Interview with Silvanh Riedl, General Manager of Billini Hotel

What is unique about your hotel's location?

Billini Hotel (BH) is the first luxurious avant-garde design hotel in the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo Dominican Republic. Billini Hotel reflects the concept of modernism, simplicity and elegance. We strive to exceed our guest expectations from the beginning to end.

What authentic local experiences will guests have access to?

Billini Hotel’s architectural entity reflects and emphasizes the historical aspects of the Colonial time as the design straddles the old and the new. It’s bold design can be seen in its world class suites and state of the art in room equipment. Upon entering the lobby, guest’s senses are elevated by its high ceiling and integration of natural light.

What are some amazing things that your Concierge can arrange?

Amazing Massages at our Wellness Center, Private tours of the Colonial City, Discovering nearby Chocolate plantation or cigar plantations, etc

Does your hotel have a philosophy?

Yes we do. We follow 2 rules:
Rule #1: the guest is always right
Rule #2: If the guest is ever wrong, re-read rule #1

What makes your hotel memorable and unforgettable?

The attention to details, the personalized service and the welcoming and “coziness” atmosphere. In addition, the hotel offers different areas: La Traza Reading and Garden area, Roof Top pool, Arid Sundeck Solarium, Several terraces and dining areas.

What will guests rave about to their friends and family?

The in room amenities such Bang&Olufsen Speakers and radio, in room tablets, complementary minibar (non alcoholic beverages), SmartTV LED Samsung, Down Duvets and Pillows, Occitane bath accessories, etc

What is the atmosphere of your hotel? What types of guests does it attract?

The atmosphere is unique due to an unforgettable experience of discovering a new concept of Historic Luxury where different time periods and modernism come together in harmony. The type of guests are Cultural, Design and Fashion Oriented, Chic and Modern guest.

What makes your hotel a destination within itself?

The history of the building itself has been documented and the building main structure were:
• Built in the 17th Century as a colonial house for the Regina Angelorum Convent.
• Used temporarily as an arsenal by the Napoleonic army under governor Jean Louis Ferrand during the 1804 French occupation of Santo Domingo.
• Seat of Archbishop Tomás Portes e Infante’s seminary in 1848.
• Seat of the historic San Luis Gonzaga school, founded in 1865 by Father Francisco X. Billini. Federico Henríquez y Carvajal and Leopoldo Navarro where among its illustrious teachers. Father Billini would later become who later became vicar-general of Santo Domingo’s Archdiocese.
• Seat of the Santo Tomás de Aquino school –founded by Dominican President and Archbishop Fernando Arturo de Meriño– from 1895 to 1969.

Do you have a favorite meal in your restaurant?

I love the Angel Hair Shrimp Pasta.

What is the best way for guests to "arrive in style" to your hotel?

With our VIP service where we meet you before immigration. While you wait comfortably in the Ambassador Lounge in the Airport, we will take care of immigration and Custom for you. Once finished, our drivers will await in a luxury SUV or car and transport you to the hotel.

Do you provide any welcoming or parting amenities to guests?

Yes we do. Guest are welcomed with a complimentary drink and at every turndown guests get to sample our local fruit paste or Dominican chocolate.

Can you recommend other destinations/hotels in the Dominican Republic that your guests should consider combining into a trip when visiting your hotel?

In Punta Cana: Sivory Punta Cana, Tortuga Bay and Westin Punta Cana
In Puerto Plata: Casa Colonial
In Samana: Sublime Samana

Visit website: www.billinihotel.com