Let me start by saying “It’s my birthday!” On Tuesday, April 30, I decided to spend my birthday in Punta Cana at the Vista Sol. The Vacation Express advertised last minute rate was the deciding factor. $711 each for 6 nights at an all-inclusive resort based on double occupy. The advertised rate was actually lower. We added Passenger Protection and 1 checked bag each.We arrived at the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky (CVG) airport to board the Miami Air charted flight. The counter is located next to Frontier. Being an international flight, everyone is to arrive 3 hours in advance of departure time, but no less than 2 hours in advance. (Yay for TSA Pre✔️!)The check-in process was quick. Passports must be out of the case and opened to the photo page. Everyone was friendly and courteous and assisted through the process. Plane tickets are issued at the counter. FYI, tipping is not permitted for anyone providing wheelchair assistance.Boarding for our 10:45 am departure begins with priority seating. Remainder seating begins with the back of the plane. Passports and plane tickets are checked before your plane ticket is scanned. Pre-assigned seats are available as low as $10 per seat each way. Not pre-assigning your seat may separate you from your companion, as seats are then assigned on a first-come basis. (Everyone is permitted one carry-on plus a personal item.)The Miami Air jet is equipped with Wi-Fi. Complimentary snacks and beverages are served. Alcoholic beverages and premium snacks are available for a fee. If you are not planning to sleep, bring your own entertainment as there are no video screens. Customs forms are handed out and must be completed prior to going through customs in Punta Cana. The pilot provides instructions and also answers additional questions you may have. USE THE RESTROOM ON THE PLANE. Restrooms are after you go through customs.
Upon arrival to the Punta Cana airport, all passengers disembark via stairs and must wait a few minutes for the shuttle to take them to the terminal to go through customs. It is humid, the sun is bright and there is no shade. Wear ‘summer’ clothes on the plane. Bring a jacket and/or throw blanket for the plane ride in case of cooler temperature.Upon entering the terminal, I was mistaken to be from the Dominican Republic until I spoke. ? While the line for customs was very long, the line kept moving. While in line, check the screen for the area where your luggage is located.Your opportunity to use the restroom is before getting your luggage if you did not do so on the plane. After you pick up your luggage, you may be selected to go through security again. After security, keep walking through the terminal if asked to make purchases. You must make your way to the Sunwing counter to get the number of your shuttle.You will receive a small packet just prior to boarding the shuttle. The date/time to meet with your Sunwing rep(s) is shown on the outside of the packet. Assistance is provided with your luggage. The shuttle may have a few hotel stops. The drive is less than 30 minutes. Don’t forget to tip your driver! Our hotel is the second stop. There is construction outside the hotel plus some in the reception/front desk area.Considering the number of people, the hotel check-in process is pretty quick. The hotel front desk (outside) staff will make a copy of your passport, you will sign a hotel agreement and you will then receive your wrist band, room key card and beach towel card. The wrist band must stay on for the duration, as this is your all-inclusive “pass”.Upon check-in, we were blessed with a free upgrade to a full ocean view room. I was again mistaken for being from the Dominican Republic. The room is located toward the back of the property. Multiple “buildings” are throughout the property. Signage directs you throughout. Bell staff is available to assist you with taking your luggage to your room.Finally, we get to our room. Ugh! The key card does not work. Thankful for the master key card! Dang it! One king bed for my mom and me. I still need to walk back to the front desk to have the card ‘fixed’. “Make sure that you don’t put your card next to your phone.” I’m sure you know the routine. I listened although I carried it in my hand while my phone was in my purse.Card now fixed! Back to the room I go, making sure they watch me put the key card in my back pocket. Ughhh! Still not working! After another 40 minutes or so, a maintenance worker appears. Nothing. The supervisor arrives. The lock needed to be charged. No double bed rooms available for the night. Our room is on the second floor. The fountain is outside our door. We can hear it.
The room is beautiful! It looks just like the pictures on the internet! Tile floors. Tile walls.
Place your key card in key card slot on the wall. This turns on the room lights. The view is spectacular!
If they don’t have an ocean view double room available, mom and I will be sharing a bed the remainder of the trip.The bathroom is also beautiful. Tile floors. Magnifying swing out mirror. Bathroom scale. There are no wash cloths or facial tissue. The shower pressure is medium and the water heats up quickly. There is no door to close on the shower. You will get water outside of the shower so be careful of your placement of items outside the shower.Most of the staff does not speak English. Brush up on your Spanish or download a translation app. Be sure to download Spanish for offline use.Rooms are equipped with a coffee maker, mini fridge and 4 16 ounce sizes of bottled water. You are informed that the tap water is not drinkable. They will supply you with more at your request. Ample closet space with hangers. If you choose to use the room safe, you will be charged $10 USD. All rooms have a balcony. The door locks when closing it so leave it open.
Despite the few issues, I am enjoying this resort. Day 2 coming tomorrow!Don’t forget to contact Define Your Travel for your Punta Cana (and other) travel needs!Info@DefineYourTravel.com513.857.1465
