It was our first DR vacation but we have stayed at 20 . Answer 1 of 6: My husband and I are looking into going to EEC and we are wondering if the Excellence Club is worth it. We also only book an Excellence Club Honeymoon Beachfront Swim-Out Suite. The deal I can get right now makes the Junior Suite Pool View really affordable but the Club is just out of our reach. Avoiding grains? It boasts white- and golden-sand beaches, swaying palm trees protected by the government, turquoise waters, and pleasant year-round temperatures. You will be greeted at the main door with a glass of prosecco and a smile. There are 23 pools and 9 jacuzzis at Excellence El Carmen seriously! The only restaurant that requires a reservation is Spice, which has limited seating at its teppanyaki counters. We have booked Excellence in Playa Mujeres and in El Carmen for 2016 both non club rooms. I called twice and went to the Excellence Club lounge (as they requested), and by the second day in the afternoon they sent someone. Members of the WorthEPenny community love shopping at Excellence Resorts. We frequented this little shop to get specialty coffee drinks, browse the different pastries and macaroons that were constantly available, and grab an ice cream cone. All-inclusive rates cover meals at 11 restaurants (including several a la carte eateries) and top-shelf drinks, plus 24-hour room service and activities like snorkeling, Spanish lessons, and beach volleyball. You can read more about my impressions of Excellence Club at this resort on my other blog post, which I felt deserved one of its own, if youre really into details! But have you ever checked into an all-inclusive resort and noticed that some guests have access to otherwise restricted restaurants, premium alcohol, luxe pools, more comfortable beach chairs, and, Aerial View of Excellence Punta Cana/Oyster If youve been researching the best adults-only luxury hotels in Punta Cana, youve likely come across the sister properties Excellence Punta Cana and Excellence El Carmen. The price including flights, airport transfers, and the all-inclusive came out to $3,000 USD for the complete stay. Excellence El Carmen, Uvero Alto: 9,457 Hotel Reviews, 12,158 traveller photos, and great deals for Excellence El Carmen, ranked #3 of 7 hotels in Uvero Alto and rated 4.5 of 5 at Tripadvisor. Excellence El Carmen is very competitively priced. All restaurants, with the exception of Oregano and the Lobster House were located off the main lobby, making everything centrally located in one spot. There are many options: We never had an issue with the water, from bottled, ice, restaurant water, or brushing our teeth. Its available 24/7 and the menu is very extensive. Discover a world of rewards with The Excellence Collection Rewards benefits program. Whether youre an early riser or someone who likes to lounge in the morning and head for a later breakfast, there are loads of choices for you. Nightly entertainment like live music, Michael Jackson impersonators, dance performances, and the weekly Dominican beach party (held indoors during inclement weather) get mostly positive reviews. I thought the additional cost was worth it overall but would have probably had a good time without it also if I had never experienced EC level. Subscribe and get my Travel Safety Checklist! Youll also get a 15% discount on photo and spa packages! What is VIP Service? Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. The park also boasts a range of other activities including ziplines, animal parks, and the impressive surrounding forest. The Mile spa is located just off the main reception area. There is also a Teppanyaki experience that is in Spice. It was pure heaven. You can purchase drinks at the airport to make the ride a little more fun, and perhaps a bit quicker? The butter chicken was really good. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Adults-Only Luxury at Excellence Riviera Cancun, What to Pack for an All-Inclusive Resort Vacation, The Best Adults-Only Resorts in Mexico for a Romantic Getaway, What to Include in a DIY Travel Medical Kit, Why You Need to Stay at El Dorado Casitas Royale, Mexico, 20 Cheap Travel Items Under $20 (that are actually useful!). Excellence now has their own app you can download to research everything either ahead of time, or to keep up with it during your stay! I LOVE Excellence properties, and Excellence El Carmen is nothing short of an amazing resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. They do have nets as of the beginning of this month! You will also have some snacks: crackers, oreos, and peanuts. From the housekeeping, service at the bars to the concierge. Its open at 7:00 am and you have the choice to eat inside or out. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. I have seen others tip generously to get their preferred alcohol, or have had them all swapped out at onceIm not sure what the real case is here, but nonetheless youll have alcohol in your room. