From the housekeeping, service at the bars to the concierge. What to Pack for an All-Inclusive Vacation (Plus Free Printable! You alternate between hot and cold pools, steam rooms and saunas, jet-oriented water experiences and more! We always stay in the club area to take advantage of the club anniversary package. Theyre easy to pack and inexpensive and so worth having! Lunch at the Lobster House and Oregano have the most amazing views. I also realize there is a lot of confusion with tipping at all-inclusive resorts, since technically, your package includes gratuities. The EC beach areas, room locations, access to Magna and location of the EC bars (even for non-alcoholic drinks) made it worthwhile to us. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. We like the Beachfront Honeymoon rooms & these are all EC. Im with the mindset that if we can afford to travel, we can afford to tip. ), or you can be served over by your palapa. It looked like they had drinks and a canopy thing going on there. The wide and varied selection continues in your room with a packed mini-bar and a number of premium liquor bottles available. The food here was top-notch. The waters were pretty calm, so if youre into ocean swimming this is the spot for you. hirako83 7 mo. We ordered room service twice, once for dinner in the evening and once for breakfast. Excellence El Carmen Punta Cana is located along a gorgeous sandy beach in Uvero Alto, a quiet beach area that's a far cry from the more touristy beach zones. Its normally located on the X-Lounge terrace outside, but ours was held at the Kitchen Table. The Hoyo Azul is also known as the blue hole and is their most famous one. Just something that you might not have considered that might help you decide. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. We have been three times now & always EC. Theres always some type of entertainment going on. When we ate there we went for the classics with a Burrito and a quesadilla and they were very tasty. We love the whole adults only thing and the dining options that the Excellence offer hence why we feel that nothing else compares and why we have booked to stay at EEC. Can anyone who upgraded to Excellence club upon If youve been to Excellence Playa Mujeres or Riviera Cancun, there is an additional Wine Cellar you can dine in privately. Our top recommendations for dishes here are the patatas bravos and the Spanish meatballs. I first thought it was broken since I couldnt turn the dial under it, but then I realized there was a button right at the staircase into the pool which doesnt quite look like a button that turns it on for about 5 minutes at a time. This is a must-visit if youre a fan of Indian food. The balcony was covered in cigarette butts when we checked in. It can be difficult at times to get a booking for treatments, so if you have your heart set on getting a massage we advise you to book before you travel. As well as a nice selection of ice creams for your midday treat. All products are independently selected by our writers and editors. I have to avoid raw onions, but I didnt have to sacrifice taste! The entire week we didnt have anyone above us either, which was awesome! Love Happens at Excellence Punta Cana & El Carmen Free water sports include kayaks and Hobie Cat catamarans. We had just as much fun watching everyone as those who participated in it. We (once again!) Wood-Fired pizzas, rich and creamy pasta dishes, and some really nice seafood options too. Our favorite thing was definitely the casino night. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 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. Bvlgari toiletries. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. It was a toss up between a room with a private pool or a two-storey rooftop with plunge pool, but by the time I finally booked the private pool room was the only one left. Re: Excellence El Carmen- Excellence Club, worth it? If youre on a tight schedule or just want to get on with your day, the buffet is your friend. The expansive property seems large but its very walkable and manageable (as well as accessible). We only experienced the massage included in the hydrotherapy this time, so I cant speak to the couples massage or any other treatments, but I have heard amazing things about the services offered and if the full body massage is anything like the 10 minute one we got, I would be in heaven! This man was hilarious and was really entertaining. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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 never not tip at a meal, and I will leave tip money throughout the week for housekeeping, turndown service, and the minibar. It felt like a newer resort. Best things to do in Punta Cana.your top 3. If you stay in an Excellence Club room those bottles are upgraded. An Excellence resort AND a wedding? We have to give a shout-out to Felix the bartender here. Member Benefits | The Excellence Collection Rewards - Loyalty From small surprises that delight the senses to complimentary suite upgrades and premiere bottles of bubbly, a stay at one of our resorts comes complete with an experience cultivated especially for our loyal guests. The sauce was rich yet balanced and the beef literally melted in the mouth. The staff work so hard, and provide excellent service with a smile. ), and lobster tails. 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. