Cross This Notorious, All-Inclusive Resort Off Your List For Spring Break In The Caribbean

Every year during the winter months, people look to trade the cold, sleet, and snow for sun, fun, and beaches — and the Dominican Republic is one of the most affordable Caribbean islands offering a relaxing getaway far from home. While the island nation has plenty of romantic, all-inclusive resorts that are perfect for couples, there is one notorious, all-inclusive resort that you'll want to cross off your list this spring break if traveling to the Dominican Republic: Riu Republica, in Punta Cana.

If you're looking to get away from the hustle and stresses of everyday life, planning a budget-friendly vacation to the Caribbean might sound like a dream. But imagine arriving at your all-inclusive resort and, as you check into your room, you start to notice all of the less-than-stellar amenities that let you know you might have made a mistake. Well, that's exactly what some guests have experienced at the Dominican Republic's Riu Republica. Now, vacationers are speaking out about their horrendous stays at this notorious accommodation, urging potential guests to change their reservations if they still have the chance to do so in order to save themselves from a nightmarish spring break. 

In a TikTok video posted by @travelsbydtravelbeauty, the user speaks about why Riu Republica is trending — and it's not for any good reason. In the video, they mention that Spring Breakers are experiencing issues like no electricity, bad food, and poor customer service, ultimately urging viewers to read reviews online. One user replied to the video saying, "Hey, I was there in January. Someone tried to break in our room. The food is nasty. They are so rude. I would never in my lifetime [go] back there again."

Even the most beautiful white sandy beaches lined with palm trees swaying in the warm breeze couldn't outweigh the comments from guests that took to social media to share their thoughts about their stay at Riu Republica. In a Facebook comment, vacationer Gina Houston pointed out that the lack of security was disappointing. "With no security, some young patrons were very destructive at night — pounding on doors, ripping fire alarm out of wall, dumping trash, breaking glass, bending signs..." Houston also described other unsettling aspects of their stay, stating that, "While the housekeeper for our room was fantastic, the rest of the resort was not clean. If someone drops a plate at lunch, staff just steps over it."

Additionally, even though the all-inclusive resort is located on Arena Gorda Beach and advertised as a five-star, adults-only retreat, travelers online are quick to point out that young, college-aged guests make up a large portion of the crowd. This ultimately turns what's meant to be a relaxing getaway into anything but. As past guest Mark Allen wrote on Facebook, "This Resort is [one] of the [cheapest] all inclusive in The DR. That should tell you why they have so many problems." On a similar note, Stephanie Lafantaisie-Atkinson replied, "It's also known as THE party resort. You know it's going to be trashed when it's young people partying 24/7." With this in mind, if you're planning on taking a laid-back spring break trip to Punta Cana, it might be worth spending a little extra to stay elsewhere.

According to the BBC, a Riu Republica guest recalled the horror of seeing a dead body under a sheet while vacationing at the resort in 2023. He was also told that two other guests had died of overdoses during his stay. When his concerns were brought to the resort's management, they simply stated: "People die every day." The shocked guest and his wife were offered counseling services and compensation in the total of £200 in vouchers (the equivalent of about $270 as of this writing), which they declined.

At the end of the day, not every resort that looks paradise-perfect in photos lives up to the reality. So next time you're booking an all-inclusive vacation, make sure you take the time to actually read online reviews rather than relying on just a handful of comments to truly understand what the accommodations and property are really like. Similarly, it's also wise to look for previous articles or detailed write-ups about the resort before making a final decision. It might take more time, but doing a little extra research upfront can help you avoid disappointment (and wasting your hard-earned vacation budget) later.

Finally, it's important to note that the Dominican Republic is currently under a Level 2 travel advisory from the U.S. Department of State — making it one of the most dangerous Caribbean countries at the moment. Nonetheless, with the right precautions and a well-researched resort choice, you can still have a safe and enjoyable trip to this stunning island paradise.