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Excellence Club upgrade provides a private pool, beach, lounge, and restaurant. Bar-wise, Excellence El Carmens 16 options include swim-up pool bars, a sports bar, a martini lounge, a beach bar, and a made-to-order juice bar with fresh fruits and veggies. A. The menu for the room service was very extensive. The nightclub stays open late and has a DJ who takes request. Travelers wanting a beautiful island setting with a grown-up vibe should book a stay at one of the numerous adults-only resorts in the Caribbean. It seats up to 8 and there is a set menu. This was definitely the spot we frequented most for lunch. In Search of Sarah is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. It really is a top option for an all-inclusive. Lobster doesn't cost extra either. The food here was very good. I like a mix of $1s, $5s and $10s when we travel to all-inclusive resorts. If you have been to the Excellence chain of resorts you will be aware of the restaurants as they are the same across the resorts. I love the outdoor seating and the decor here. This is always a favourite for me but I had to sacrifice my desire for sushi to try some other restaurants! You always have the option for room service if you want to just veg out at night, too! This is one of the more popular restaurants on the resort. The perfect spot to sink a few beers and watch some sports. Im the type of person that pretty much tips every time. - See 9 464 traveller reviews, 11,732 candid photos, and great deals for Excellence El Carmen at Tripadvisor. Even an extra dollar or two goes a long way in improving their quality of life. Sanctuary Cap Cana, a Luxury Collection All-Inclusive Resort. Its architecture is in the Contemporary Caribbean style, and twenty pools wind through our . This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Rounds here range from $100 $150 depending on the time of day you play and the season. If you don't have it that's not going to ruin your vacation, but if you can swing it it will enhance the experience. The Martini bar is a great place to grab a cocktail and watch the world go by. Huge walk-in closets are fully shelved and big enough to unpack a steamer trunk with room to spare. Its expansive with loads of loungers and areas to relax. Many rooms at the Excellence Resort El Carmen feature direct access to a pool, private or shared with other guests in the same room category. There is also Las Olas a beautiful setting on the beach to grab a drink and enjoy the ocean breeze and views. The service is amazing as it always is at Excellence Resorts. White linen table cloths and a wonderful aesthetic give Chez Isabelle a sense of class as you dine. It is so relaxing. This resort is a wonderful place for adults to relax and de-stress, and the Excellence Club in my opinion is absolutely worth it. Wood-Fired pizzas, rich and creamy pasta dishes, and some really nice seafood options too. It is brand new so it was not crowded at all. The Miil Spa is an attractive and quiet space offering massages, facials, body treatments, manicures, pedicures, waxing, and salon services. Its fun to watch the cook prepare your food right in front of you! If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The buffet, Kitchen Table, has options for everyone Id be shocked to learn if someone couldnt find something they liked. The Revive Bar is a delicious choice for those who love liquid breakfasts. For Excellence Club guests, you have the option to dine at Magna. Do not miss the Grill for lunch! If you find there are any other questions you have that I dont cover, feel free to get in touch with me! We did ours at 9:00 am and we had to nap after because it made us tired haha! Excellence El Carmen, The Most Stunning Beach Towns in the Dominican Republic, Le Sivory Punta Cana By PortBlue Boutique, On a beautiful, palm tree-lined beach with few vendors, All-inclusive rates include premium alcohol and a la carte meals, Elegant suites have free minibars, balconies, and double jetted tubs, Many suites have swim-up access or private pools, 23 pools and nine hot tubs means there are few crowds at the main pool, 11 restaurants include Asian, French, Indian, and Mexican options, A fast-food truck, juice bar, and 24-hour room service, Large, modern gym with free daily yoga and aerobics classes, Attractive spa includes salon services and a free hydrotherapy circuit, Daily entertainment program, plus live music and evening shows, Excellence Club upgrades offer private pool, restaurant, and beach area, Multiple lively bars, plus a nightclub for dancing, Indoor and outdoor event space, plus full business center, Fast and free Wi-Fi throughout the resort, Some reports of minor wear and tear in