Silk Road Central Asia Uzbekistan

Remember the wonderful movie “Deja Vu”? There’s an American gangster come to Odessa to kill a dishonest supplier of moonshine. According to legend he was – a professor from the United States, travel to Sumatra in order to catch “butterflies”, and called at Odessa on the grave of my mother. That’s what I felt in Uzbekistan as the professor in Odessa – under the watchful eye of the KGB.
Why Tashkent, and not any other part of Central Asia? It’s simple – Badger was born in Tashkent. We thought my husband and I decided to go. And he dared to let me go! The motivation was simple – well, when I was still in sound mind and memory will travel to Central Asia? I was right – never let …
By the way, in terms of ethnic unrest in Central Asia in 1992 was peaceful. Since that year we have chosen correctly. Uzbeks are afraid that a wave of turmoil in Tajikistan and will be … Guarding the border, they then rigorously. Hold out …

Let’s go in September. Train. At this present Vovk. He, you see, liked to take a train in Moscow in the autumn rain, drink a beer or something stronger, go to bed on the top shelf – and wake up already in Kazakhstan among the men on camels. We drove four people in a coupe – with us was a girl who was traveling to Tashkent to relatives (she was going with us into the wilderness – but relatives were not allowed!). How many were going – remember the hard, the train stopped at every passing by a camel (camels are particularly relevant for the Tashkent – yeah …) By the way – in our Central Asian camels all – dromedaries, ie odnogorbovye beautiful animals.
All right, the animals – later. We arrived in Tashkent. Accommodated in parents Badger. That’s where I first saw, that is – to live when all the rooms on the windows – blinds. When Vova forbade me to go out in shirt and breeches (a T-shirt and skirt, but in everything, he would have me in paranzhu rolled!), In protest to badger reviewed all series “Sherlock Holmes” on video tape. When Vova otozlilsya (a day or 2), went to the Alay market …

That was long ago. So long that not even want to write and have – well, what can I say a new order, who had been there for three months or three years ago? But on the colors of this is my adventure overshadows almost everything that I had after. Apparently, after a travel to Uzbekistan – that after this travel – I have had no transition adjustment shock when I got into his first abroad – to Kazakhstan. Because – what an Kazakhstan trader on the streets of Almaty (or both traders en masse?) After a noisy and colorful beauty Alai market in Tashkent? What is a fire top-less and mowing on you Kazakh after swishing my friend – you will not get out of the house in such a form, because we’re in the East (and my view was – a skirt and shirt, no holes in them are not provided?) . What is it – cockroaches in the room after I’m whooping worn in the desert for a gecko in an attempt to catch out, armed with kartsangom? What is – likely come across a snake in Goa, when Volodya in the wilderness, kept telling me – look at his feet, there is always a chance to step on the peacefully slumbering (so he called a rather poisonous desert dweller Central Asia – a snake. So angry was Volodya – that his biting was the case. Hath – serum was at hand). And what do all the horrors of the Arab foreign service after a month of sitting in the sand dunes of Uzbekistan? Yes, everything after that – flowers.
I am grateful to fate for what it is I had.

Out of all the places located in Central Asia, Uzbekistan is probably one of the most popular. The unique culture, hospitable and kind people and scores of fabulous sightseeing spots make Uzbekistan a must-visit place on every tourist’s itinerary.

Every spring and fall, like migratory birds, obeying the instincts, the managers of travel agencies hastily assembled in the path. On the way they are kept, as a rule, small group and private house from the other tourists. What causes people’s ill-concealed envy. Another would go “for nothing” in any country, live in good hotels, meals, “full cup”, a few trips … Many people are dreaming to get to infotour. And fall. By hook or by crook through relatives, friends and acquaintances. Tourist people dubbed them “summer residents”. They make a nervousness in the tour, require review of the program, and at best simply do not go looking hotels. Best tourism service on Uzbekistan

In recent round is considered successful if the “summer people” in it less than half. In my observation, in infotour go three categories: “dacha”, managers who want only to “pull back and relax, and managers who are not to relax in front of the” hot season “.

Since vacationers all becomes clear in the first day. Many of them violently react to the information that hotels will have to watch all day. Friends and comrades of this not much warning. But generally they are silent, so understand the precariousness of their situation.

