCrossing Weekend.
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