rooms, Restaurants get mixed reviews and dress code is required at some, No 24-hour bars (but 24-hour room service available). Located right above one of the pools and overlooking the beach, this is the perfect spot for some pre-dinner drinks while you listen to the lapping waves. There is a massive king-sized bed which is super comfortable. Hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, scales, robes, and slippers come standard. Each night in your turn down service the housekeeping staff leave an information sheet with the activities for the next day as well as the special offer for the spa for the next day. However, there are some subtle differences worth considering before booking. . This was super convenient, as we could plan out our day for when our room was being cleaned. Seaweed blooms are seasonal and also change daily. The resort is set on large grounds so some of the room locations are a bit of a walk from the beach and the main areas. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We are considering booking this resort for our anniversary in October. We have been to EPC 8 times, and we always do the EC, mainly because we prefer the upgraded, less crowded beach area. The actual check-in process took less than 3 minutes. Excellence El Carmen is a large, and fairly new (2016) all-inclusive resort with a modern and tropical vibe. Just another site is excellence club worth it el carmen Excellence El Carmen: Excellence Club WORTH IT - See 8,945 traveller reviews, 11,222 candid photos, and great deals for Excellence El Carmen at Tripadvisor. We even had a decent signal on the beach. we decided to splurge and upgrade to Excellence Club Junior Suite with Private Pool. Will we be sorry not booking the club? The Excellence Punta Cana is a luxury offering at a competitive price. I piggybacked on another guests recommendation of the Power Smoothie + strawberries and it tasted like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich! . Once the info sheet is delivered try and book the treatment for the next day to grab a bargain. Secrets resorts All your questions answered! . My mom and I had big ambitions to participate in some of the physical activities, like aerial yoga on the beach (how fun right?!) Alternatively, you may use, Sanctuary Cap Cana, a Luxury Collection All-Inclusive Resort. Couple that with some onion bhajis and you cant go wrong. It doesnt have to be much, and the tips are also very appreciated. Is Excellence Club Worth it at Excellence El Carmen? We did EC when we went a month ago for the first time. There are lots of things to see and do locally, for a comprehensive list we suggest checking out this really great article by PuntaCanaTravelBlog.com, by Adrian updated February 4, 2023, 10:21 am, by Emma updated January 30, 2023, 8:40 pm, by Emma updated January 25, 2023, 8:49 am. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The biggest question when youre considering an all-inclusive resort is the quality of the food. However, the dress code is one of the reasons why we love Excellence. We also found that most people chill out on the beach, so the pools were never too busy. The EC toiletries are Bvlgari & lovely but not really important to us. Excellence Club WORTH IT: Excellence El Carmen - See 7,750 traveller reviews, 10,047 photos, and cheap deals for Excellence El Carmen at Tripadvisor. The Hoyo Azul is also known as the blue hole and is their most famous one. Uvero Alto, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean, Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the Dominican Republic, Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Uvero Alto, Punta Cana, Best Luxury Hotels in Uvero Alto, Punta Cana, Best Adults-Only Resorts in the Caribbean, Best Beach Hotels in Uvero Alto, Punta Cana, 14 Luxury Caribbean Resorts for Adults Only, The Ultimate Cheat Sheet for Caribbean All-Inclusive Resort Club Upgrades, Hotel Face-Off: Excellence Punta Cana vs. There is a great bustling atmosphere and the bartender Jordy served up some of the best concoctions at the resort. and loved it. We actually skipped lunch this day just so we could fill up. With all Excellence offerings, they are typically priced on the premium side when you compare it to the average price of other resorts, but for that somewhat premium price you are definitely getting a premium experience. There is a gorgeous jacuzzi which is deep and big enough for two people which looks out to the patio (and pool if you have one). Even so, there's nightly entertainment ranging from live music and circus shows to Michael Jackson impersonators. