1. What if I'm currently staying in a hotel
(or another provider's apartment) in Odessa and I'd like to switch
to Odessa Executive Suites?
If you are currently in Odessa and are not pleased with your
hotel or apartment, call Odessa Executive Suites.
If we have availability and you decide to transfer to one of our
apartments, we'll pick you up and take you to the apartment FREE
OF CHARGE.
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2. I am worried about the formalities of
customs and passport control when I enter the Odessa Airport. Is
it a problem?
Due to the scheduling and grouping of international flight arrivals
and departures and increasing numbers of travelers to Odessa,
we recommend that you consider using the "VIP"
Airport Service. This special service offers you the convenience
of being met as you deplane, transported to the "VIP"
terminal in a special vehicle where the staff completes the customs
and immigration paperwork.
Then they will take care of the entry formalities for you - all
while you sit and enjoy a cup of coffee. Once you are officially
cleared to enter Ukraine, you and your luggage will be escorted
directly to the waiting OES driver, who will then
whisk you away to your suite in the city centre.
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3. Do I need a visa for my visit to Ukraine?
Do you handle Visa Support?
First of all, if you travel with one of the following passports…
you do NOT need a visa to enter Ukraine! CHECK
HERE for the most recent Ukraine visa information.
CITIZENS OF THE FOLLOWING COUNTRIES ENTER UKRAINE VISA-FREE:
- United States of America
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- European Union
- Switzerland
- Japan
- Liechtenstein
- Hungary
- Poland
- Commonwealth of Independent States (except Turkmenistan)
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Lithuania
Iceland
San Marino
Norway
Monaco
Vatican
Andorra
Mongolia
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If it is required, Odessa Executive Suites will
provide visa support for your visit. If you are a resident of
a country other than those above, please email us for more information
or check the Ukrainian Consulate in your country.
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4. Do you provide visa registration after
I arrive in Odessa?
Visa registration is NOT necessary in Ukraine if you are traveling
under a tourist visa.
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5. I've never been to Odessa. How do I
know that your apartments are in a nice, safe area and that I'll
be happy with the apartment?
Odessa Executive Suites are 100% American-owned
and operated… ALL Odessa Executive Suites apartments
are chosen with several important critical factors in mind…
- COMFORT
- SAFETY
- CLEANLINESS
- PRIVACY
- EFFICIENCY
- CONVENIENCE
After you have reviewed the photos and description of each suite,
if you are not 100% satisfied with your choice of apartment after
you arrive, we'll make every attempt to place you in another one
of our residences.
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6. I have heard many bad reports about
Eastern Europe… Is it safe to walk around in the city? Are
there lines to buy food? Can I expect to find decent restaurants?
Today, Odessa is a
thriving city. Exciting new restaurants and clubs are available
throughout the center of the city. In the Summer months, the beach
clubs and restaurants offer world-class dining and entertainment…
with many open-air venues.
You'll find modern supermarkets and upscale shopping centers
with everything from the latest designer fashions to USSR T-shirts.
At the same time, you can visit the various markets throughout
the week, and buy all the souvenirs you can carry.
Odessa is very safe. Many people actually feel safer in Odessa
than in many other big cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco,
Moscow and even London. Of course, as in any city, it is always
a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and play it safe.
Your apartment door is steel with multiple locks and it should
always be kept locked. With this in mind, the primary location
of Odessa Executive Suites has the added security
of a front desk staffed 24/7!
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7. I have always stayed in hotels when
I travel… Why should I consider an apartment in Ukraine?
In fact, apartments are not the right choice for everyone. If
you feel more comfortable having room service, a mini-bar that
charges $10 for a $1 beer, security guards on every floor scrutinizing
your guests - and if you want to spend the money - you may prefer
to stay at one of the Western hotels in Odessa… or the not-so-wonderful
Ukrainian hotels.
However, if you want to:
- Have your privacy
- Pay 40-80% less than a comparable hotel room...
- Have your refrigerator stocked from the local market...
- Entertain your guests without a compromise of your dignity
- Experience Odessa more as a resident, living among locals,
walking in the parks under the trees, smelling the flowers while
watching dogs being walked and kids at play
- Forgo being charged exorbitantly for insignificant services
- AND, still have the security of a fully staffed reception
desk
YOU SHOULD STAY WITH
ODESSA EXECUTIVE SUITES!
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8. I would like to attend
the opera or theater during my visit… Can you purchase tickets
for me?
Any visitor to Odessa should experience the grandeur of the opera
complex. If you desire and it is within the season, we'll reserve
and purchase your tickets and have them waiting in your suite
when you arrive. All you need to do is tell us which dates you'd
like to attend and we'll let you know which performances are available
at each theater and the pricing. Once you give us the approval, you can pay for the tickets with Western Union cash transfer.
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9. I need to make and receive international calls while I am in Odessa. Is it easy to make international calls?
The telephone system in the former Soviet Union is an enigma.
Some telephones are equipped to make international calls and some
aren't. The phone card arrangement is even more complicated and
some cards work in one city and not another.