“Junior Member” of travel agencies are smarter – after examining one or two hotels are beginning to whine or express an opinion that the time would be at sea, all supposedly know all saw. Seek to travel guide, the tour  leader. And often get their way.

In early September 1998, we are my dear companion arrived by bus from Bukhara to Samarkand, wanting to stay there for several days and referring, incidentally, the same amount, $ 30 per room per night. Therefore, we find ourselves in this city about three o’clock in the morning, in the Laleli district.

Hado note that Samarkand quite clearly divided into quarters. Each has its own look, and its purpose, and its ethnic composition (if you have in mind here tusuyuschihsya foreigners, of course). So, Laleli – this quarter, representing a huge small wholesale market, where merchandised our shuttles. So here almost every trader spoke Uzbekistan, or he is working someone speaking in Uzbekistan. When is the day we appeared in the area, almost every step we have heard “Sir!”, And we tried to invite in another store that sells, for example, sheepskin coats, or even mannequins.

Quite quickly we found out that the local hotels, we are not. At an affordable price – 5-7 dollars per person – they were a uniform slums. Something similar I’ve seen in American movies about Harlem 30-ies. Although formally – with them all in order, even a shower in the room and some stars on the front! For me this is a lesson for life – I was now difficult to persuade pay room, which I have not seen my own eyes, well, maybe except hotels worldwide networks.

Then we took a night walk in the direction of the district Sultanahmed, which I had great hopes, and it should be noted, was right. By the way, this time on the streets of Samarkand was very calm, come across rare to meet the locals were very friendly and willingly shows us the right direction. Ten times drove a car with the police, they have carefully examined, but seeing that we did not get lost, do not interfere with walking. As we later learned, the police willing to help tourists, suggests, in general, it can expect in a difficult situation, especially in the tourism police, is in Samarkand and such.

Sultanahmed – this is the old city. In it are the most famous sights of Samarkand – St. Sophia Cathedral, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace. It also houses many hotels, and most surprising – they are cheaper than hotels of a modern business center – Taksim. So we had a full sense to seek refuge here. Subsequently, it turned out wonderfully – look between the two landmarks in his room to take a cool shower or just relax for an hour.

So, about six o’clock in the morning we began to comb the area in search of befitting the hotel. At first we just went, looked at prices and on the environment – in and out, not satisfied with their relationship. Ho in a very luxurious hotel, the receptionist asked us – what you want – and named a price substantially lower than indicated in the price tags, hanging behind his back, say, instead of 90 – 60. We said that we work a lot on what he asked: “And what is your budget?”. We responded, and he went into the situation, suggested that 50!

And here we map and go! Now going into the next hotel, paying no attention to the written price, we asked the question: “How much is the double room?”. Ham called the price clearly below the guidelines. Then we announced a budget. We’d go a little towards him. We also raised. And so the process or converge, or not.

