VIK Hotel Arena Blanca: Good food , pretty beach , the rest just okay

Good family vacation 2026. This was a good hotel but not great. Definetly have many things that are just okay. I would NOT likely return to this hotel. Pros - food is great. We don't have complaints about food. We had Mexican which was fantastic , buffet always great as well. International we had was okay but not great. We didn't try Italian. Beach is beautiful. Rooms are clean and housekeeping does a very good job. Dislikes - BEACH/POOL CHAIRS. We had to set our alarm at 5 am(on vacatio [... read more]n)to reserve chairs. By 6 most shade was not available. One day we tried to do late night as we arrived back late and next day out towels taken off the chairs and my clips were never returned to us. No trying to relax on beach as Dominicans are constantly selling stuff to you. Coffee is not great. Coffee machines are not always working in lobby and we had early flight home and no coffee at all at that time. Coffee in buffet is OKAY but only have hot milk to mix which was not ideal and made me not want any. No Safe. We had 3 rooms for our family of 6 and no one had a working safe. Luckily we had no issues with housekeepers taking anything. Still felt a bit unsettling. Lots of mixed reviews on Hott water in room although we didn't have issues some others we knew did. Seems air conditioning was hit or miss , we found too cold and blanket was to thin. Others changed rooms as no air at all. Staff - I only recall a select few that were nice and would smile. Most had no smile and seems to very much be unhappy to be working at hotel. Not much good customer service in my opinion. Most bartenders were miserable and never cracked a smile. 1 at buffet was good 1 at Mexian restaurant. Entertainment crew was pretty good , 1 guy made a lot of effort to talk to me and my family. Entertainment - not enough going on especially at night. Disco that they did have was apparently closed for a year and we met people that went for that specifically. When there was dancing at night there was not much variety of music at all and short amount of time. Many of same songs too. Dance/stage shows were very short. Daytime they did try to get people involved in a few things.

Royalton CHIC Punta Cana: Amazing travel agent and resort

The resort was well laid out, everything was clean, and the restaurants and the food were great! They had a wonderful little coffee shop and their barista was exceptional and very friendly. The pools were very clean and all the bar staff were courteous and fast. We had a larger group and they accommodated us with our dinner reservations.

Ocean El Faro: Great resort

This hotel was great. Grounds are beautiful and clean. Stall was friendly. Great service around the pool. Unfortunately we couldn’t book a reservation for à la cartes the whole week we were there. Need to come up with a different plan for reservations. Our Air Canada rep was not very helpful and actually rude.

Catalonia Royal Bavaro: Never Going Back

Our stay at Catalonia was… an experience. Let’s call it “character building.” Check-in took a solid 50+ minutes, highlighted by one staff member that looked lost, that was on a never-ending radio call. Meanwhile, we just stood there… (there were 3 people in a line up) The service was a mixed bag: most waiters stared like we personally ruined their day, but shoutout to the two absolute legends who actually smiled and helped us --- true MVPs. The room had a strong “vintage humidity” vibe. [... read more] No ventilation, musty bedding, and even our clothes joined the scent club by day two. The toilet was backed up as we arrived (1am) - the plumber showed up the next day to fix it. The soaker tub stopper was leaking water so you couldn't fill up the tub with water. All could have been checked and fixed before our arrival. Day one, we got an 8AM wake-up call (after arriving past midnight) from guest services, who then proceeded to WhatsApp-bomb us and eventually escort us *surprise!* to a sales pitch disguised as lunch. Nothing says “vacation” like being held hostage over a travelers club presentation. The scenery? 50/50. Half beautiful, half “let’s go back to the room… oh wait.” Would we come back? - Never.

Dreams Flora Resort and Spa: Another great family trip to Dreams Flora

We could not wait to return to Dreams Flora after our first trip there two years prior. Some faces have changed but our experience was just as enjoyable. This was a resort where we dined in the buffet in the morning, the beach bar at lunch and the à la carte’s each evening. The staff, from chef to cleaning staff, were excellent and are the real lifeblood of this resort. We’ll be back

Ocean Blue and Sand: Amazing

Our trip to Ocean Blue and Sand was fantastic. Beautiful room in Building 10, gigantic pools, lots of restaurants to choose from, gorgeous beach, incredible staff and lots of options for activities around the resort in addition to entertainment. We splurged and went privilege which I highly recommend doing. The service and extras are fantastic and make your trip all the better. A great family resort with very caring staff.

