VIK Arena Blanca & Cayena Beach Club - All Inclusive

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

4280 reviews

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  Shamed by staff member for wanting a beer at 11 am

  On the second day of my stay, I felt like having a cold beer even if it was only 11 AM. The restaurant (El mirador) was open I went straight to the self service beer tap. Unfortunately, only foam was coming out of it. As I was returning my empty glass on the counter (without showing any sign if discontent), an older member of the staff came to me and said that alcoholic beverages were only available after 12, looking at me from head to toe with a disgusted look on his face, Then he turned and made a judgmental comment out loud about ne trying to get a beer that early in the day. The last thing you want while vacationing in an all inclusive resort is to be shamed or ridiculed Funny thing, I am a moderate drinker and just felt like indulging for a change. Being judged so openly really made me feel like crap.. Other staff members were nice - but one nasty man is all it takes to sabotage your experience.

  Jun 20, 2025
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  Read this before you book

  Make sure you read this before booking this hotel! If I had to describe my one-week stay at this resort in a single word, it would be: nightmare. I flew into the Dominican Republic through a connecting flight, so it was already a long, exhausting travel day. When I finally arrived at the hotel, there was only one receptionist working, and I had to wait a long time just to get my room key. I got my key, took my luggage to the room—only to find water dripping from the ceiling, and not just a few drops, it was enough to make a puddle. So, I dragged my stuff back to the lobby and they gave me another room. That one? The AC didn’t work. Back again, bags in hand. At this point, I was already extremely frustrated. I asked the receptionist if this was a joke. They showed me a paper and said these rooms had been "checked by the manager." So I asked the obvious question: “Then why didn’t you give me one of those rooms to begin with?” The receptionist just got annoyed. That night I ate something quick and tried to sleep. The next morning, I was woken up by hammering sounds above my room—turns out there’s construction happening during the day. So even if I wanted to relax, it was impossible because of the constant noise. The AC in my final room would sometimes make loud cranking noises, and a few times it just stopped working altogether. I had to fiddle with it myself because I was done wasting my time switching rooms again. On top of that, every room I stayed in had a disgusting sewer smell coming from the shower drain. A couple of times, I nearly threw up from it. There’s only one pool, and it seems like they’re renovating the other one—so again, more excavator and construction noise all day. Basically, we paid to relax on a construction site. The beach? Full of rotting seaweed and it stinks. I know Punta Cana gets seaweed at certain times, but this resort doesn’t even clean it up. The beach pictures you see online are a complete lie. On top of that, you’re constantly harassed by drug dealers walking around, and security does absolutely nothing. They just let them keep coming back every 10–15 minutes. I’ve been to 3-star resorts in Cuba where the staff were friendly and warm. Here? 95% of the staff don’t even smile. Most just stare at you when you say hello. Even if they don’t speak English, a smile or a simple "hello" shouldn’t be too hard. The animation staff was terrible—amateur at best. They have very few activities, and the ones they do have are dragged out way too long. For example, a 15-minute dart game turns into 40 minutes because they’re trying too hard to be funny with pointless antics that honestly just get annoying. People say this resort is more for older guests—but even the older people were complaining. The food? Just okay. Not great, not terrible. The drinks are watered down, and bartenders often ignore you, especially if you’re getting drinks for a group. I was picking up 4 drinks at a time since the bars are far apart, and they gave me dirty looks every time. This vacation was nothing but stress, and I feel completely misled by the fake positive reviews online. Anyone giving this resort 3 stars or higher probably hasn’t stayed anywhere else. I even heard someone’s luggage was stolen from the lobby, and the hotel didn’t do anything to help. Overall, this was the worst vacation experience I’ve ever had. Save your money and your sanity. Absolutely not recommended.

  Jun 18, 2025
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  Great Family-Friendly Stay in Punta Cana

  I visited Punta Cana in May 2025 and stayed at the hotel with two friends. Overall, it was a very good experience. The weather was mostly beautiful — even though it rained occasionally, the rain was quick and the temperature stayed warm and pleasant throughout. The hotel staff was incredibly kind and attentive, always ready to help and very friendly. We shared a room that was spacious and comfortable for the three of us. The only downside was the bathroom: the hot water in the shower didn’t last long, and the tap water had a strange taste — we ended up using bottled water to wash our faces and brush our teeth. The food could use some improvement. It was a bit bland, especially for Brazilian guests who are used to more seasoning and a greater variety of meats. However, there were plenty of options, so we always found something to eat. This is definitely a family-oriented hotel. If you're looking for a calm, relaxing place with some light activities throughout the day, especially for families with kids, this is a great choice. There were organized activities and games that kept the atmosphere fun without being overwhelming. Lastly, the beach where the hotel is located is stunning — soft sand, clear water, and just the perfect backdrop for a Caribbean getaway. Would recommend for a peaceful, family-focused vacation!

  Jun 17, 2025
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  Nearly perfect week there

  I was there from the 7 until the 14 of june, i had one of the best time i had there in almost 20 years visiting the DR. First, my room didn't have any issues at all, air conditioner was workingt well, the building i was in was quiet, both the maids were nice and meticulous and not a second without hot water. I'm planning on going back in september and i will ask for the same room (3228), if available. All staff were great, all of them i encountered, the reception guys, the bartenders, especially Ricardo and Cristian at the Lobby's bar where i was every night until midnight, at the restaurant (el Mirador), all of them were nice too, same thing goes for the restaurant supervisors, i even told one that the food there was the best i had in the caribbeans (and it's true) and even though he was happy to hear it, he didn't seem surprised at all since he probably knows as much as i do how tasteful his food is. To conclude, if there is one thing the hotel should tale a closer look at would be to install rubber carpets in buildings because when it's raining or when the floors are wet, it's very slippery and dangerous, accidents can happen fast. As for the rest, don't change anything.

  Jun 15, 2025
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  Don’t believe the website

  CALL AHEAD! This place is under construction and IS NOT what the website says. One of the two pools is closed. It’ll be months. There is NO beach activities. Says water crafts and volleyball etc. None. It says all-inclusive but the “beach bar” closes at 6pm… yes. 6. And there are NO waiters going around the left over pool to take beverage orders. You have to get up or out of the water yourself and walk 200M to the bar. Then it’s watered down (can’t even taste the “drink” part) and in kid’s sized cup. Seriously, check ahead. There are 2 speciality restaurants, but one is open every other day… so not two choices. Look, they are trying, but you’d be better off going somewhere else if you want an “all-inclusive” experience where you can relax all day. You can’t there. They let anyone smoke anywhere, and some cultures still smoke A LOT, same with loud music. Teens with personal speakers blasting poolside. If you want a cool drink and someone to refill it (this isn’t your resort). What you save in money, you’ll spend in steps fetching your own service and wondering if the 5-item menu will change (if won’t). If you see my regular reviews, I almost always say positive things. But this was a real let down, and Apple Vacations lied to us when we asked about the resort, so watch out for that too. Do your homework. This was a $200 value with a $1500 price tag. :(… the pic? That’s the beach. Short and filthy… real bummer.

  Jun 15, 2025