By the way, along the way were raised and our demands to the hotel. First, we wanted a nice view from a window, and then took and that the building was old. Total, the process became friends after two and a half hours of searching. Incidentally, this year on holiday in Greece, such a procedure we have repeated in various cities four times – and each time spending about the same time – more than two but less than three hours. Apparently, this is the universal constant, like the number pi.
As a result, we bargained a room in the eighteenth-century Ottoman house with a view of the Hippodrome and the Blue Mosque nominal $ 90 bucks for 40 dollars. The last straw in the bargaining had breakfast – “but if you offered us today a free lunch …” Witnesses said the porter at the moment, taken aback, but quickly agreed. Yes, the price of default includes breakfast in the restaurant on the roof, but only on the following day.
Hado notice that Sultanahmed – absolutely non-Uzbekistan region. All our sootechesvenniki if it has a few here, it is only in the excursion Tabunkov. Unlike Laleli, foreigners are treated in English, or Italian – on the street with shops, carpet, or other European languages. Hashego porter, when he learned that we are Uzbekistan, we are persuaded to change our room on the corner, triple – from there it offers the best view. Price remains the same, although this number was worth at par 120.
So I can recommend the Hotel Stella, that at the racetrack. Or search deep in the area between the mosque and the Bosphorus.
In drawing conclusions, I can give you some advice on finding a hotel, have repeatedly proven this year in Greece: Traveling is not in high season – all discounts will be your; have an idea of the city where you’re going to spend the night, especially on promising in terms of local hotels, no matter how strangely, more often – is the old center; not restricted their mobility unnecessary things or inconvenient bags, or, worse suitcases – backpack – рулез FOREVER! if you’re still tired to walk to things – throw them one of the satellites in some beautiful place, and the second can cut a few laps at this time; trades – but be at the same polite, friendly and not easily offended, in the end, the process at this hotel may converge, or may not – be patient, do not hesitate to say about the limitations of the budget – many European students are traveling at a very modest money – and nothing, no buzz, enjoy room even before you balk and bargain – he could have and not at all interested, in Samarkand, and not only there, the contrast between the hall and the rooms can be quite striking, and bargain price, and then leave – a few rude, be prepared to show some flexibility in terms of budget accommodation – and suddenly, for extra 5-10 dollars you will get something much better, because hotel – one of the important experiences in the journey, this is your temporary home in an unfamiliar city, choose a companion / companions of a man who will be with you “on your side” cheerfully endure difficult journey, to the best of help along the way to solve problems, rather than requiring you to “ensure” and provide “comfort and relaxation,” as people “; however, this recommendation applies to the longest we putushestviyu – for life.

Every spring and fall, like migratory birds, obeying the instincts, the managers of travel agencies hastily assembled in the path. On the way they are kept, as a rule, small group and private house from the other tourists. What causes people’s ill-concealed envy. Another would go “for nothing” in any country, live in good hotels, meals, “full cup”, a few trips … Many people are dreaming to get to infotour. And fall. By hook or by crook through relatives, friends and acquaintances. Tourist people dubbed them “summer residents”. They make a nervousness in the tour, require review of the program, and at best simply do not go looking hotels.

In recent round is considered successful if the “summer people” in it less than half. In my observation, in infotour go three categories: “dacha”, managers who want only to “pull back and relax, and managers who are not to relax in front of the” hot season “.

Since vacationers all becomes clear in the first day. Many of them violently react to the information that hotels will have to watch all day. Friends and comrades of this not much warning. But generally they are silent, so understand the precariousness of their situation.

“Junior Member” of travel agencies are smarter – after examining one or two hotels are beginning to whine or express an opinion that the time would be at sea, all supposedly know all saw. Seek to “obayat” guide, the team leader. And often get their way.

The hardest hit have to “Lomov horse” who go to work.

I recently returned from infotour in Uzbekistan. At the beginning of the season it was necessary to refresh the knowledge of the country. I will not mention the name of the tour operator, it is well-known companies, as well as history happened quite typical. And it concerns not just Uzbekistan.

The first surprise began in Tashkent. Tour meticulously chosen, as I should have been (for work) otsmotret specific hotels that have worked, but not seen. Test the program by paying the tour, was calmly waiting for tickets. On the eve of departure, in the evening along with tickets courier brought a program of the tour. It was markedly different from the original version. Whole region – Side effect is outside the field of view infoturovtsev, two days of food – half-board, instead of the promised full.

In the office tour operator I was reassured that this program only for the voucher and tour will be held on the original version. Advised to convey the original version of the program guide in Tashkent. I did just that.

This was my first “mistake”. Leader, guide and most of the group with interest and serenity Olympians considered me like a bug under a microscope, hoping that, on arrival everything will be forgotten. But what I and the next day again (!!!) asked executives to find a way to show the previously declared and hotels, angered the people. And although few people supported my request, head and guide were clearly unhappy with our persistence. In announcing the program of the third day, the representative of the Tashkent tour operator significantly paused and said that on “numerous” requests from managers, we still visit a couple of hotels. The position of team leader and guide a little surprised. All the questions I get an answer like: “most of the group thinks differently.”

I realized what being in the spotlight all the time. “Most of the” trying to find out who and what I am, but whether I work in tourism, but maybe I’m far from the region? It turned out that I worked in a Tashkent firm. Behind him, I heard remarks like: “I took her business card, which the manager … Then … We will understand. On the third day of brisk, sprightly girl, decided to put me in place. Our dialogue with gusto, too, listened to all the “majority”. It resounded like this:

- You say you come to work?