For that reason, OES offers our clients the possibility of using the international phone service. This special option gives our guests the ability to make and receive UNLIMITED
FREE FREE international telephone calls from the USA, UK, France, Italy, Spain, Ireland and Canada. Plus, this service offers direct dialing international calls to other countries at very reasonable rates.
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10. You offer an option to rent a mobile
telephone while in Odessa. Will I be able to receive calls and/or
make international calls from my Odessa mobile phone? Will I know
the Odessa mobile number before I leave on my trip?
If you order the telephone you'll have the telephone number before you leave your home country.
The Odessa mobile telephones we offer will allow you to make
and receive both local and international calls and send SMS messages,
domestic and international.
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11. I've stayed in apartments before and
I find it inconvenient to have it cleaned everyday, but since I'd
paid for it, I didn't want to cancel it. Is it possible to cancel
the cleaning and receive a discount?
We understand your concern… Odessa Executive Suites
normally cleans your apartment weekly with a full linen change.
If you desire more frequent cleaning, we can arrange that service
for a modest charge. In addition, we can arrange laundry and dry
cleaning services during your stay. If you choose NOT to have
your apartment cleaned during your stay, there is no reduction
in your rental rate.
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12. I'm concerned about carrying large
amounts of cash. Are there ATMs available in Odessa? Are credit
cards accepted? Do I have to pay cash for the apartment?
We certainly understand your concern about traveling with large amounts of cash anywhere. ATMs are available throughout Odessa. Most offer the option of receiving your withdrawal in US Dollars or Ukrainian grivna. Credit cards are becoming more and more accepted throughout Odessa and Ukraine at restaurants, cafes, shops and super markets. We accept credit card payment for the services of our company. Mind that there is a 3% bank surcharge if you pay with credit card.
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13. How easy is it to exchange currency
in Ukraine?
Currency exchange is very easy in Odessa and Ukraine because
there are exchange booths near your apartment and scattered throughout
the city. Some offer better rates than others and we'll advise
you where the best locations are for you to change your money.
With prior arrangements, we will exchange some money for you and
have it waiting for you when you arrive.
PLEASE NOTE: As you prepare for your trip, plan to bring
currency that is new, un-marked and not torn. Otherwise, you may
have difficulty exchanging it. While traveling, some people feel
more comfortable carrying their cash in a hidden pouch or money
belt, but that is a personal decision.
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14. What happens if I make a reservation
and I have to cancel my trip?
If your reservation is cancelled 31 days or more before your
scheduled arrival date, you'll receive a full refund. See Odessa
Executive Suites' Terms
& Conditions page for our cancellation policy.
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15. My flight leaves late in the afternoon.
Hotels always make me pay extra for a late check-out. What about
my Odessa Executive Suites apartment? How about an early
arrival?
Both a late check-out and early check-in depend on several factors:
If the suite is reserved for that day or was occupied the previous
night, it may be difficult to arrange an early check-in or to
extend your check-out much past 1 or 2 p.m.(1300-1400 hours).
However, we know that flights and trains arrive and depart from
Odessa at all hours, so we will work with you in anyway possible
to honor your request.
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16. Is it true that the "Taxi Mafia"
at the airport charges exorbitant amounts to take you from the airport
into Odessa?
Yes, it's a fact of life at many airports all over the world,
and once you arrive at the Odessa airports, you'll probably have
to fend off the taxi drivers competing for your business. Instead,
OES is pleased to provide complimentary airport
and train transfers FREE OF CHARGE. Our English-speaking
driver will meet you as you exit from Baggage Claim/Customs or
on the train platform. Your driver will take charge of your luggage
and you will be whisked away for the short drive to your apartment.
No reason to overpay or to communicate directions to a driver
who speaks only Russian or Ukrainian.
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17. My job requires me to work in Odessa for
several months or maybe as long as a year. I am concerned with the
process of renting/leasing and equipping a Odessa apartment and
I worry about the day-to-day interaction with a Ukrainian landlord.
Also, my job requirements may change at any moment, and I would
have financial exposure by an early lease cancellation! Do you rent
apartments on a long-term basis?
Your concerns are well founded. Dealing with a Ukrainian landlord
can bring a new definition to the word, "patience"!
Odessa Executive Suites offers a NEW
long-term rental program with the same high-quality, up-scale
Western style apartment and amenities as we provide for our short-term
guests. In addition, you will have the ease and convenience of
having Odessa Executive Suites…
- Locate your apartment.
- Negotiate the lease in the name of our Ukrainian company.
- Interface with the Ukrainian landlord as needed throughout
the lease.
- Outfit the apartment to meet rigid OES standards,
including SAT-TV, Hi-Speed Internet, safes, high-quality linen,
air conditioning, OR any special item that you require which
is available in the country.
- Provide cleaning services as you require.
- Provide handyman services to maintain the apartment as required.
- Handle ALL utility bills to ensure prompt payment with no
interruption of service.
- Acquire Ukrainian liability insurance to protect you from
unwanted claims.
More importantly, if your job requirements change, you may walk
away from your apartment with as little as 30 days notice.
