Прекрасная Доминикана! Beautiful Dominican Republic!

Rested in the Dominican Republic Uverto Alto in October 2010.
Unfortunately, I had to fly to Punta Cana and back with Transaero. We wanted to fly in premium economy class, because economy class in Transaero means unbearable conditions and humiliation of human dignity for 12 hours! The airline told us that the entire premium was sold out by tour operators. Tour operators answered that there is no premium! As it turned out later, Transaero transferred all premium to business class, that is, the conditions remained the same, as in premium, and the money is taken as for business. Moreover, at the Punta Cana airport to Moscow, Transaero has such a service as to improve its flight conditions from economy to business by paying $ 500 for the former premium economy, which used to cost $ 100 in both directions. Therefore, if you have the opportunity to fly with another airline, do not hesitate, fly, because Transaero provides disgusting service, treats passengers like nothingness and stupidly cuts money! In Moscow, check-in took place 9 hours before departure at the Paveletsky railway station (paid service) without queues and problems: at will, they chose seats in the cabin, and baggage check-in is also possible. But on the way back, do not count on the help of Transaero representatives at the airport! Directly to us in Punta Cana, representative Andrey answered: “I don’t have time now, solve your problems yourself! ” Because there is no material interest from us! Yes, it is better to outline in advance where you would like to sit, the row number and seat (in English or Spanish). We were among the first to arrive at registration (thanks to Natalie Tours) and asked the Transaero representative to seat us in the first places in the center near the screen (18th row). He said "Sure, please" and instead we ended up in the 17th row near the toilet! We were fed twice on board. The first time, among the dinner set was "bloated" yogurt, and the second time - sour salad. In general, do not fly with Transaero aircraft!
Let's finish the bad, let's talk about the wonderful! Arrived at the airport of Punta Cana. Now girls in national costumes do not meet you at the airport, and you are not photographed, but everyone is forced to fill out migration cards and they charge a fee of $ 10. At the counter of Natalie Tours, we were given an envelope with booklets about the Dominican Republic and excursions, which says the time when the guide will arrive at our hotel, the bus number for the transfer and the round-the-clock telephone number of Natalie Tours. Literally leaving the airport, we were met by the Spanish-speaking representative of Natalie Tours, who accompanied us to the bus we needed, handed each of us a bottle of cold water and put us on the bus. Everything is organized quickly and clearly. We traveled in a Mercedes minibus to Uverto Alto with just seven of us, and the return transfer was generally individual, and no additional money was taken from us.

We arrived at the Dreams Punta Cana hotel alone. As soon as we got off the bus, the waitress brought us glasses of champagne, and a delicious cocktail for the child. It seemed that you were expected here and that you were a long-awaited guest! The hotel is magnificent - beautiful and green, a lot of different living creatures, designed for both newlyweds and families with children, people with disabilities will also feel comfortable. The hotel is focused mainly on Americans, 30 percent Europeans, there are no Russians and no one from the staff speaks Russian. We specifically chose the hotel so that we could relax without compatriots. At least a minimum knowledge of English is required. There was clearly a lack of language. It was a little embarrassing! Russian is not understood at all, although at least English + sign language, in principle, everyone understands.
They settled us in the ninth building on the first floor in room 12 with access to the courtyard near the children's club. There are hammocks on the first floors. Cool))) The kids club really works! Counselors entertain the kids from 9.00 to 18.00 and in the evening before the main show, arrange a show for children. On the second day, our guide Evgenia from Natalie Tours arrived, and calmly and without any additional payments helped us move to another room in the third building, which is located in the middle of the hotel. From the room you can get to the lobby even if it's raining, because there is a corridor under the roof. ))) It's a very cool idea! A very large pool that starts almost near the lobby and ends near the beach! The pool has mattresses for swimming and a children's slide for climbing)))
The hotel is quite old - immediately tune in that there is no ultra-modern renovation in the rooms. Yes, everything is there, clean and tidy: cleaning every day, iron - hair dryer in the room, mini-bar replenished daily, safe for free, BUT! The repair is simple, the doors are old, the soundproofing is lame. We did not pay attention to this at all, because you only come to the room to wash and sleep. The mains voltage is 110 volts and sockets with a flat plug (US standard), so you need to use an adapter for European equipment, which is desirable to purchase in advance. Whether it is on sale in the hotel shops, we do not know, because. purchased on previous trips.
I can't say enough about the ocean. Yes, there is excitement, yes there is algae. But if you go to the left, then the ocean is not so exciting and there are no algae. The sand on the beach is not as white as on the beaches of Bavaro or the Caribbean, but the beach is cleaned every day. The last two days the ocean was completely calm and transparent, that the bottom could be seen even without a mask. Vacationers took buns from the grill on the beach and fed the fish, quite large and beautiful.

The entire staff is extremely attentive to you! everyone is sure to say hello - from the concierge to the maid - with an indispensable friendly smile. The waiter on the beach will ask if everything is all right and what can you bring? The food is beyond praise. Varied and delicious. In the main restaurant, for breakfast, they serve brie cheese, carpaccio, grilled chicken or fish skewers, various pasta, rolls, scrambled eggs, hot pizza, freshly squeezed juices or, if desired, they will make a milkshake from fruits and milk, for lunch and dinner, ice cream and a lot of fruit. And there are six a la carte restaurants that are also included in the all-inclusive concept: sea, Japanese, Mexican, Italian, grill. The concept includes alcohol: martini, beles, bacardi, their beer - President, scotch, Stolichnaya vodka and much more. We were very amused that champagne was served for breakfast. Cocktails masterfully interfere: coca-loca, mos-line, pina-colada, etc. Room service works 24 hours, they bring everything very quickly. In the evening they bring a program to the room for the next day, what, where and what time it will be, what cocktail of the next day and put small chocolates on the pillow - it's so cute! By participating in competitions, in events held by animators, you receive hotel money, which you can use at the auction in the evening to purchase a branded T-shirt, cap or rum. I must say right away that it is customary to give tips there - to bartenders, waiters, etc. for 1-2 dollars, but even without that they serve you so sincerely!
Once again, we really liked the beautiful Dominican Republic!