I've stayed there twice in the last 2 years. Both times I've felt safe in the hotel. Santo Domingo is not a place I feel very safe in though and its hard to leave that feeling behind when you walk into your hotel. Be sure you take a taxi everywhere you go after dark.

The hotel has plenty of security guards - there's a casino in the hotel. The elevators to the rooms have a guard stationed there at most times to prevent unauthorized entry. You also need a key card to use the elevator. I won't say the hotel is stunning but its functional. I remember the bathroom fixtures as being dated although the room itself was ok.