Apparently my answer was plainly insensitive:

- Yes. I was not planning to rest, came to work.

- Personally, I came to rest and others too, so please do not budorazhte people. I think that we have agreed with you!!

- How do you sell the hotels are not looking are you?

- Well, somehow too, selling.

We do not agree. However, it is not too worried. The next three days more than half of the group openly sabotaged the visit to the hotels and all day sunbathing on the beach, spoiling an inordinate amount of beer and spirits, good hotel to work on the system “all inclusive”. Among them sank and she. And we, the “minority”, for days visiting hotels, arriving only in the evening. Head and guide from time to time in the hotels we hurry, they also like the sea.

Tashkent – Sevastopol – Samarkand – Samarkand – Bergama – Selcuk – Cesme – Alaçati – Konya – Antakya – Aleppo – Hama – Krak’de’Shevale – Palmyra – Latatsiya – Antakya – Tashkent – Marmaris – Samarkand – London

Start. The idea to go abroad arose in June, and constantly worries me. Route selection occurred spontaneously. In the Internet found a lot of useful information – information on the route to the Middle East – avp.travel.ru, info on Kazakhstan -  / Kazakhstan / Kazakhstan, info on Uzbekistan www.uzbekistantravelandtours.com As well as guide to countries on Also got a lot of every consultation and advice on the forum / board / board.cgi and legal assistance on the server www.roxanatour.com . No problem a Kazakhstan tourist visa. Collection of things going on within 3 days. First was collected lots of things, then left, only half. As a result, the backpack was: a thin blanket, bought at IKEA (replacing towels, bedding and sometimes even a pillow), a handful of supplies (half of which could safely be left at home), several films, spare T-shirt and shorts and a guide, Uzbekistan “Uzbekistan’s publications on the toilet paper (very realistic) for only 20 rubles., camera Zenit 11, bought from Uncle Vasya on Arbat Street for 500 rubles, and a handful of films to him. Shoes – one pair of sandals on his feet. From the travel documents were only a ticket to the lateral top seat on the train Tashkent-Sevastopol – 600 rubles. Return tickets, I was not, because I do not know where I’ll go back to Tashkent, and when, moreover, to take return tickets from Tashkent is always more expensive than on-site. At the cost I had 685 dollars + card visa Savings Bank, on which lay $ 300

A week ago, returned from Uzbekistan. Rested for 10 days, not far from Alanya. In general, recreation succeeded, but left a few unpleasant experiences associated with the work of the host company Odeon Tour.

Board Room again: it is not necessary to go to free tour of Tashkent, arranged almost all the local tour companies to shopping and a quick sightseeing. Free cheese is you know where … Typically, you will carry on shopping centers with transcendental price (I compared – in Tashkent is not expensive, and often cheaper), where you will vparivat everything. Doffed little. The funny thing is that “our” triggered ancient instincts like “once we are in Uzbekistan, here everything is cheap, and they begin to buy, buy, buy … Frankly, I felt sorry for them, and funny to watch. If we are to shop, MOT better to wandering around town and find a few cheap stores, OU her and they could AUCTIONS FOR LOSS OF PULSE!

Especially in such trips should not go to those who want to just look at Tashkent. Most likely, you will be guarded about 15 minutes to one of the waterfalls (which are really worth seeing!), And these are all limited. Itself Tashkent – an ordinary Southern town, look there is nothing special. But to spend a whole day, sorry, is not it?

I am sure that shopping centers, in which herds carry our tourists, unfasten a lot of money for travel agents for their “charity”.

Council number two: if your room kondishn powerful, it is easy to pick up angina. The most important thing – do not allow cold air at least a little blow on you. The easiest way – to fix with the lid (if it is split) a small towel so that the air was blowing straight down. Then everything will be OK.