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Although a lot of travel websites and places that you book will say that tips are included in your all-inclusive price, we highly recommend that you bring cash with you to tip the staff in person. The Dominican Republics minimum wage is the equivalent to $154 USD a month! I did notice, though, while we were walking the beach, there were quite a few pieces of coral along the shore and in the water. I dont know what it was about that cheese but I fell in love with it and cant stop eating it. Their guacamole was delicious! Its open from 6:00 pm 11:30 pm, giving you the fuel you need to keep on going! It almost feels like you have been whisked to the streets of Barcelona with the standard of food here. The gym is modern and loaded with Technogym treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary bicycles, recumbent bikes, weight machines, dumbbells, free weights, a punching bag, and a squat bench. The room service here at the Excellence El Carmen is really good. : Excellence El Carmen - See 9,462 traveller reviews, 11,732 photos, and cheap deals for Excellence El Carmen at Tripadvisor. To cooking lessons where the chefs will teach you how to make local Dominican food and sushi. Required fields are marked *. If you want those photos, just be prepared to haggle hard. There is also an extensive wine on offer if you dont fancy the house wine. It's worth noting that most dinner restaurants have a casual elegance dress code, which means that t-shirts, tank tops, shorts, and beach sandals are not allowed. Plus, the addition of the Excellence Club lounge and bar makes it a great hangout spot before or after dinner. There is also one daybed in the shade and another one closer to the steps of the private pool, tucked away in its little alcove. Services cost extra, but guests can book a free session in the gorgeous hydrotherapy circuit, which features a sauna, steam room, plunge pool, and jetted beds. Although there is no golf course in the resort there are a few options within driving distance of the resort. Basmati is one restaurant Im sad to have missed on this trip! The food here was good, but nothing to write home about. We are going to EEC to celebrate our anniversary in mid September. We LOVED the look of the Martini Bar. My favourite spots included Aroma, the Revive Bar, Magna (for Excellence Club), and the Lobster House. We have booked to stay at EEC for 2 weeks from opening day! If you do not like those, or want to swap them out for something else, you can do that too! You will likely not even realize what you are "missing" being non club. By this point we were both needing a break from the steak, so we ordered the salmon and the scallops, which were tasty and surprisingly filling. The Excellence El Carmen is dotted with four-floored buildings (designed to maximize ocean views) that are surrounded by perfectly manicured lawns, towering palm trees, and blossoming flowers such as ixora, hibiscus, and bougainvillea. Excellence El Carmen, Uvero Alto: "How much is the excellence club upgrade" | Check out 5 answers, plus 8 660 reviews and 12 158 candid photos Ranked #3 of 7 hotels in Uvero Alto and rated 4.5 of 5 at Tripadvisor. THE ROOMS. We ate in our bathrobes and drank mimosas and it was glorious. All are part of the hotel's all-inclusive rates, as is 24-hour room service. This is what I normally tip but remember, this is completely discretionary! It's definitely not a party resort with guests pounding shots -- the vibe is more towards sipping martinis. The locker key pad is very easy to use. If youre celebrating your anniversary or honeymoon, be sure to take advantage of that at Excellence El Carmen! At the Excellence Club, every detail of your stay has been upgraded with seamless perks and over-the-top offerings. Flavour Market is ideal for those who want to try a bit of everything without filling up too much on one thing! Tons of free activities like pool games, Mamajuana making, and evening shows. Paper straws are biodegradable and inexpensive. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Its listed on their website that they have 23 pools and 9 outdoor hot tubs on offer and while this is the case. You do not need to bring an adapter with you if you are travelling from North America. dwayne johnson rock foundation contact. You can do that here no problem. We also liked the Excellence Club lounge to have a pre-dinner drink. We nearly missed it and it was our favourite lunch! Just dont go with a wet bathing suit! Lets start off by saying all of the rooms at this resort are massive, so space will never be an issue. We had a fabulous time the first time we went to ERC, which was non club, so much so we went back for our honeymoon. Excellence is known for their corporate responsibility and they look after their staff, and it shows through the service you receive. When my lovely friends invited me to their destination wedding at Excellence El Carmen, how could I say no? We went on the day they had tacos and it was SO good. The waters were pretty calm, so if youre into ocean swimming this is the spot