Serenade Punta Cana Beach and Spa Resort: A bit tired and dissappointing

First of all, our family was at this resort 2 years ago & had an amazing time. This time we were disappointed in the appearance of the resort. In just 2 years we were shocked at the condition of the resort. Our room had a sewer smell, the sink tap was rusted, the shower backed up each time we used it. Our children's room didn't have hot water, only lukewarm & no coffee service. The food was abundant but had no seasoning or taste. The bathroom around the resort didn't have a door that would c [... read more]lose properly & the lack of pool loungers meant a 6 am alarm to secure shade during the day. The app to book dinner reservations was hit & miss to work & difficult to book. The staff were great, very friendly and a bright spot in this disappointing experience

Ocean Blue and Sand: Excellent Resort

This was an excellent resort and I would book here again. The grounds were really clean and well kept, the rooms were very nice with a large patio and also very clean. The guest staff were exceptional good especially Guillermo at guest services desk. When we first arrived our room only had a king bed a pull out couch and we requested two queen beds so Guillermo was great and switched our room the very next day to the ground floor pool view with two queen beds. Our luggage was moved with no probl [... read more]em by the staff and brought into our new room. The restaurants were superior and the food was excellent. There is only a few things that we would like to see changed is more entertainment with a updated agenda of entertainment events within the week you stay there that is provided to you once you check in and no towel cards were provided upon check in either as we had to ask. Check in time was too late in the day and there were no ashtrays in the room provided as you had to request that. The gift shops were very good but the staff kept changing the prices from what was marked on the shelf to when you got to the till the price increased especially one lady with long black hair it was like she was trying to make a profit off of everything you bought as she increased the price to what was marked. Need new staff in gift shops that don't rip you off and give you the price that is listed on the shelf. Awesome resort!!!

Paradisus Palma Real Golf and Spa Resort: Amazing trip

From the private transfer to the time we arrived wow. From check In to check out amazing. Check In was easy as it was not busy when we arrived Yahoo lol. Bags went on the golf cart and away we went to our room. The concierge took us to the room and the bags followed shortly after. The room was amazing clean and didn’t smell mouldy at all. Next morning was a walk around to get familiar with the resort the it was smooth sailing from there. Beach was beautiful drinks were amazing great selec [... read more]tion. As for the food well I must say it was top notch. We ate at the buffet and the alacarts once we figured out the reservation tablet it was easy. The service was amazing and the staff amazing at the buffet jimbert well he made our mornings wonderful always watching everyone around and on top of his game. Adult pool bar Ari’s well she made our week as well always happy and friendly there is no other words to explain it. Thank you trip central for another amazing trip.

Dreams Cap Cana Resort and Spa: Dreams Cap Cana – Preferred Guest Experience Review