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. If you ask very nicely and youre feeling lucky you can also get food delivered from the restaurants. The menu has your typical bar food favorites such as nachos, burgers, and Pizzas. ), burgers, fish and chips, quesadillas, fries and more! Paper straws are biodegradable and inexpensive. And since its the second-largest country. You definitely get better value for money in the Dominican Republic compared to the likes of Mexico. The Miil Spa is an attractive and quiet space offering massages, facials, body treatments, manicures, pedicures, waxing, and salon services. I will second Thomasgran for all of the reasons he stated. I am big on details from big to small so this review will cover a lot. Men are to wear long pants and closed-toed shoes for dinner and collared shirts, and women in dresses/capris/skirts with elegant shoes (no flip flops permitted). Does Excellence El Carmen have a club? We like the Beachfront Honeymoon rooms & these are all EC. Its easily 20 x 15 feet (my mom and I tried measuring with our bodies), warm, and gets the late morning and afternoon sun. Its always a favourite spot to gather before and after dinner to enjoy a cocktail. Excellence El Carmen is very similar in terms of amenities to its sister property Excellence Punta Cana, which is just a five-minute drive away. We did take a Spanish class which was a lot of fun, and we also painted one afternoon and you get to take your painting home! They do have nets as of the beginning of this month! This post contains affiliate linkswhich means I earn compensation when you click on the links at absolutely no extra cost to you! They have a large menu with all of the smoothies combinations under the sun. The Excellence El Carmen adults-only all-inclusive resort opened in late 2016 and has one of Punta Canas most modern and hip vibes. We used tap water and some of the water shot out and left some white rings on our clothes, which, If your bathing suit is white, or lightly coloured, it. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The main pool is close to Las Olas for a bite to eat or you could head over to Oregano or Lobster House for lunch! The staff really do put their best foot forward in making it an entertaining getaway for the guests. Is Excellence Club worth it? : r/PuntaCana - reddit Another Mexican offering this spot serves up some really top-quality eats. You can break large bills at the front desk for ones if youre running low. Youll find all kinds of entertainment throughout the day, from water activities and games (you may even be roped into it, but dont feel like you have to attend! Excellence is known for their corporate responsibility and they look after their staff, and it shows through the service you receive. It doesnt have to be much, and the tips are also very appreciated. Help choosing a resort for my 80 year old aunt. HELP - Secrets Royal Beach or Secrets Cap Cana - price/room. The two beachfront beauties are almost neighbors you can get from one gated entrance to the next in a five-minute drive. The cleaning in the morning was the main clean of the day and lasted about 15 minutes. Some rooms add semi-private swim-up pools or completely private rooftop pools. Rooms are elegant in both resorts, but Excellence El Carmens are slightly bigger and more swish. Rooms have one king bed or two queen beds that are framed by boxy nightstands and telescoping chrome reading lights. Excellence resorts are just that: Excellent! We have been to ERC twice, once non club, then went club for our honeymoon. They will want to take a photo of you with them (or you phone, too! The weather was a little windy at times however that's just one of the challenges of trav. Once inside, it's all about sharp neutral decor, tranquil vibes, and breezy ocean views. 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. Excellence El Carmen Dominican Republic has shops selling sundries and beach attire, a medical clinic (fee to use), and an ATM. However, big waves and strong undertow make it unsuitable for swimming. There are a wide array of cuisines on offer in this resort with 12 restaurants and one additional restaurant that is available to Excellence club members only. Feel free to read mydisclosure policy. 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 treatments included in the excellence club as well as the room location being closer to the beach/better view. Those on our bus who had Excellence Club rooms were taken to those rooms while everyone else was taken to a normal check-in area . ), classes by the beach, live music at lunch, live music behind the theatre in the evening, live music at the Martini Bar, plus the evening shows and more! ordered the flank steak and charcoal grilled chicken. Discover a world of rewards with The Excellence Collection Rewards benefits program. If you like sushi, maki, and noodle dishes, head to Spice! Huge walk-in closets are fully shelved and big enough to unpack a steamer trunk with room to spare. The food here was very good. Tech features are solid and include iHome docks, wall-integrated USB plugs, and big smart TVs with satellite channels. We spent 8 days at Excellence El Carmen, in a Ocean View Club suite. At the other Excellence guest-only eatery, we were pretty disappointed with the restaurant. The wait isnt long, so stick around (or maybe have a drink first or head to the Flavour Market next door for some tapas!). They do not serve their drinks with straws, so bring your own if you wish! Other options include an extensive buffet with live-cooking stations and small selection of Dominican specialties; the open-air eatery Oregano that specializes in pizza and pasta; and the Lobster House for seafood specialties overlooking the beach. Other than that, you will surely have a beautiful stay at a great resort. Each restaurant has numerous options for lighter fare. The water is refreshingly warm and there are loungers in the water too! Luxury runs through every one of Excellence Punta Cana's 461 suites and Excellence El Carmen's 492. The food was beyond excellent, the staff were the most pleasant human beings i have ever came across on a vacation and the resort itself was absolutely amazing!!! Excellence Club WORTH IT - Review of Excellence El Carmen, Uvero Alto Book Excellence El Carmen, Uvero Alto on Tripadvisor: See 9,455 traveller reviews, 12,158 candid photos, and great deals for Excellence El Carmen, ranked #3 of 7 hotels in Uvero Alto and rated 4.5 of 5 at Tripadvisor. There is also room service! 