for you. This one of the Excellence chains has three offerings in the Dominican Republic. You also get access to a private lounge, which we only used to check in/out or to book our free dinner on the beach. Note: we had someone come by our room every morning around 8:00-8:30 am to clean the pool from the outside. They typically start serving these from around 11 am onwards and are so refreshing. You have three bottles of alcohol in your room as a standard: Stolichnaya Vodka, rum, and whiskey. It looked like they had drinks and a canopy thing going on there. The bartender Emilio was great fun and served up the best Margaritas at the resort. The food here was top-notch. When it comes to the food at Excellence El Carmen, there is something for everyone. Tech features are solid and include iHome docks, wall-integrated USB plugs, and big smart TVs with satellite channels. The whirlpools are ideal for enjoying the views and a soak in rainy weather. We have been to ERC twice, once non club, then went club for our honeymoon. The service wasnt particularly good the day we went as it took over an hour for us to get our main courses. There are also a number of liquor bottles that are in the room too. The evening cleaning was more of a turndown service. You are greeted with a glass of bubbly and a cold towel. Plan your next vacation using these tools! Book flights: SkyScanner Book hotels: Booking.com Book car rentals: RentalCars.comBook tours: GetYourGuide Local food experiences: EatWithFavourite travel item: Packing cubesFavourite travel bag: Osprey 40L Fairview ESims: Airalo DIY Travel Medical Kit 20 Cheap Travel Items Under $20. If youve never experienced it before, its a must-do! As they fill up quickly. The rest of the pools are either for guests staying in Swim-Up units or exclusive for Excellence Club guests. Im not a huge pizza or pasta fan when theres tons of other things to try that I cant get at home (or want to make at home, more like!). The Lobster House is what I imagine to be the best spot for a breakfast choice. It makes a great all-inclusive resort option for those wanting luxury and comfort. You can also get this type of room without Excellence Club. These cookies do not store any personal information. There is a daily room keeping as well as turndown service which is always nice to come back to: slippers by the bed, sheets drawn back, beside lights on, bottles of water on the nightstands, and flower petals or towels done up in some cute display. Its a scam. The honeymoon package also was meant to include a rose petal filled bath in the room after dinner on the beach, which never happened, despite telling concierge 3 times, on each night we went back to the room in the hope for the bath to be filled, but nope, never happened. If beaches are a priority for you then Excellence El Carmen is the resort for you. We got to give a shout-out to Adriano who served us every day at the beach. The Excellence El Carmen is just a 40-minute drive from Punta Cana international airport. So, to avoid disappointment, arrive early, and maybe grab a drink and enjoy the views while youre waiting! The food, the staff, and the feel you get as you walk through the resort are 5-star. Magna has the best coffee at the resort French press and we loved that our server wheeled out a bread card and cut it for us. Everyone greeted us with an Hola and a smile and you felt welcomed. The pool is HUGE. The gym was never too busy, but we found that around 10 am was its peak hours, but even then you would have no issues getting a treadmill or a solid workout in. In addition to receiving a welcome letter, fruit, and a bottle of sparkling wine upon arrival, you will also receive a special turndown service, champagne breakfast in bed and a romantic dinner at one of the restaurants. If it would be a financial hardship, just pass on it because you will still have a great time. Or jump to your topic. If you want a lighter bite, head over to the La Placita food truck at the X-Lounge terrace! These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The food at Spice is the real star here, so if you have done Teppanyaki before we advise you to give it a miss. I would still go. Its a little cubby that can be accessed by room service staff from the outside to retrieve your dishes. There is no option for that here, but you can purchase wine off a separate menu if you wish to splurge! Quite frankly, aside from the private, frosted-glass door for the toilet, its all open air. . The main pool is located quite close to the beach and then two additional pools are located near buildings 12-16. Excellence El Carmen: 5 star? The beach at the El Carmen resort is truly stunning. I also realize there is a lot of confusion with tipping at all-inclusive resorts, since technically, your package includes gratuities. If youre like me, I love knowing what dinner