My husband, me ,and our 4 teenagers stayed for a week.
The rooms smelled musty, not overpowering though. The staff was very nice, helpful and appreciated a few $$. The food, UGH, we couldn't wait to have McDonalds. Not enough restaurants and none with AC. It was hard to eat dripping with sweat. We called ahead and were told that long pants for men were not required, but they were when we got there. We did get into the restaurant with a few bribes. Everything was mediocre but the beach/water was fabulous. Small disco where the teens met some friends. We have been to other DR resorts that were much better. We didn't have a bad time but wouldn't go back.

I've read the critical reviews and couldn't disagree more. First, if you check the prices on other Punta Cana all inclusives you'll see that this resort is a genuine bargain. True, the rooms are somewhat dated but charming (and clean) nevertheless. Bug free too. The staff is very helpful and friendly (& grateful for the smallest tip), the food is varied & delicious, the shows amusing and, hey, the bars (free drinks) are open around the clock. The pools are some of the best I've ever seen. The beach has to be experienced to be believed. Probably one of the best in the Caribbean! One word of caution. If you hate topless European women stay away! I can understand the complaints about plumbing and electrical problems but this is the Dominican Republic (as in third world country, duh) . If you can't handle it go to the Jersey Shore next time! Please note that as of November '08 LTI will be changing its name to VIK Hotel Arena Blanca. Have fun and don't complain about a good thing!

Well we really dont have many nice things to say about this hotel,except the beach was amazing!First off,this hotel is more like a 2 star,not a 4 star,are room was ready when we got there,that was nice,but as soon as we got in are room we found are tolet over flow,we booked a king room,with a stocked fridge,and a balcony not a garden view,well we didnt have anything in the fridge,it was turned off,we had two double beds,and we were on the ground floor.We called front desk,about the toliet,they showed the next day,that wasnt so hot!but someone did come three times that day,because they never fixed it.And when it did work it was only temperary,this is funny one morning we had are own pool in the washroom!well needless to say we used the lobby washroom.The food,well...salty..like crazy,selections..they had them if you like food with your salt.On day three of are seven day stay both my husband and myself spent the rest of are trip in the washroom and in bed,and we were not the only visiters who got sick.The food is not well protected from insects and not changed often at all,buffet starts at 6 and ends at 10...so the food is out all that time in the heat and buggs!..we have been to the Dominicain three times,and this hotel was horrid! staff was not to bad,but not very helpful,kids loved the hotdogs!!!!oh and we didnt not drink the water even bottled water for brushing are teeth!we strongly recommend if you do go here bring your own food!

We just returned from Punta Cana last week and I was really nervous about our stay before we got there. I read through all of the bad reviews and alot of the good ones as well. We were really nervous but booked anyway. Some of the factors in booking the trip was that only 10% of the reviews were really bad. Additionally, 25% of all the reviews were negative. Based on that I knew that it is impossible to please everyone, so we went with an open mind and some of the tips we read.

On the day we arrived we took a car service to the Hotel. That worked out just fine. I do believe the cab would have been cheaper but we never checked into that. Once at the hotel, the check-in process was easy. We were given building 3. We did request building 4 or 5 as another reviewer clued us in to do. It worked out perfect. We were given a room on the pool side of building 4. I not sure building 5 is better unless you get an Ocean view. Building 4 is the most centrally located. Ask for a pool view as well. The person checking us in seemed surprised that we knew about the buildings. He asked my wife in a whisper, " How you know about 4 and 5?" (Spanish accent) The funny part was my wife didn't know why I told her to ask either and her only response was, "You know about 4 and 5." (We laughed about that the whole trip, I digress)

Let me make this easy, the rooms are NOT 5 star, but ours was very clean, no bugs, and the combination of air and a large ceiling fan worked fantastic. Additionally, we had no plumbing problems, the water was luke warm on the first day. The rest of the time the water was hot. Another thing about the rooms were that the beds are a little harder than I believe most are used to. It reminds me of most hotels that are not chains in Latin America. It wasn't the most comfortable but it wasn't agonizing. If this is important to you, find a chain style hotel or 5 star. As for the window in the bathroom door, weird but easily remedied. Hang a towel over the door or use thumb tacks. TV worked fine, with American channels but didn't watch much.

An important factor that one previous reviewer mentioned is that this particular resort, you will be out numbered by Europeans. I think that explains the "rude staff" reviews. What I mean by that is, there is a small amount of the staff that speak english fluently. They also speak German and French. I think the rudeness comes from the staff not understanding english, so they either walk away or just look at you. My wife speaks Spanish so it was not a problem for us. The point I'm trying to make is ask the appropriate staff member. Don't ask the landscaper or the cup collector because they generally don't speak english. Just find someone who does. Lastly, for those with children, I mentioned there are European's, so the beach will be complete with topless women. My 10 year old asked why once and that was the end of that. No issues.

Food, this is a big one. The food can only be gauged by who's eating it and what your eating. I don't think it was bad but the tastes were exotic for me at least. They had dishes with Dolphin, Marlin, Rabbit, and various other seafoods. But honestly, I didn't come close to starving. There were stations you could have food prepared and then there was the buffet. Some of the food in the buffet was cold, but I enjoyed the food overall. I did not get to eat at the Italian resturant. All I brought with me was shorts and long pants are needed to eat there. Men's capri's are acceptable as well. During the day they served grilled chicken,(fabulous) hamburgers, hot dogs and pizza at little stands near the pool. The meat has a different taste than American beef, but once again it wasn't bad.

Next the bugs review. I didn't see the FLIES, nor did I see the MOSQUITO's. Had everything I needed to combat the problem, (Heavy duty bug spray) Can't say anything else about that.

Lastly, the beach, pool and amenities. Both were beyond nice. We spent all day everyday at both. The water was warm in both. Towels are next to the pool in a small building with ping pong tables. I'm telling you that so you won't search like every guest that asked us. "Where's the towels?"

The shows at night were hit or miss, but after a few Pina Colada's it really didn't matter.

One issue we had was whether to tip or not. That will be up to you. Some people did and others did not. My suggestion is if you plan to tip, Break down your large bills before you ever get there. It is nearly impossible to get change. (Even for a $5) Bring plenty of ones.

Also I will reiterate what another reviewer said. Do not pay more than HALF of what the vendors offer to to sell it to you for when purchasing your trinkets and cigars. Stay firm and you'll get your price. If not walk away. Everyone sells the same stuff.

The gift shop was outrageously priced. A (small) Three Musketeers bar was $3. You get the gist. If you want snacks for the trip home bring them and pack them away for when you leave, the airport prices are just as outrageous.

Overall, it was a good, cheap vacation (we fly free), and I would have no problem booking again.