1 year ago Save We have been three times now & always EC. We passed so many doors with celebratory banners on them, and its not hard to understand why: Excellence El Carmen offers a great price point and value for money, and is known to provide a top-tier stay in a tropical paradise. Right behind the main pool is a smaller lap pool which they use for the water activities and games which is always fun to participate in (or watch!). Everyone dresses up and it gives a classy feel to the resort. 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. The service wasnt particularly good the day we went as it took over an hour for us to get our main courses. This was very close to being our favorite as the food here was very authentic and delicious. EXCELLENCE EL CARMEN - UPDATED 2022 Resort Reviews & Price Comparison Our food was delivered hot, and was set up right in our room. They do have a dress code for the Grill but we saw many people in cover ups and flip flops. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct. 73 reviews of Atelier Playa Mujeres "A M A Z I N G !!!!! It was one of my favourite dinner places and had multiple dishes I wanted to try and had excellent service. If you want to swim, I would recommend bringing water shoes to protect your feet! We stayed at the Excellence El Carmen in mid-2019 and our review is based on that experience. I know they have tennis and their activities list pickle ballbut do they actually use pickle ball nets? 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. Are you a vegetarian? Excellence El Carmen, Uvero Alto: "How much is the excellence club upgrade" | Check out 5 answers, plus 8,667 reviews and 12,158 candid photos Ranked #3 of 9 hotels in Uvero Alto and rated 4.5 of 5 at Tripadvisor. There are a few tasty options here, like the Dominican patty (filled with beef, raisins and egg, and sooo good! Those wanting their own private pool can book a range of other suite types, including the Excellence El Carmen Terrace Suite with Plunge Pool, Junior Suite with Plunge Pool, and any of the Two-Story Rooftop Terrace Suites available. . We did ours at 9:00 am and we had to nap after because it made us tired haha! The park has a number of sinkholes and caves that can be explored. . Sanctuary Cap Cana, a Luxury Collection All-Inclusive Resort. If you are booking a room with a swim-up suite make sure to request a room that is directly in the sun during the day or in the morning. There is also a really nice Coffee shop where you can grab a pick me up and a sweet treat. I am SO happy we decided to book this room, and quite honestly I dont think I can book any other room type now. The beach at the El Carmen resort is truly stunning. So, to avoid disappointment, arrive early, and maybe grab a drink and enjoy the views while youre waiting! We only managed two meals a day most days because we were so full from breakfast, so having a smoothie to tide us over was perfect. All rooms also provide safes, umbrellas, irons, and ironing boards. The service is excellent and the food is diverse. It was never rowdy, and is quite peaceful here and we enjoyed the central location to everything we wanted. It includes upgraded amenities, exclusive areas, and added perks. We had some insightful conversations with some of the employees there and they really love their jobs and are grateful for them. They have a lovely Gazebo overlooking the water which looks like the perfect spot to exchange vows. In the video we tell you how we planned o. I dont know what it was about that cheese but I fell in love with it and cant stop eating it. The beach is public which means vendors can have full access to guests, wherever theyre sitting on the beach, to ask them to buy what theyre selling. My wife and I had a very similar experience at Excellence El Carman in November 2019. You are greeted with a glass of bubbly and a cold towel. This bar is also a great place to go after dinner. Lets start off by saying all of the rooms at this resort are massive, so space will never be an issue. This adults-only resort is the perfect place to have a relaxing break in the beautiful surroundings of the Dominican Republic. Or jump to your topic. Excellence Club | Excellence El Carmen Excellence El Carmen- A Comprehensive Review (2021) Perks include upgraded rooms; upgraded room-service menus, minibars, and toiletries; and access to a private lounge with concierge services. In Excellence El Carmen, a Popular Brand Accomplishes the - Islands The course is well designed and challenging and the upkeep of the course was very good. Just another site is excellence club worth it el carmen For an authentic Dominican town, the hamlet of Higuey is home to a famous cathedral, local market, and shops, and takes around 50 minutes to reach by car. We were not excellence club. Perfection!! - Review of Excellence El Carmen, Uvero Alto, Dominican Once the info sheet is delivered try and book the treatment for the next day to grab a bargain. There are blinds to draw down for privacy if you wish. 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. Excellence El Carmen - UPDATED 2023 Prices, Reviews & Photos (Uvero This resort was beautiful!!!! 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. Excellence Club WORTH IT - Review of Excellence El Carmen The resort does a wonderful job of keeping the EC things hidden.