[mavjb]

In Punta Cana or any third world nation, good luck finding a drinking fountain anywhere. So, no there were no drinking fountains and to "tap into" their bathroom faucets would have meant exposing yourself to parasites and heaven only knows what else from the dirty hands under the faucets. Sorry a dose of hepatitis isn't in my stratum of desired souvenirs.

Food courts were available but we were not allowed to leave the gate where they were congregating us. Then they shuffled us off to another portion of the airport where there was nothing but walls and rooms.

Being put up in a Days Inn or a Holiday Inn, would have been 5 star compared to this VIK Hotel Arena Blanca. I wasn't looking for luxury accomodations but I certainly DO expect a functional door lock, clean sheets, floors and sinks wherever I may end up.

As far as being refused the meal due to not wearing pants, even the airline stated that they have a CONTRACT with that resort and that was NOT supposed to be a requirement since the luggage was lost, so essentially, it IS within the airlines jurisdiction to follow through for their customers when such problems arise. Obviously, someone who contracted this deal remained asleep at the wheel.

Regarding the dress code, none of us were apprised that there was one. In fact, I don't normally show up to dinner inappropriately attired and had my winter wear on because I had planned on being in colder weather in a few short hours. However, without luggage and nothing in the mini mall sizable enough to fit my travel companion, he was out of luck. I offered to order food and take it back to the room to smooth over the situation and the worm of a manager wouldn't have it.

The bottom line is that the Dominican Republic just kissed away a half a million dollars every two years for a corporate vacation. This group will NEVER be booked anywhere in that country again.