Looking for a tropical beach resort and family getaway, but don't think your family will take advantage of the many facilities and amenities an all-inclusive would provide?  Here's an a la carte, budget option in the beautiful Dominican Republic, just an easy flight from many major US cities. Treat your family to a relaxing yet inexpensive hotel stay at the Clarion Hotel Santa Domingo, located on the cusp of the commercial and financial districts of Santo Domingo.

Staying at a non-inclusive resort hotel gives you the freedom to explore the island and learn more about the local culture, without feeling like you're stuck in a resort because you've paid for everything there in advance.

This reputable hotel chain’s convenient locale is close to many popular attractions such as the Columbus Lighthouse (Faro a Colón), the National Aquarium, the historic Colonial Zone (Zona Colonial) and El Alcázar de Colón castle, built by Christopher Columbus's son in the early 1500s. The money you save on all-inclusive fees can be put to good use sightseeing, playing at the beach, and dining around town.

The Clarion Santa Domingo offers a variety of hotel amenities that include two on-site restaurants: Restaurant Festival and Cafeteria Tropical, and Bottom’s Bar, which features free nightly live entertainment. Guests can also appreciate complimentary continental breakfast, free WiFi, a fitness room, an outdoor pool, playground and child care services -- though the child care must be arranged by the concierge at an additional cost.

Hotel room rates at press time were just $80/N and that's for a double room (with two queen beds) that can accommodate a family of four, or five if you request a complimentary rollaway bed. Please visit the Clarion Hotel Santa Domingo website for more information about prevailing rates when you have your travel dates set.

Of course, with all that freedom and the tempting Dominican cuisine, you'll want to dine outside the Clarion Hotel at least one night.  so here are some recommendations for fine eateries you and your family can choose from.

La Résidence (809/685-9955)
53 Calle las Damas
Cuidad Colonial, Santo Domingo 10211
This historic restaurant, once part of a mansion, is located in the Hostal Nicolas De Ovando which was transformed into a hotel in 1502. This easy to find establishment is one of the few upscale restaurants in the area that offers a variety of cuisines. Don’t be afraid to sample the spit-roasted lamb rubbed with authentic spices and served with bacon, garlic and vinegar sauce. Or the Rabbit entrée stuffed with bacon and mushrooms. A few Domincan inspired dishes consist of roast lobster with wok-fried vegetables, a fricassee of pork chops with local spices and braised “Dominican-style” red snapper. There’s even an array of vegetarian dishes for the non carnivorous eater. La Résidence is open daily from 7am to midnight and accepts all major credit cards. Dishes range from $10 to $28 and reservations are not necessary. Kids are welcome here if you dine on the early side, and the kitchen will turn out a simpler menu on request.

Pata é Palo's (809/687-8089)
21 La Atarazana
Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo
The charming location is reason enough to try this eclectic eatery; located at the Zona Colonial, it overlooks the elegant cloisters of the Alcazar de Colon, where affable Dominicans flock together every night at dusk.  This sociable and appealing bistro is one of the most popular of its kind in Santo Domingo. The tables are topped with heavy wood and are either situated outside on the old-fashioned patio or within the historic, romantically lit interior. Aside from the splendid structure, the food is some of the best in the capital. Popular dishes include sautéed shrimp in coconut-curry sauce, or a brochette of mixed meats that have been marinated in fresh spices and herbs and are skillfully set ablaze at your table. For a listening sensation, enjoy the live guitar music every Thursday to Sunday from 6 to 10 pm. Pata é Palo's is open from Monday-Friday from 4pm to 1:30am and Saturday and Sunday noon-1:30am. Prices range from $14 to $36, all major credit cards accpeted.

Vesuvio I (809/221-3333.)
521 George Washington Ave.
Santo Domingo
This restaurant is located along the Malecón, a waterfront promenade lined with luxury resorts and shops, and is considered the most famous Italian restaurant in the Dominican Republic despite what some call the building’s fading décor. Families will find it hard to decide what to eat, as there are countless savory menu items to choose form.  The owners, the Bonarelli family, have worked since 1954 to master and expand a menu with their motto: "We like to catch it ourselves, cook it from scratch, or even grow it if that's possible." Specialties include Dominican crayfish a la Vesuvio, topped with garlic and bacon. Recent menu additions feature pappardelle al Bosque and tallarini with shrimp, both pasta dishes that even kids will love. Open daily from 11am to midnight; reservations recommended. Their main course prices range from $12 to $28.