I just returned from a week at Dreams Cap Cana as a Preferred Guest, and overall, the experience was absolutely 5-star. The resort was at full capacity during March Break, so it’s important to set expectations accordingly. With that in mind, I had only a couple of minor observations: 1. Occasional wait times for food – At times, meals took a bit longer than expected. That said, the kitchens were clearly under heavy demand, and the staff across every restaurant were exceptional—friendly, attent [... read more]ive, and doing their absolute best. 2. Sports bar experience – After an amazing excursion to Saona Island, my friend and I returned starving and ordered three plates of ribs at the sports bar. Each plate came out with a single rib, which was a bit surprising and felt like a miss given the situation. 3. Preferred guest identification – It would be great to see wristbands or some visible differentiation for Preferred guests to help streamline service and recognition. Now, onto the highlights… • Our room in Building 4 was an ocean view Preferred suite, and it was absolutely spectacular—you couldn’t ask for a better view. • I have traveled to many islands and resorts, and I can confidently say the staff at this resort are truly top notch. From the concierges at check-in, to the wait staff, entertainment teams, and bartenders—every interaction was positive, professional, and genuine. Some of the standout team members who made our trip unforgettable: • Carlos, Robert, and Domingo in the Preferred breakfast/lunch restaurant • Maria, the host at the Preferred breakfast club • Sandro, the towel gentleman and pool attendant • Henry, Robert, Claudia, and Julissa at the Preferred pool bar—who made every day by the pool an experience to remember • Andrea and Juan from the Preferred lounge bar—exceptional in both conversation and service • Eddie from the Barefoot Grill, who went above and beyond by walking past two pools to personally deliver our food • Esmeralda, Ivan, Britney, and Allison from the Preferred Club lobby • As well as all the ladies in concierge services at the main lobby, who helped arrange security passes so a friend of mine could join us for the day The resort itself is beautiful, clean, and extremely well maintained. But what truly sets Dreams Cap Cana apart is its people. I highly recommend upgrading to the Preferred level. The added amenities, access, and elevated service are absolutely worth it. I’ve read some negative reviews, but having been there, I can say this: your attitude shapes your vacation. I witnessed firsthand how unrealistic expectations and negative behavior impacted some guests’ experiences. In contrast, approaching the staff with positivity, patience, and respect goes a long way—this team responds far better to kindness than complaints. Because of these shining stars, my wife and I have decided that our search is over—Dreams Cap Cana will be our go-to resort moving forward. Bottom line: If you go in with realistic expectations, a positive attitude, and take advantage of the Preferred upgrade, Dreams Cap Cana delivers an exceptional vacation experience.

Whala Bavaro: poor, uneven walkways. Dangerous to anyone with balance or walking issues. not well lit at night.

Food was good there were cockroaches in the couch in the room wait time to check in was very long--over 2 hours the maid service was good the buffet was loud the music was too loud the beach vendors were very aggressive

Nickelodeon Hotel Punta Cana: Expensive

Resort is clean and nice but some activities are not included and should pay in high price. And less activity to compare to other high level resorts in Punta Cana. Personally never back to it Not worth with 2 kids to spend a lot

Royalton Splash Punta Cana: Amazing place

Perfect for families and groups. Large resort with lots of choice for quiet or party areas. Our room overlooked a pool and swim up bar. Not noisy at night. Lots of daily food choices at the buffet restaurant. We also tried a couple of the a la cartes, but the buffet was our favourite. Perfect weather with occasional brief rain showers. In room fridge restocked daily with water, beer and pop. Staff everywhere were friendly. Only issue was smokers outside of designated areas.

Melia Punta Cana Beach Wellness Resort Adults: Know before you go

Visited Melia Punta Cana 30th March - 6th April 2026 Airport- luggage got broken into in Punta Cana Airport upon arrival & departure-stolen items by baggage handlers(Do not put anything valuable in suitcase-infact try and not take checked luggage at all) Food- Not 5 Star. Minimul restaurant options, food was only warm most days. Variety very repetative in buffet, Service in Mediterranean extreemly slow, waited 60 minutes to get a starter & 2 hours for whole meal. For a wellness hotel, the [... read more]y are allowing smoking in restautrants-not acceptable in my view. Noise polution on beach by boats just offshore. Considering they have signs indicating no speakers by the sunbeds, lot of loud music coming from there. Staff- extreemly miserable all the time. Spoil the atmostphere of the holiday. Seems that unless to tip heavily, expect very slow service. Minibar in room. Only water, pop & 2 beers Grounds- Beautiful (Best part of the hotel) Entertainment-hit & miss Pool-very good size. Beach bar- more like a shed, not a beach bar Beach- lots of seaweed, consistant flow of beach sellers, sea a bit rough outside hotel Overall, this is not a 5star hotel as indicated, more 3.5 in my opinion. Considering we paid over $5800 for a 7 night trip, I would say save your money and go to Jamaica. We will not be returning to The Dominican Republic or this hotel anytime soon.

