VIK Hotel San Antonio

Edited** We knew from reviews and a visit to the pool that this hotel catered to an older clientele. My parents are in their late 70s and love the place. We booked 12mths ago, and for what we paid, we expected much more. We were raised to respect our elders, but some older guests acted entitled and showed no respect. We got a nice welcome, but the next day staff were rude and abrupt. Our room was beside the lift, with the smallest balcony I’ve ever seen. It was very dated and the carpet was filthy. Other guests complained about cockroaches. We upgraded to All Inclusive, but I was ill and only ate breakfast and dinner three times. I saw a chef handling raw pork chops and then carving cooked Turkey, and prawn crackers covered in flies. The pool bar food was nice, but the older waiter was a real misery. The pool is fantastic, the lounge bar was an eye opener, and some waiters were lovely. Some people don’t like an honest review, but this was our experience. The reviews we’d read were right, it felt like an old people home, with men sitting around in slippers and women crocheting jumpers. Definitely not 4*, and I won’t return. I was glad to get home.

Our room was spotless, with a large balcony overlooking the pool area and out to sea. We were half board, but had to pay to hire a kettle and safe, which we’d expected to be included. The shower is over the bath, which might be difficult depending on your age and mobility. Maybe some rooms have walk in showers.

We had a wonderful stay from beginning to end. The staff were helpful, the rooms very clean, the facilities excellent, and breakfast was fabulous. Our flight was late in the evening, and after we checked out at midday, reception offered us a courtesy room to shower before leaving. The hotel is about a 25 minute walk from the main strip in PDC, but taxis are super affordable. I’d highly recommend it.

I’ve stayed at this hotel about eight times, but I don’t think I’ll come back. WiFi is non-existent outside reception and the bar. The food was okay, though not as good as five years ago. On my last morning, a cockroach crawled across my lap at breakfast. A couple I spoke with said they’d found cockroaches in their bedroom. The gym equipment needs maintenance, for example, the rowing machine screen doesn’t work and just needs a new battery. I’m not too bothered by people walking around me to get food, though others seem to be. If you don’t plan to go out, the hotel may suit you. Entertainment ranges from okay to poor. It’s not a hotel for younger people, as there weren’t many guests below 65.