If you require additional information about this unique program,
please click on the button on the Apartments page or contact us
to discuss your requirements.
Odessa Executive Suites
now offers
Long-Term Apartment Rentals… CLICK
HERE!
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18. I heard that you must declare your foreign currency
when you enter Ukraine… Is this true? Am I at risk if I tell
Customs how much money I have on me?
You may review the current Ukrainian Customs laws at the
Ukrainian Embassy and the U.S. Embassy, Kiev websites.
As of this time, you're allowed to bring into Ukraine UP TO US
$15,000, but you must declare the total amounts of combined currencies
in excess of US $3,000. When you depart, you must declare any
amounts over US $3,000. This declaration is quite simple and should
not cause you any alarm. However, if you declare more than US
$15,000, DIFFERENT RULES APPLY AND YOU MAY BE ASKED TO TURN
OVER THE EXCESS CASH FOR RETURN LATER. Due to this situation,
OES recommends strongly that you check with the
Ukrainian Consulate or Embassy for the most current rules OR do
not plan to bring in currency in excess of US $15,000.
We aren't aware of any risks associated with making a currency
declaration. However, if you're asked to show the Customs officer
your cash, we recommend that you be discreet!
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19. What about the customs restrictions
for leaving Ukraine? Is there a problem taking out currency or antiques?
If you take more than US $3,000 out of Ukraine you must
declare it to the Ukrainian Customs officer. If you entered with
more than US $3,000 you should have an entry customs form, which
the customs officer will ask to see. It is suggested that if you
use an ATM or other means to increase the amount of currency you
are carrying, you should retain the receipt for the additional currency.
Current customs regulations are listed on the Ukrainian Embassy
and the US Embassy, Kiev websites. There are special regulations
for the export of antiques from Ukraine. If you plan to take home
a samovar, religious icon, or something that is more than 50 years
old, there are regulations that will apply. We recommend that you
seek current information for the specific item that you wish to
export prior to purchasing the item.
20. I have heard that cities in the former
Soviet Union shuts off the hot water for a month in the summer and
all water from time to time… Can this possibly be true?
Yes, the city uses the warmer months to make repairs and improvements
on its central water system, both hot and cold. Certain neighborhoods
are without hot water for several weeks during the six-month period
of warm weather. ALL Odessa Executive Suites have
a secondary source of hot water, i.e. a hot water heater, and
a dedicated cold water reservoir for your use during these periods.
You will never be without hot water for an extended length
of time with an Odessa Executive Suite! AND, you will not
have water shut off for short periods since each suite is covered
by a back-up water reservoir!
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21. How easy is it to find Internet access
in Odessa?
There are many Internet cafes in Odessa, especially near
Deriabasovskaya. Access is generally available during the day, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. For your convenience, Odessa Executive Suites is happy to offer our clients free Hi-Speed Internet connection. Each suite is equipped with a new PC or you may choose to use your own laptop with our optional Hi-Speed Internet access.
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22. When I visit
this summer, are there nice beaches nearby? What if I do not want
to go to the beach everyday. Are there interesting things to see
and do in and around Odessa?
If you desire to visit one of the many nearby Black Sea beaches,
we will be happy to point out some of the better ones for you
to visit. For example, one, Riviera Beach, is private with a $5
admission fee, which include a chaise lounge and use of a community
umbrella. For a small fee, you may have a private umbrella near
the water. There are even food and beverage attendants who will
bring you any type of drink you prefer as well as hot or cold
food. Many of the servers even speak English. Depending on schedules
and demand, OES may provide a shuttle to and from the beach. Otherwise,
a taxi will only cost a small amount to take you straight to the
beach.
PLEASE NOTE: Beachgoers on the Black Sea tend to follow the Mediterranean
and European tradition of "swim tops optional". In addition,
there is one beach that is totally "clothing optional",
so if you are easily offended, please ask us for more detailed
information about other beaches.
Odessa is full of fun and interesting things to see and do. You
may enjoy sitting at one of the many outdoor cafes and watching
people go by. There are many museums in and around Odessa, including
the Fine Arts Museum, along with a dozen other art museums, the
Maritime Museum, the WWII museum, the Archeological Museum, the
Odessa Museum of Jewish History, and at least another dozen lesser
known museums. Also, you may find it interesting to stroll around
in one of the many parks in the center of the city or to visit
the city zoo.
In the evening, visit one of the many theatres which are active
all year or during the season, attend a performance at the magnificent
Opera House, recognized as one of the premier venues in all of
Europe. If you enjoy visiting churches when you travel, you will
find many ornate Orthodox cathedrals and churches throughout the
center. There are also several beautiful churches of other faiths
in or near the city center which are open for visitors.
In addition, there are numerous excursions available around Odessa,
including a tour of the catacombs, a tour of local wineries, a
tour of local castles, just to name a few.
OR, you may choose to just lounge around and enjoy a relaxing
afternoon enjoying the OES sauna and a cup of coffee
or tea in the beautiful courtyard reminiscent of by-gone times.
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