options are available before I go to a resort. For all your caffeine needs, Aroma is a coffee shop where you can pick up your morning pick me up. Every staff member that we dealt with was great. . I understand and appreciate that tipping is subjective. . The service here is really top-notch and the wages in the Dominican Republic for these roles are not high, so these tips can go a long way. - See 9,459 traveler reviews, 11,732 candid photos, and great deals for Excellence El Carmen at Tripadvisor. My husband doesn't drink and I may have one drink a day at most so the liquor is not of value to us, however, we are interested in the spa. French, Indian, Spanish, and Mexican restaurants are also open. I love the different dishes and flavour combinations. As Excellence Club guests, we were given a free hydrotherapy session to use during our stay, which is always a must for me to experience! Dont forget Aroma! Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. They also have a range of pastries and sandwiches on offer. Ive been looking forward to staying here, and now that Ive fully absorbed all that this stunning resort has to offer after a relaxing getaway, Im excited to share this review with you! You can, of course, enhance your stay by option to upgrade to their paid honeymoon and anniversary package which includes everything in the complimentary package, plus dinner on the beach, and a 40 minute spa package. The beach at Excellence El Carmen is long its a beautiful, soft, and golden stretch of beach when there is no seaweed. From the moment you get out of bed and slip into the private pool outside your Junior Suite your day is going to be electric and jam-packed with fun, romance, action and entertainment. The only room type that has a private garden with a pool bigger than a plunge pool is the Imperial Suite. I understand that spa services and tipping are not, but are all the restaurants, drinks and room service included? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Hi David! . It's like VIP at the airport. Once inside, it's all about sharp neutral decor, tranquil vibes, and breezy ocean views. If you are willing to change it you might get a bargain. NEW riu palace bavaro ----opening when?????? Throughout the resort there is a huge volume of staff, so no matter where you are there is always some close by that can offer you assistance. Arriving guests step through the front doors into a hip lobby that features swish elements like funky, high-backed armchairs, sleek couches, and floor-to-ceiling shelves full of oversized art books. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Its totally free, so why not take advantage of it? Bavaro Express Bus Information? For starters, its absolutely stunning. The balcony was covered in cigarette butts when we checked in. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. There is a bar by every pool and by both Excellence Club beaches on either end of the resort, which made it quite handy wherever we were walking. Yes, parking is available for guests and it is complimentary. Theres a small shopping strip within a five-minute drive, while Bavaro -- the most famous spot in the area -- takes 25 to 30 minutes to reach by car. Appreciate it! While Excellence isn't the largest resort in Punta Cana, it certainly packs in a mega-resort's worth of features -- and its most exceptional are outdoors. how do floodplains jeopardize the livelihoods of agricultural workers. Yes literally everything here is included! We loved the Caribbean Eggs with plantain and fried cheese. The resort has tennis courts and free lessons. This is an adults-only resort, if youre looking for a quality resort that is on the same level as the Excellence El Carmen, but you can bring the kids then we suggest checking out the Finest Playa Mujeres which is a sister hotel to the Excellence. My husband and I did Excellence Playa Mujeres last year. When we eventually secured a table this place didnt disappoint. Excellence Club Amenities A Tailored Experience at the Best Adults Only Resorts in Punta Cana Private check-in & check-out / Late check-out & early check-in (subject to availability) Access to private Excellence Club lounge (7:00 am to 11:00 pm) with concierge service, smart buffets, and bar service By the end of day one, he had our drinks orders ready before we even had to ask. I also visited DR this year and I can only say it is a wonderful country. I have to avoid raw onions, but I didnt have to sacrifice taste! We had some insightful conversations with some of the employees there and they really love their jobs and are grateful for them. I am big on details from big to small so this review will cover a lot. Junior Swim-Up Suites, located on the ground floor, offer access to long pools with private nooks outfitted with a swan-neck jet.
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