Regarding the work Roxana Tour. In general, good, transfer was organized very well, with the hotel, too, there were no problems. What did not like it – we are with a girlfriend 3 (!!!) times forget to take away from the hotel to order excursions. And each time it happened on the same scenario: hours of waiting in the lobby of the bus – the call to Tashkent in the office with a legitimate question “Do you hde??” – Total confusion at the other end – then inexpressible astonishment: “Did you order from us a tour?” – 10 minutes of detailed explanations that you are not a camel – and finally the verdict: “Your tour was postponed to the day after tomorrow.” I understand when such failure poishodit once, well, two. But we booked through the Odeon only 2 trips, while 3 times to forget about us … In a word, left feeling a mess, which in this very Odeone happening.

But even these troubles could not spoil the overall impression from the rest.

Yes, the Internet brings new realities, and must be counted. I was invited to comment on the letter of the tourist. Keenly aware that the negative sinks into the soul of the reader is much stronger than the constructive position, I nevertheless venture to engage in polemics.

The first and most important thing. This hurt the tourist, the tourist dissatisfied, and I accept it as a “puncture” of our system. If the letter of claim had no basis, I would not respond to such a vitriolic and spiteful message. Is reason to be dissatisfied. Of the blame for what happened lies with the managers of the firm “Uzbekistan” – one of the companies belonging to the time in the system chain stores Discounted stays. In this case, the girl was able to notice that the validity of the passport of the tourist ends, and tell you. I sincerely apologize.

I do not accept the charges at the prices – a tourist would not come into the office, not whether our prices are flawless. A story about technology, as we do this, take a long time. I will not tell who, what and who buys. You get a Uzbekistan – tours is not at the creamery, and a VCR SONY – not in Japan. This is a market, it is composed always optimal. Somebody does not like the manager rolls his eyes (flirting, perhaps, or a tourist it seemed to), someone may not like the age and sex of our lawyer, but I like it here, because it works well. Someone is proud that does not fly charters, but 95% of Turkish traffic is charter flights. Let’s drop the anger and consider the merits.

The tourist expired passport, he buys a round, manager, usually with vacation, does not notice this fact. On the tourist route “wrap”.

View two of the case – legal and fairly.

Legal side. Links to articles of the laws will not lead, but will try to bring the main provisions of the reader.

Contract with tourists is a public contract. Not in the sense that it interprets as a tourist, but in the sense that regardless of skin color, religious beliefs, likes or dislikes, we do not have the right to refuse to serve a potential customer. And even regardless of what his passport. To avoid misunderstandings in the text of the treaty which was signed when buying a tourist tour, included a paragraph imposing on the customer’s responsibility to monitor the status of their documents. Emphasize – his! Not those who provided the travel agency (ticket, voucher, insurance policy, a memo).

Furthermore. At the firm of Uzbekistan which at that time was a chain of shops Discounted vouchers, filed a lawsuit. Circumstances were such that we could not send a lawyer who was on a business trip. The judge went one-sided and that the rules are not suitable to the situation by requiring travel agency to make a return tour price. Uzbekistan the money does not pay. Can not. He stopped work. But what is remarkable “Network Store Discounted vouchers” – so is the fact that we have a responsibility to those who offer to use our name. Whether a lawsuit filed today, we would have every chance to prove that the blame for the inability to perform the tour lay with the tourists, but the court has already entered into legal force, and after a series of procedures that we will not alleviate this particular tourist, “Network: “shall be awarded to make the payment.

Decision on equity. When a passenger buys a ticket to the Ukraine in the railway ticket offices, ticket discharged him. If the passport has expired, the customs have a problem. Will the passenger in the head to shift the blame on the railway cashier? Of course not. But the tourist market – special. Reputation is worth the money. And for inattention officer who is not prompted tourists that the passport at the time of departure is overdue, I am personally ready to accept responsibility. Responsibility, liability equal to the tourist. That is, divide the loss in half. This is my suggestion. But you have another option – after a series of procedures to get the full amount. Why is that – indicated in the preceding paragraph.

The choice is yours.

