Despite that the costs of vacationing by the seaside at Ukrainian resorts are constantly on the rise and the service is hardly improving, an overwhelming majority prefer to vacation at domestic seaside resorts. Residents of Crimea firmly stick to their pricing policy explaining the inadequate cost of their services by high taxes, construction of new objects and renovation of existing ones and high electricity tariffs and prices of foodstuffs. A KW correspondent took a trip along the southern Ukrainian seaside and evaluated the prospects of this summer vacationing season
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| PHÎÒÎ: PHL |
Crimea
While it is glaringly obvious that the construction of hotels on the Crimean peninsula is seeing a revival, there is still much to be done to stimulate real competition that would bring the prices of accommodation on the seaside within the realm of reason. Every vacation season in Crimea the prices increase by 10-12%. This summer Crimeans are expecting a major influx of Russian tourists due to the ostensible warming of relations between Russia and Ukraine.
“Prices are set in Crimea every ten days during the summer,” said Olena Bazhenova, Director of the Laspi Travel Agency. “Demand peaks mid-July to September and prices grow by 20-30% compared to June. Then there is the “velvet” season for those not involved the education sector and prices slightly fall,” she added. For those vacationers that have a hard time accepting doubtful amenities in the private sector, there is only one choice – accommodation in high-class hotels with swimming pools and relatively decent service.
A classic example of pricing policy: an economy class room in the Yalta Intourist Hotel during the “mid-season” (May 4 – June 30, 2010) costs UAH 450, in the high season (July 1 – August 25) – UAH 800 and in the “velvet” season (August 26 – September 30) – UAH 675 daily.
Is there such a thing as reasonable prices for a vacation in Crimea? Well, just take a closer look at Western Crimea. Search for new and recently-constructed objects, where you can find the appropriate level of service.
Odesa
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| PHÎÒÎ: AP |
Southern Palmira or “the pearl of the sea”, as local residents call their native city, is a paradise for visiting unorganized vacationers, as they do not feel themselves outcasts in the city. The apartment rental business is highly developed in Odesa. One can book an apartment via the Internet or by phone with the possibility of bargaining on the price.
A vacation in Odesa is a chance to get acquainted with a large cultural center with a wide choice of entertainment and leisure activities. Tourists are welcome to visit the Longeron, Otrada, Delfin and Arcadia beaches. Though the sea water is not always clear, these places do have their local appeal. While admission to these beaches is free-of-charge, you will have to pay UAH 15-60 for a beach chair, use of shower facilities, swimming pool or a towel.
Viktor Aksanyuk, Head of the Tourism Department of the Odesa City Council, said there are 98 hotels of different class levels in the city. Small private hotels prevail: almost every building along the seaside tram is a mini hotel with such amenities as a swimming pool and sauna. Prices vary between UAH 300 – 550 daily.
The situation with “price decades” is much simpler. June – September is considered to be high season, but the prices are raised without discrimination – by 10-15%. For example, a standard room with breakfast at the Yunist multi-storied hotel on Frantsuzkiy Blvd. in the low season costs UAH 350, in high season – UAH 400.
Odesa itself is not a cheap city as it boasts numerous attractions like theaters, boutiques, restaurants and night clubs. For this reason, city-breaks are the most popular format, particularly among groups of young vacationers (over UAH 1,500 for 2 days).
On the contrary, if you go to the seaside with your kids, we advise resting at less crowded resorts like Zatoka, Serhiyivka, Chornomorske, Pivdenniy, Koblevo and others that are 100 km away from Odesa in either direction.
Cost of a vacation
Tickets
flight (round trip):
Ukrainian International
Airlines – UAH 1,600,
AeroSvit – UAH 2,400,
Wizzair – UAH 800
Kyiv – Simferopol train: second class/first class (roundtrip) –
UAH 200 / 315
Simferopol – Yalta minibus – UAH 20
Simferopol – Yalta trolleybus – UAH 12
Accomodation in Yalta,
UAH daily
apartment (one-room, studio) – over UAH 300
room in a mini hotel (bed and breakfast) – UAH 500– 800
room in a resort hotel of European standards, all inclusive
UAH 1,000 – 2,500
cottage for 8 people – UAH 1,600
Meals (alcoholic beverages not included) – UAH 100–300
Cost of a vacation
Tickets
flight (round trip) – UAH 1,550
train Kyiv – Odesa:
second class / first class
(roundtrip) – UAH 250 / 320
Accommodation in Odesa,
UAH daily
apartment (one-room, studio) – over UAH 300
room in a mini-hotel
(without meals) – over
UAH 350
room in a hotel of European standards – over UAH 800
Meals – UAH 50 (street cafe) – UAH 300 (restaurant)
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