Breathless Punta Cana Resort: I didn’t want to leave….

March 5-12, 2026. My first visit to a resort. We were greeted by Alex our concierge, He proved to be amazing and made our trip so relaxing… A daily update on what was available, his hours and we saw him everyday. Next visit I will definitely request Alex. There is so many choices of restaurants… the French restaurant had the best steak.. The donuts in the Strip Grill for breakfast are the best donuts that I have ever had. I would love the brand or recipe..(hint). Unfortunately we had a v [... read more]ery windy week, so we couldn’t go deep sea fishing. The beach is wonderful, I could have just sat enjoying the sound of the waves, pelicans and the people enjoying the waves. No Sargassum, very few people selling on the beach. If you just say no they do not bother you. I would recommend paying the extra for Xhale, the Xhale lounge is amazing and the staff are fabulous. If you have the opportunity to see Sam (singer) at the lounge. He was amazing. The rooms were big, very clean and well taken care. Thank you Manuel.

Royalton Splash Punta Cana: Amazing place

Perfect for families and groups. Large resort with lots of choice for quiet or party areas. Our room overlooked a pool and swim up bar. Not noisy at night. Lots of daily food choices at the buffet restaurant. We also tried a couple of the a la cartes, but the buffet was our favourite. Perfect weather with occasional brief rain showers. In room fridge restocked daily with water, beer and pop. Staff everywhere were friendly.

Bahia Principe Escape Aquamarine: Nice vacation!

This was approximately our 8th visit to Bahia Principe in Punta Cana. The last 5 times, exclusively to the Aquamarine section. The staff are friendly, courteous, approachable and available. Guest Services in Lobby 2 were very helpful. The rooms are beginning to look a little tired, but were clean and always ready by the time we returned from the beach. The food was good and plentiful. Restaurants we really enjoyed were the Limbo and Thali. Breakfast buffet has a lot to offer with friendly, atte [... read more]ntive service. The lunch offered at the beach in the Los Olas building is a let down. Unfortunately, it allows everyone from the entire resort into this space and it is clearly not big enough or staffed well enough to handle the number of people for lunch. Tables were left dirty for long periods of time with no help in sight. I realize the option for us was to walk back to the Aquamarine buffet, but the entire reason for this destination is the beach....where we like to stay the entire day. Years ago, we were allowed to go to the Ambar beach restaurant, but no more. The beach itself is beautiful and well maintained. The section for Aquamarine guests is too small. Towels on loungers at 6 or 7 in the morning are the norm. We often saw too many of these "reserved" seats with nobody at them til late afternoon or only there for an hour or so. Obviously we like this place, but only wish the beach had it's own "adult only" restaurant and more space. Take some from Ambar...their side of the beach is underused.

Secrets Tides Punta Cana: Amazing! Amazing! Amazing!

The saying “You get what you pay for”? Certainly true for our stay at Secrets Tides in Punta Cana DR. Words cannot truly describe how our vacation was….so we’ll repeat what we said at the start,and at the end, of our stay at Secrets…AMAZING, AMAZING, AMAZING!!!!

VIK Hotel Arena Blanca: Decent for a cheap vacation

The rooms were very clean but outdated and the food at the à la carts were amazing and not having to make a reservation was even better. We had a little concerns and I know we shouldn’t complain we had to turn the air conditioning off as we were to cold as there was only a sheet and a thin blanket. The shower was hit and miss mostly miss no hot water. The pools were beautiful and so was the wavy beach. The staff at the à la carts were nice and would always be around to refill your wine which was [... read more] delicious. The bar staff just worked on robot mode and not interactive it was great they had a drink list. The worst thing for our week was that the pool chairs were reserved at 5 am in the morning and someone wouldn’t show up to later in the afternoon. If I was this resort I would put a stop to this oh and the smoking everywhere is not pleasant.

Dreams Cap Cana Resort and Spa: Mediocre for a five star

Excellent service but the food and entertainment was 3 star tops. No hot water in the first room, second room had a water leak that caused me to slip and fall. Not happy with the lack of concern on the managements part afterwards. Won’t return.