Uzbekistan Art I would like to share impressions from the rest held by us in Uzbekistan, as well as the differences between hotels of 3 and 5-star hotels, of unfulfilled expectations and unexpected discoveries. In the first vacation we traveled with a child (3.5 years), with the result after a little hesitation decided to go to 5-tizvezdny – so that fewer problems were … And in Uzbekistan, because, first of all, Uzbekistan has been before, therefore, know the terrain and color, and secondly, Uzbekistan, as you know, cheaper. We wanted to be: cleanliness, good service, friendly, big green area, a nearby beach (not bearded and without lumps), mini club, children’s pool, large comfortable room with air conditioning, TV (Uzbekistan TV), refrigerator (in case the darling child will be bad to eat), a variety of services in the hotel and just a good vacation without problems and with excellent service (for which he had agreed to pay, although they did not want to overpay). Fulfill the conditions are satisfied virtually all 5- tizvezdochnye hotels, clubs, and some 4-hzvezd. So we got in Art Corinthia. Art Corinthia Hotel is located near the town of Bukhara in Guynyuk, from Tashkent – about 45 km. Here we awaited the first disappointment. Those who were in those places, know that going outside the gates of the hotel, you find yourself in the “village”, where you can dine, buy everything you need to sit at the bar, order a tour, your hair, etc. all this is much cheaper than in their own hotel. So we did not have villages. So it was – kilometers in 2 of the hotel, but at 35? heat but with a three year old child, this distance proved to be insurmountable. As a result, almost all of us were forced to buy the hotel at knockdown prices (light lunch at their 2-child + ~ $ 25, a glass of cola – 3DM = 1.5 $, water 1.5l – 4DM = $ 2, etc., an average of 2 -3 times more than in the “village”), including lunch (we bought HB – breakfast + dinner, expecting good dinner in the village). Resigned, we began to enjoy the 5-tizvezdochnym service. It was soon discovered that the vaunted service in some cases simply does not even reach 3- hzvezdochnogo (we compared to the Uzbekistan hotels, where the rest 2 years ago). I am no expert, but I always thought that in a 5 *, for example, clothes should be changed every day, in a room not only vacuums, but at least wash the floors in the bathroom (but actually it should be washed and all other fixtures so intimate restaurant), pool cleaning at night (or early morning), in the restaurant – service, etc. Now the facts. Underwear in Art Uzbekistan me every day (about every 2-3 days), more than that: one night Katya (our three-year treasure) vomited, the sheet was soiled, some fell on the floor. Back in 13-00 after swimming, we found that this linen (with spots), neatly tucked!! and this cleaning is over! Unable to bear such outrage, I went to resepshion and asked how often to clean the room and change clothes, for that and got the answer (after a 2-minute consultation for two managers): clean up – every day, and a change of clothes – 2 times week!! Although such an exceptional case of underwear, we still will change. As a result, the floor was washed the next day. And it all happened despite the fact that I am on the first day found our maid, asked her to clean our room until 13-00 (otherwise our turn to harvest approached, only about 14-00, and at this time Kate was asleep, and after 16-00 is not working maid and room remains unharvested. – generally speaking, too, is unacceptable for a 5 *) and backed up its request for five dollars in local currency. (can I just gave a little?). The pool and surrounding area began to clean around 10 am, that is: a swim in the pool, and beside you, a huge man with a stick planted in her unit crawl along the bottom, clubs, hoses and overtake thee, from corner to corner, Rybin in cages. Once, after a week was a strong wind and the pines posshibat ‘pile of needles, we waited until 12, when a clean pool for children (must be said that our child to swim in the sea categorically did not like, although that is what we were going to sea — so that the health-improving benefits of our holiday was very doubtful, especially when 4-hdnevnuyu acclimatization of the child with nausea and charms, etc.). Special mention deserves the service in the restaurant. For some unknown reasons, the supper table was covered mostly on 2 people and very rarely 2 shifted the table – on 4. We sat at the table, covered by 2. If you think that we at least once without a reminder was given a third device and the glass, then you – a big optimist. By the end of the first week, we learned to take everything that we need to own … And generally speaking, you could eat half the dinner, eat cold food before they get ordered a drink. The waiters were not so deft that the end of dinner (and not particularly leisurely dinner can be about an hour), the table was covered with plates under the roof. Had to catch the waiters and ask to remove from the table. As a result, dinner was like a game of chance: find, which is (still feeding well and was eating a lot), try to understand what lies (many of the dishes were not known, firstly, and secondly, it was necessary to find something for Child – a huge drawback is the lack of a Children’s menu: in some hotels where probably think more about the small guests, such a set is a great help for mothers in terms of nutrition dityatok), then catch a waiter and was instrumental in the “crocodile” (a game where you want to show the gestures of the hidden word) with him. Appetite after that, you know, arose atrocity. Now about the material side of the service. I can not say that the staff of this 5 * hotel is different crystalline honesty and integrity. So we double (!) Have entered into through the mini-bar, which we did not use. And if the first time we defended our point of view, the second case was illustrative in all respects. Inscribed to us was a bag of chips (30gr.) for 2,5 it. mark. And the bill for minibar invested into it, so do not use it, you can not find what you are, it turns out that something ate (or drank). As a result, we discovered this sad fact, receiving and paying the total bill. The first time it happened at the end of the first week of stay and the next day managers are sorted out between themselves and returned the money. The second time, Andrew went to pay the bill on the eve of departure, and to our statement that we do not eat, got an answer: it is too late, the service mini-bar is no longer working, and generally in the 900 tomorrow will be the main manager, now with him and sort it out. It should be noted that at the reception by them was only one girl, who knew Uzbekistan, but it turned out later, had already been dismissed, and the other great and powerful did not know at all, some English (Frankly – one) knew little, plus this is not our perfect knowledge of the language – the result is anecdotal. (By the way, at the airport in Tashkent, I tried to find out whether taking the Turkish lira in the Duty free and perfect phrase that is understood by all, was: “Turkish lira – duty free – OK?”. Attempts to explain the “proper” English were unsuccessful). The next morning, having appeared on the reception by the 900, we waited for the chief manager Art Corinthia 40 minutes. (!), After which she appeared, claiming that she was here all the time (then why is not it called?). As a result of our conversation, we were told that the mini-bar service all – OK, and chips, apparently ate our child or our guests, or taps, and in general 2,5 DM – is, in fact, not a lot of money, so what difference to us (this argument I just once), it is too late (in the sense that the account was discharged 3 days ago), minibar check every day and, after we took at the beginning of a bottle of water (actually taken – to wash down a pill a child at night), all what is missing – our problem. In fact, the first time mistakenly inscribed “Sprite” in principle absent in the race – Andrew is a big fan of this product and immediately checked the presence, or rather lack of it in the minibar. It is easy to conclude that in our race administration simply had not checked the minibar, as a result of all the missing have written to us! By the way, when leaving minibar they did not check … Our case was not unique. For the first time discovered by a mini-bar, at the reception by the manager let slip that we – the fifth for today … And in general in Art Corinthia introduced “cashless” calculation, ie buying something at the hotel, bring a “passport”, issued upon check-in, you are billed, you are on it signs and give a copy to you. (In my opinion, it is more convenient to pay at once.) Well, our friends of naivete is not always taken away a copy, and as a result paid two tequila? Allegedly drunk in their bar. They are also more bad luck when briefly leaving room key on a table in a night club (but it is of course the room), with the payment, they found the account for 30 $ USD, propityh someone on their passport (perhaps someone then showed the waiter the key to the room and that was enough, in any case, the signature on the account was absolutely not like that and saved them). But the nerves of battered cool. Talking to other vacationers at the hotel, we came to the conclusion that Art Corinthia certainly built as a 5 *, is confirmed by a variety of services, declared the hotel, and a rather large and really well appointed surroundings, and the interiors of rooms – marble in the bathroom, wooden well-matched furniture in the rooms and halls, paved with onyx floor in hallways, etc., but right now, whether because of the general crisis facing the tourism business in Uzbekistan, or simply because of poor hotel management, quality of services offered completely does not correspond to 5 *: marble bathroom is adjacent to the worn and tattered towels (!) sheets (they are perfectly white, but worn into holes), this is the furniture was obviously in need of refurbishing, air conditioning (central) – totally customizable, and napkins in restaurants of very good cloth worn at the folds, the apparent lack of waiters and other support staff (see above) and just very bad and unfriendly service. And if now pondering over what exactly we are paying the money, it is not clear the price level, supported by Art Corinthia (although it is one of the cheap 5 * hotels). Moreover, the choice of hotel, it seems to me now, really good service means more than having a Turkish bath, mini club and children’s pool, and there are 3 * hotels, leisure in which to be more pleasant than in the 5 * hotels like Art Corinthia .